There I was at the world-class Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming, taking in all things Wilson Combat. Attendance at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous Media Event is always looked forward to with great expectation. 2025, even more so after a brief hiatus from this yearly ritual. Kudos to Bleecker Street Publications for renewing the event and making it even better. While there, the Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 (WC EDC 2.0) had caught my attention. This is exactly what the Athlon Rendezvous is about.
History of the Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0
The quest for a compact, reliable 1911-style 9MM handgun is not a new phenomenon. After World War II, it was recognized that a smaller, more compact 1911 compared to the issued Government Model 45ACP would aid in ease of carry for officers.
A U.S. military weapons trial issued requirements for a handgun chambered for 9MM. It was not to exceed 7 inches in length or weigh more than 25 ounces. Yes, you read that right. 9MM.
Candidates included Browning Hi-Power variants by Canada’s Inglis, Belgium’s Fabrique Nationale, Smith & Wesson’s S&W Model 39, and Colt. The Colt offering eventually spawned into its Commander and Officer model 1911s.
The 1911’s slim profile wrapped around numerous 9MM cartridges makes it ideal for convenient carry, especially when considering inside-the-waistband techniques. A practitioner of concealed carry quickly realizes that grip length, overall weight, and pistol width are the key defining parameters for discrete carry handguns.
However, many will decry the lack of success in finding a true compact concealed carry 1911 that also functions with “hell and back” reliability. Wilson Combat’s EDC 2.0 entry into the compact 1911 market offers this.
Would Old John Approve
The particular WC EDC 2.0 model I was enamored with was the 3.25. Barrel length is the designator for the Wilson Combat naming. 4-inch and 5-inch EDC 2.0 models are also available. All are great examples of Wilson’s compact new-age EDC 2.0.
Wilson Combat’s EDC X9 2.0 is a strong contender for being labeled as the ultimate version of a compact double-stack 9MM 1911-style weapon. Could not help but think how far Browning’s 1911 design had come. Would the genius old John himself even recognize it? I have a feeling he would appreciate what Wilson Combat has wrought.
The 2.0 designation indicates certain tweaks Wilson Combat has incorporated into the original EDC model that arrived in 2016. The biggest change is the slightly slimmer one-piece aluminum X-Frame lower with easily interchangeable 1911-style grips. This allows the end user to fine-tune the “feel” of the EDC 2.0. All of this provides a different grip sensation compared to the original EDC.
Let’s not forget Wilson Combat is a custom manufacturer at heart, with numerous features available to add to the “base” model. For example, a frame-integrated magwell is an option found with the new EDC 2.0. Our T&E model had this. The magwell is constructed from a solid billet of 7075 aluminum. Another custom item we got spoiled with was the comp barrel that our EDC 2.0 arrived fitted with.
Comprehensive Approach
There is a litany of “standard” EDC 2.0 features. The EDC 2.0 is centered on Wilson’s aluminum X-Frame with X-TAC front/backstrap treatment for secure hand purchase. Wilson purposely designed EDC 2.0’s hammer, sights, thumb safety, magazine release, and slide stop for concealment.
The EDC 2.0 does not have a grip safety typically found on a 1911. The single-action trigger pull is 3.5-4.5 pounds. A metal 15-round flush-fitting magazine and an 18-round extended magazine are part of the EDC 2.0 feeding system.
The Wilson slide is fitted with an external extractor (more on this later) and is finished in Black DLC. Additionally, the Tri-Top slide profile serves to reduce mass, minimizing muzzle flip forward and rearward. Similarly, the bottom of the EDC 2.0 slide is machine-chamfered.
The Wilson Combat EDC 2.0 3.25 we tested features dimensions and measurements as compact as an Officer-style 1911, with some important Wilson Combat improvements.
It weighs in at 28.6 ounces empty and measures 6.75 inches in length, featuring a 3.25-inch match-grade barrel and a height of 5.25 inches. The 3.25-inch Match barrel with coned muzzle does not require a barrel bushing as it is hand-fitted to the slide. So, field stripping is tool-less.
