Wilson Combat America 250th Limited Edition

Wilson Combat traces back to 1977 in Berryville, Arkansas, when Bill Wilson, who trained as a watchmaker, started building custom 1911s. Every Wilson 1911 uses the company's Bullet Proof parts, machined from bar stock or forgings rather than cast or MIM parts. The America 250th is a limited-edition 1911 that commemorates 250 years of American independence. Orders close on December 31, 2026, and the series won't be offered again after that.

This is the laser-engraved version, which is the standard version of the series. Wilson also built a small hand-engraved run by master engraver Wayne D'Angelo, and the laser-engraved pistols carry a matching patriotic design on the slide and frame.

It's a full-size Wilson 1911 built from domestically sourced stainless steel. The 5-inch stainless match-grade barrel is hand-fitted with a fluted chamber. The finish is glass bead with satin polished flats, and Wilson leaves the sides free of model markings so the engraving stands on its own.

The grips are desert ironwood with sterling silver medallions, which suits the commemorative theme. There's a white gold bead front sight, a carry beavertail with carry cuts, a checkered rear slide, a magwell and an ambidextrous thumb safety. The trigger breaks crisply at 3.5 to 4.5 pounds.

It's offered in .45 ACP or 9mm. Capacity is eight rounds of .45 ACP or ten of 9mm. It measures 8.7 inches long, 5.6 inches tall and 1.3 inches wide.

If you want a Wilson that marks a national milestone and will stand out in a collection, the America 250th is a fitting choice, and a well-made working 1911 too.