Wilson Combat X-TAC Supergrade

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 X-TAC Supergrade combines the Supergrade build with Wilson's X-TAC texture, and Wilson hand-builds these pistols one at a time.

This is the full-size base configuration in .45 ACP, with 9mm also offered. It has a 5-inch stainless match-grade barrel, a carbon steel slide and a carbon steel round-butt frame. Wilson guarantees accuracy of 1 inch at 25 yards on the full-size model.

The X-TAC name comes from the texture. Wilson cuts a bi-directional X-TAC pattern into the frontstrap and the slide, which gives your hand a sure grip in any direction. The grips match, with black G10 in the X-TAC pattern and black medallions.

The controls are Wilson's Bullet Proof parts: a high-ride beavertail grip safety, a tactical thumb safety and a magazine release. The slide stop is countersunk. The trigger is a long three-hole design with a crisp 3.5 to 4.5 pound pull.

The sights use Wilson's Battlesight setup with a fiber optic front, which is quick to pick up in daylight. It measures 8.7 inches long, 5.6 inches tall and 1.3 inches wide, and it weighs 40.6 ounces empty. The magazine holds eight rounds.

If you like the Supergrade idea but want a more aggressive grip texture and a round-butt frame, the X-TAC Supergrade is Wilson's answer, and it's a handsome pistol besides.