The barrel and chamber areas are fluted. This is not only for aesthetics. Weight savings and reliability enhancement are also reasons behind this Wilson Combat decision.
Key Elements of the EDC X9 2.0
Two key elements of the EDC 2.0 are Wilson Combat’s ERS (Enhanced Reliability System) and True Optic System. Wilson Combat studied compact 1911s (sub-4.25-inch barrel) functioning/reliability. In short, pun intended, the compact slide complicates matters with its faster cycling speed. Time must be given for a round to fire, eject, and load another one.
Wilson’s ERS is a comprehensive approach with smart modification enhancements of certain 1911 parts. Wilson Combat’s external extractor is spring-loaded and designed to function as a push feed, as opposed to the more traditional 1911 controlled-round feed method.
The Match Grade barrel features fluting with single-lug geometry for smoother cycling. Frame rails are removed around the magazine opening to further reduce the effects of friction, ensuring reliability regardless of the conditions. Wilson Combat’s efforts do not stop here.
The handling of slide velocity is approached from multiple fronts, such as a heavier-than-expected hammer spring, a square-bottom firing pin stop, and recoil spring weight.
Wilson Combat also pioneered the use of modern flatwire recoil springs in compact 1911 pistols. These springs will enhance your overall reliability since they hold their overall length and tension many times longer than standard round wire springs, and the coils resist binding.
Time Tested and Proven
Take all this into consideration, and then verify it through extensive testing spanning years. You’re left with the formula for success that offers peace of mind to those wanting to carry the EDC 2.0 3.25 without worrying about compromising reliability and performance.
Many may question whether the price of a Wilson Combat is worth it. Each of us will have to weigh that decision. However, price is often commensurate with attention to detail. The commitment to weapons development involves resources that many manufacturers are not willing to expend.
The WC EDC 2.0 is a sub-compact 9MM 1911 designed to function as such. It’s not just a scaled-down 1911 Government 45ACP.
Carry Optics Here to Stay
The EDC 2.0 arrived with a Trijicon SRO mounted. Typical of Wilson Combat, their path to red dot usage is well-studied and meticulously applied. The True Zero system requires slide machining, gunsmith installation, and slide refinishing by the Wilson Combat Custom Shop.
The True Zero mounting plate offers windage-adjustable suppressor height rear sight and a new front sight. This allows for co-witnessed zero between your optical dot and your iron sights.
The True Zero attachment method allows for easy interchange between various red dots just by changing the plate. This hardened steel plate’s self-leveling geometry ensures your optic is level. Likewise, it provides a more rugged interface that will return to zero when removed and replaced.
Users of the Wilson Combat EDC 2.0 3.25, equipped with the Trijicon red dot, find that they no longer have to switch focus from the target to the sights. This invariably eliminates the “front sight focus” so difficult to naturally maintain when using iron sights.
Handgunners with a red dot-equipped weapon can now do as nature intends for them to do—focus on the threat/target with the red dot being there. Moreover, the indexing of a red dot is far easier than two separate protruding pieces of steel. So, they find they can take accurate shots beyond what was considered possible with iron sights.
Likewise, they can run CQB drills with times and accuracy levels that were considered impractical to achieve before. This is simply because the red dot concept utilizes the eyes in a more natural manner, combined with a handgun such as the EDC 2.0, which is intuitive to operate.
Shooting the EDC X9 2.0
Range testing purposely included Wilson Combat holster and ammunition. This was to confirm that the EDC 2.0 is worthy of being considered for daily concealed carry duties.
The relatively short sight radius of the EDC 2.0 is not an issue with the Trijicon SRO mounted. In fact, it is irrelevant thanks to the red dot. A quick confirmation of the red dot zero also verified the Wilson Combat 1.5-inch at 25-yard accuracy guarantee. After this, it was time to start more dynamic scenarios.
Just like red dot sights on handguns, compensators are expanding beyond competition applications. They are becoming more prominent with personal defense weapons. Wilson Combat has embraced this with their compensated barrel option for the EDC 2.0.
