I’ll be honest, I kind of wish I looked this good when I turned 45. Maybe I should have asked Wilson Combat to give me an overhaul like the one done on the CQB model for the company’s 45^th anniversary. All kidding aside, of course, Wilson Combat knows how to commemorate an anniversary in striking fashion and subtle beauty.

The Wilson Combat 45^th Anniversary Special Edition CQB

A throwback to a retro style that built the foundation of Wilson Combat in the late 70s and early 80s, the 45^th Anniversary CQB 1911 has subtle style. The hand-polished carbon steel frame features blue finish coupled with premium, handcrafted desert ironwood grips. The grips have a smooth finish that highlights its amazing grain. 30 LPI checkered front a rear straps also provide excellent retention while firing.

The right side of the slide features “45^th Anniversary” in a classy script just forward of the ejection port. Similarly, the left side features Wilson Combat markings that harken the company’s earlier models. Additionally, the slide includes a coarsely serrated slide top and slide cocking serrations at the rear.

Wilson Combat reverts back to classic custom touches for this 45^th Anniversary piece. For example, it features a retro Bullet Proof Beavertail grip safety. The Swenson-style ambidextrous thumb safety also adds another level of safe handling. Likewise, a traditional Bo-Mar style adjustable rear sight couples with a staked ramp front sight. The pairing provides a sight radius of 6.6-inches.

Chambered in either .45 ACP or 9mm, a retro Commander style hammer sends rounds downrange from an 8- or 10-round magazine. In addition, a contoured magazine well also helps with fast combat reloads.

Editor’s Note:

$4,000 is a lot of money for most people to fork over for a pistol. I’m right there with you. However, if you can afford that kind of cash for something like this, this is a piece you won’t regret. Wilson Combat really stepped up the cool factor by going retro with this anniversary 1911. But, full disclosure, I am a bit of a history geek, so I love retro things. Especially when they are done with modern engineering. Because I also like longevity and enhanced function.

Availability

The Wilson Combat 45^th Anniversary Special Edition 1911 is available now with an MSRP of $4,000. For more info, please visit WilsonCombat.com.

Wilson Combat 45^th Anniversary Special Edition Specifications

Available Calibers: .45 ACP, 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds (.45 ACP), 10 rounds (9mm)
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.7 inches
Sight Radius: 6.6 inches
Height: 5.6 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Weight Empty: 40.5 ounces
Weight Loaded: 47.2 ounces
Accuracy Guarantee: 1-inch at 25 yards
MSRP: $4,000

45^th Anniversary Special Edition Features

• Full-Size Carbon Steel Frame with Polished Sides of Frame and Wilson Combat Deluxe Blue Finish
• 30 LPI Checkered Frontstrap
• Contoured Magazine Well
• Retro Bullet Proof® Beavertail Grip Safety
• Retro Commander Hammer
• Ambidextrous Thumb Safety #192
• 3 ½# – 4 ½# Crisp Trigger Pull with Long Length Pad (Three Hole)
• Bullet Proof® Magazine Release
• Desert Ironwood, Beveled Bottom, Grips
• 5” Carbon Steel Slide with Polished Sides of Slide and Wilson Combat Deluxe Blue Finish
• Bo-Mar Style Rear Sight with Black Serrated Front Sight
• Full-Length Guide Rod
• 5” Stainless Match Grade Barrel and Bushing, Hand Fit
• Rear Forward Angled Cocking Serrations
• Course Slide Top
• MSRP: $4,000