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Gun Review: Wilson Combat’s Rifle Warriors

Talk to Bill Wilson about any of his products—1911s, ARs, magazines, ammunition—and you soon understand that the man has a relentless passion for perfection.

No part or process during research, manufacturing and testing is left unstudied or untouched. Product details are refined, which is obvious in the way they ultimately look and perform. Quality and customer satisfaction are paramount, and it shows in the Wilson Combat line of AR carbines and rifles. Wilson Combat ARs are available off the rack so to speak, but many purchasers specify the options they want on a Wilson Combat AR. Bill Wilson will make the rifle to suit your needs.

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The 6.8 SPC was developed for better terminal effects while still having an acceptable long-range trajectory. The cartridge size allows it to still fit in the AR-15 platform. Bill Wilson calls the 6.8 SPC cartridge versatile and capable of handling deer and hogs as well as defensive use. According to Wilson, “The 6.8 SPC is capable of pushing a .277 caliber, 85-grain bullet over 2,900 fps; 110-grain bullets can easily achieve 2,500 fps with factory loaded ammunition.” Wilson loads ammunition and is a die-hard reloader. He can get even higher velocities that allow use of heavier bullets up to 130 grains, which dramatically improves terminal ballistics over a 5.56x54mm at long range.

Recon ARs

Wilson Combat offers four models chambered in the 6.8 SPC round. Versatile is an understatement. The round is a performer and Wilson Combat ARs are the perfect platform.

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The Recon SR Tactical uses a forged 7075 upper and lower receiver. The barrel is a 14.7-inch, medium-weight, stainless steel match grade with M4 feed ramps. The barrel muzzle features either a permanently mounted Rapid Thread muzzle attachment that attaches to the Whisper suppressor or a permanently attached Accu-Tac flash suppressor. Either option brings the total barrel length to 16.1 inches, allowing the user to avoid registering the carbine as an NFA weapon. All Wilson Combat 6.8 SPC barrels use a Spec II chamber and with a 1-in-11-inch twist rate. A mid-length gas system is employed using a low-profile gas block. The upper uses a Wilson Combat TRIM rail, a premium mil-spec bolt and bolt carrier that are NP3 coated. A Bravo Company BCM Gunfighter charging handle with extended latch is used to rack the bolt. The lower also uses a Bravo Company pistol grip. Other parts on the lower include a Wilson Combat tactical triggerguard, Rogers adjustable Super-Stoc and a single-stage Wilson Combat Tactical Trigger Unit set at 4 pounds. Sweet and crisp. The Recon SR is also available in 5.56mm, 300 Blackout, 7.62×40 WT and .458 SOCOM.

Wilson Combat also chambers its Recon Tactical in either a heavy or lightweight  6.8 SPC. The Recon Tactical uses the same forged 7075 upper and lower receiver as all Wilson Combat carbines. The stainless steel match-grade barrel is available in 16- and 18-inch lengths, fluted or non-fluted. An Accu-Tac flash suppressor is attached to the threaded muzzle. A mid-length gas system is employed using a low-profile gas block. Other calibers available in the Recon Tactical are .204 Ruger, 5.56mm, 300 Blackout, 7.62×40 WT and .458 SOCOM. In these calibers barrel lengths are available in 16-, 18-, or 20-inch configurations.

The Recon Tactical in .458 SOCOM redefines the “thumper” concept. The round was designed, like the 6.8 SPC, to address  the 5.56mm’s lack of power. The .458 SOCOM, with 300-grain bullets, offers about 2,405 foot-pounds of energy—enough to knock over a combatant at close range.

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Other Options

The most compact AR built by Wilson Combat is the SBR (Short Barreled Rifle) Tactical carbine. It is equipped with an 11.3-inch barrel and has an overall length of 28 inches. It is also lightweight, weighing slightly over 6 pounds. Numerous muzzle device options are offered, depending on whether you are shooting supersonic or subsonic ammo. All NFA regulations apply to the SBR.

If hitting a target out to 500 yards is on the agenda, then the Wilson Combat Super Sniper is the required tool. It uses a match-grade, 20-inch-long barrel with six grooves and a 1-in-8-inch twist rate, plus a .223 Wylde chamber.

The SPR (Special Purpose Rifle) is based on the special operations Mark 12 Mod X and was designed to be an intermediate sniper and designated marksman rifle. It is equipped with an 18-inch, match-grade barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist rate. The faster twist rate better stabilizes heavier bullets.

The Tactical Lightweight carbine weighs just shy of 7 pounds with a full 16-inch stainless steel barrel. It is easy to tote and offers fast target acquisition. It is available in variety of caliber options, such as 5.56mm NATO, 6.8 SPC, 300 Blackout, 7.62x40WT and .458 SOCOM.

The Paul Howe Tactical Carbine is made to specifications dictated by tactical shooting expert and instructor Paul Howe. The carbine uses a 5.56mm NATO-chambered, stainless steel, 14.7-inch barrel with deep lightening flutes. An Accu-Tac flash suppressor is permanently attached so the actual barrel length meets the 16-inch requirement. It also uses Wilson Combat’s Tactical Trigger Unit. The Paul Howe Tactical Carbine’s trigger offers a heavier 4.5-pound pull, which is ideal for use with gloved hands.

The billet receiver upgrade, called the BILLet-AR uses a chunk of 7075-T6 aerospace aluminum. The upper receiver has a precise bolt raceway for smoother chambering, improved feeding and better recoil dynamics. It has a smooth-side profile sans the forward assist for greater accuracy. The lower receiver features an oversized magazine well for quick reloads and an integrated, oversized triggerguard for use with gloved hands. All Wilson Combat AR can be upgraded to the BILLet-AR receivers. From function to finish, a Wilson Combat AR will perform every time.

For more information, visit wilsoncombat.com or call 800-955-4856.

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