The Wilson Combat comp-to-slide interaction is not your typical screw-on comp arrangement. This barrel and comp is a one-piece affair with the compensator permanently attached to the barrel. For jurisdictions with ridiculous laws about threaded barrels, the EDC 2.0 barrel is good to go.
The dual-port comp adds only 3/4-inch to the overall length while staying within the profile of the slide. It provides a very clean aesthetic compared to some threaded-on compensators that appear to dangle off the front of a threaded barrel or swell outside the slide width.
The Wilson Combat holster featured a generous open-cut top, suitable for use with the Trijicon SRO-topped slide as well as the compensated barrel.
Controlling Muzzle Flip
Part of the challenge of using a handgun tactically involves controlling muzzle flip. Muzzle flip reduces the speed at which you can fire multiple rounds where intended. Muzzle flip also causes the pistol frame to squirm in your hand, another detriment to performance.
No one is saying a 9MM needs a brake. However, controlling muzzle rise is a valid goal, keeping sights aligned on target.
It’s optimistic to assume you will have a perfect grip on your handgun’s frame when “skinning” it from the holster to begin with. Especially if you’re already behind the OODA loop, reacting to a threat. It is sanguine to assume a two-handed grip will even be possible. I urge you to attend a Force-on-Force course if you are in doubt.
A well-designed/fitted compensator allows for an easier job in firing the weapon under normal conditions as well as under duress.
Running Training Drills with the EDC X9 2.0
It was decided to employ the WC EDC 2.0 using training scenarios experienced over the last twenty-five-plus years. High-intensity training is the key to understanding how best to take advantage of what the WC EDC 2.0 has to offer.
Fortunately, my home range, Echo Valley Training Center, offers the type of infrastructure to support this. It has large three-sided firing bays, 360 Range, and HESCO CQB shoot house. The WC EDC 2.0 performed dynamically, especially during cover, movement, barricade, or unorthodox firing position drills.
Drills consisted of drawing from concealment to see if the red dot was easy to obtain when operating in haste. Various scenarios engaging targets from behind cover or on the move were also utilized.
Magazine change drills were performed for the dual purpose of gaining familiarity with manipulating EDC 2.0 and ensuring the red dot was seamlessly reacquired after reloading and returning to target.
It was quickly determined that the Wilson Combat EDC 2.0 has great potential in terms of accuracy, speed, and extending effective engagement distances. There isn’t a more ergonomic handgun design than a 1911.
Parting Shots
The WC EDC 2.0 impressed me with how flat-shooting it was. By flat shooting, I mean the SRO red dot was trackable during the entire recoil cycle, with the next shot ready to send on target. Some of my fastest and tightest double taps were produced with the EDC X9 2.0.
The Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 is a handgun that pushes the envelope past “safe” norms. However, it still maintains real-world fighting application. Wilson Combat increases the effectiveness of a 1911-style 9MM concealed carry handgun beyond what many thought possible with the EDC X9 2.0.
Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 3.25 Specs
| Caliber | 9MM |
| Magazine Capacity | 15-round & 18-round magazines |
| Barrel Length | 3.25 inches |
| Overall Length | 6.75 inches |
| Height | 5.25 inches |
| Weight Empty | 28.6 ounces |
| Accuracy Guarantee | 1.5 inches at 25 yds |
| MSRP | $3307 base price |
Performance
| Wilson Combat 135gr HBFN | |
| Load Velocity Average | 876 fps |
| Accuracy Average @25 Yards | 1.25 inches |
| Lehigh Defense 115gr CF+P | |
| Load Velocity Average | 1029 fps |
| Accuracy Average @25 Yards | 1 inch |
| Hornady 147gr XTP | |
| Load Velocity Average | 915 fps |
| Accuracy Average @25 Yards | 1 inch |
| Black Hills 124gr JHP +P | |
| Load Velocity Average | 1151 fps |
| Accuracy Average @25 Yards | 1.5 inches |
The accuracy test protocol consisted of three five-shot groups with each ammunition type; Group sizes were averaged. Velocity figures were obtained by averaging five rounds fired over the Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph.
