ltwguns.com

Any first hand experience? Good ccw gun? Does bull barrel work well? Opinions appreciated.

hoser,

I have an aluminum frame Wilson Compact and here are my observations:
1. For me, this is the best platform for a ccw gun because it has a short enough grip to conceal and the slide is long enough that the gun still shoots well i.e. 4.09" bbl / officer length grip. I have average size hands and can get still get my little finger around the grip- If I were you, however I would have it highgripped.
2. I love the bull barrel and the gun should come w/ a 1-1/2" accuracy gurantee, however, I have put about 125 rounds through the gun from prone and for the most part have not been able to duplicate this accuracy. The gun seems to put two or three rounds of the group into touching or even into the same hole and then invaribly throws out the last two or 3 rounds to open the group up. This seems to occur with most ammo I have tried: Remington Ball, Winchester Ball, Standard Pressure Hydra Shock, Remington Gold Dot, Federaly Personal Defense Round. I calculated my test targets and am averaging 3.3" center to center. With the inconsistency of groups that have come in as small as 1/2" and as large as 5 1/4". I am fortunate to have just come up on the list of one of the superb smiths that sponsor this forum and he will be looking at the issue for me. All in all though, 3" average and to point of aim is better than most production pistols.
3. Recoil/ muzzle flip: I have a steel 5" gun that I shot side by side with the Wilson LW. I used ball and as well as the above listed defensive loadings. Most were not +P. The muzzle flip was a little faster than with the big ca-chunck, ca-chunk 5" gun, but also seemed to return faster as well. The rearward recoil was not much different. The gun was very comfortable to shoot- The lightweight frame is not a problem.
4. Changes:
-I would replace the guide rod with a reverse plug and standard spring guide configuration for tooless field stripping and to elimate the extra 2 ounces or so of weight
-I would have the gun highgripped.
5. Overall opinion: If I can get the accuracy question worked out with mine- I'm going to be absolutley thrilled with the gun, however, after this lengthy post, if they tell me that it is shooter error and not a mechanical issue I will never tell!

Wow, thanks for the report! Does it shoot at point of aim or does it shoot low or high?

The CA approved CQB Compact is all steel frame, but that's okay with me. It's one of the few with Officers/Commander slide combo!

My $.02 worth.

Cost of Wilson CQB compact: $1800
Mods listed above: $200 give or take
Total: $2000 ^
Result: A production semi custom gun built to specs a builder finds most marketable that still had to be modified to get close to what you hoped for.

Cost of Colt or SA alternative : $500 -$700
Cost to send it to Ted Don Ned John Chuck etc and have it done right. $1000-$1200
Total: $1500-$1900
Result: A true custom gun built to your specs.

_________________
Gary Eastridge
http://www.randgfirearms.com

I need to find a gun that's on the CA approved list that has the Officers/Commander slide combo. I've previously owned but have a problem with shooting short-butt alloy frame guns like Kimber and SA. Too jumpy for me and they dig into the palm of my hand.

That brough me the the idea of CQB Compact (Les Baer Stinger not on CA approved list). All-steel, short butt, Commander frame.

Oh yeah I overlooked that you lived in the peoples republic of Kali. I guess when you add the cost of a move to a state with reasonable gun laws the Wilson looks better. I think I would still try to find a used Compact in the state and have it worked to my specs.

_________________
Gary Eastridge
http://www.randgfirearms.com

Hoser,

For what it's worth, have you looked at the PRK approved version of the Ed Brown Kobra Carry? I know it's a full sized frame, but a good number of folks say the bob tail makes CCW much easier.

Just a thought. Picked up one yesterday at the local shop and was very impressed. The price was high, but so was the quality.

_________________
Jeff

Well, I'd LOVE to know how the Bobtail Kobra carries compared to the Officer's length CQB. I just assumed the CQB Compact MUST be easier to conceal because of the shorter all-around butt (front AND rear of butt). Can anyone give input?

Maybe I should start a new topic if I don't get responses here! Good suggestion though!

hoser,

I agree w/ gary r&g's observations. my situation was unique. I found the Wilson at the right time and place and only paid about 1/2 his figure.

If I had to start from scratch, I would do as he sugests.