The 45th Anniversary 1911s - Bill Wilson & Ken Hackathorn detail the new retro guns. Gun Guys EP66

Published on February 8, 2023
Duration: 9:40

Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn detail Wilson Combat's 45th Anniversary 1911 pistols, designed to replicate late 1970s/early 1980s custom builds. They highlight retro features like the MS Safari Arms beaver tail, Swenson-style ambi safety, Bomar-style rear sight, and specific front sight mounting. Two versions are presented: a standard grade limited to 450 units and a 'Super Grade' limited to 45 units featuring hand engraving and a hard chrome frame.

Quick Summary

Wilson Combat's 45th Anniversary 1911 pistols are a tribute to late 1970s/early 1980s custom builds, featuring meticulously recreated retro components like the MS Safari Arms beaver tail and Swenson-style ambi safety. Limited to 450 standard units and 45 'Super Grade' units with hand engraving and hard chrome frames, these pistols offer a unique blend of historical accuracy and modern craftsmanship.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 45th Anniversary 1911s
  2. 00:34Bill Wilson Introduces the 45th Anniversary 1911
  3. 00:45Retro Design Philosophy
  4. 01:13Reverse Engineering Period Components
  5. 01:17MS Safari Arms Beaver Tail Reproduction
  6. 01:31Swenson-Style Ambi Safety
  7. 01:41Bomar-Style Rear Sight and Front Sight Mount
  8. 02:10Coarse Slide Serrations and Retro Markings
  9. 02:29Deluxe Blue Finish and Ironwood Grips
  10. 02:40Three-Hole Trigger and Match Barrel
  11. 02:51Production Limit: 450 Units
  12. 03:09Full-Length Guide Rod Feature
  13. 03:25Absence of Mag Well and 30 LPI Checkering
  14. 03:45Bevel Job and Flat Mainspring Housing
  15. 04:03Historical Significance as a Dream Gun
  16. 04:20Comparison to Packmeyer and Swenson Builds
  17. 04:34Appreciation for Blue Finish
  18. 05:01Commander Hammer
  19. 05:53Introducing the Super Grade Edition
  20. 06:06Super Grade Production Limit: 45 Units
  21. 06:16Wayne D'Angelo Hand Engraving
  22. 06:21Hard Chrome Frame
  23. 06:37Barstow Barrels in Super Grade
  24. 07:02Burl Grain Ironwood Grips
  25. 07:18Engraving on Frame and Slide
  26. 07:31Thought and Work Behind Period Guns
  27. 08:05Limited Production and Collector's Item Status
  28. 08:16Heirloom Quality and Investment Potential
  29. 08:44Preview and Purchase Information
  30. 09:02Call to Action and Sign Off

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the inspiration behind the Wilson Combat 45th Anniversary 1911 pistols?

The Wilson Combat 45th Anniversary 1911 pistols are inspired by and meticulously designed to replicate custom 1911s from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The goal was to recreate the aesthetic and component choices popular during that era, including specific beaver tails, safeties, and sights.

What are the key retro features of the Wilson Combat 45th Anniversary 1911?

Key retro features include a reproduction of the MS Safari Arms beaver tail, Swenson-style ambidextrous safeties, a low-mounted Bomar-style rear sight, and a screw-mounted front sight. The pistols also sport coarse slide serrations, retro markings, deluxe blue finish, and period-correct grip panels.

How many Wilson Combat 45th Anniversary 1911s will be produced?

There are two versions: the standard grade is limited to a total production of 450 guns. The 'Super Grade' edition, which features hand engraving and a hard chrome frame, is even more exclusive, with only 45 units being made.

What distinguishes the 'Super Grade' 45th Anniversary 1911 from the standard model?

The 'Super Grade' model is distinguished by Wayne D'Angelo's hand engraving on the frame and slide, a hard chrome frame for a two-tone effect, and the use of authentic Barstow barrels, all contributing to its enhanced collector value and period accuracy.

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