I am a frequent reader, but a very infrequent poster. After reading the posts below regarding cosmetic problems with Wilson pistols and raising questions about the relative value of Wilson products, I feel I must say something regarding my experience. Rather than get lost in the thread below, I decided to post a new one.
Having long been a fan of 1911s and the 45 in general, I have owned dozens of Colts, factory, custom shop, and full custom, Springfields, many Kimbers, a half dozen Baers, and, most recently, five Wilsons. I currently own two Wilsons, a compact Protector and an all stainless Classic. Based on looks, fit, finish, and performance, the Wilsons are my favorite. I realize many don't care for stainless steel pistols, but my SS Classic is the best looking and performing 1911 I have ever owned. As for the current quality of Wilson's products, my two pistols are less than six months old.
After going through all the pistols listed above, I have arrived at several conclusions: I was dissapointed in a few, almost all had good qualities and brought me many hours of pleasurable shooting. However, the strongest impression I have come away with is that, while some offer more value than others, in general, you get what you pay for. I'll grant, a $2000 Wilson isn't twice the gun a $1000 Kimber is, but, in my experience, it is a much better pistol.
The finish on the Wilsons I own, have owned, and looked at were all close to perfection. Others have mentioned being less than enthralled with the Wilson AT finish. I don't really care for it either or any of the other finishes of this type. I greatly prefer, regular blue, stainless steel, hard chrome, or a combination of two of these.
My closing comment: with almost any product, past a certain point, the more you pay, the less you get per dollar on the margin. For example, $1000 will get you 90% or more of what you can get out of a 1911. To get that last 10% will cost you dearly, considerably more than the most expensive Baer, Wilson, or Brown. But to those who want and can afford that last 10%, the cost is well worth what it brings them. I have found this to be true with almost everything we buy, especially adult toys. It certainly holds true for custom knives, stereo equipment, photographic equipment, watches, and firearms.
My goal is to buy the products which deliver the most of what I want within the limits of my budget. I make every effort to be satisfied with what I have and refrain from criticizing the shortcomings of products which cost less than mine and from putting down those which cost more as being a waste of money.
A common type of post I see on this and many other product forums always reminds me of the attitude of a close friend of mine. His often exprssed opinion is that "If I ain't got it, nobody needs it and if I have one everybody ought to have one."
Having long been a fan of 1911s and the 45 in general, I have owned dozens of Colts, factory, custom shop, and full custom, Springfields, many Kimbers, a half dozen Baers, and, most recently, five Wilsons. I currently own two Wilsons, a compact Protector and an all stainless Classic. Based on looks, fit, finish, and performance, the Wilsons are my favorite. I realize many don't care for stainless steel pistols, but my SS Classic is the best looking and performing 1911 I have ever owned. As for the current quality of Wilson's products, my two pistols are less than six months old.
After going through all the pistols listed above, I have arrived at several conclusions: I was dissapointed in a few, almost all had good qualities and brought me many hours of pleasurable shooting. However, the strongest impression I have come away with is that, while some offer more value than others, in general, you get what you pay for. I'll grant, a $2000 Wilson isn't twice the gun a $1000 Kimber is, but, in my experience, it is a much better pistol.
The finish on the Wilsons I own, have owned, and looked at were all close to perfection. Others have mentioned being less than enthralled with the Wilson AT finish. I don't really care for it either or any of the other finishes of this type. I greatly prefer, regular blue, stainless steel, hard chrome, or a combination of two of these.
My closing comment: with almost any product, past a certain point, the more you pay, the less you get per dollar on the margin. For example, $1000 will get you 90% or more of what you can get out of a 1911. To get that last 10% will cost you dearly, considerably more than the most expensive Baer, Wilson, or Brown. But to those who want and can afford that last 10%, the cost is well worth what it brings them. I have found this to be true with almost everything we buy, especially adult toys. It certainly holds true for custom knives, stereo equipment, photographic equipment, watches, and firearms.
My goal is to buy the products which deliver the most of what I want within the limits of my budget. I make every effort to be satisfied with what I have and refrain from criticizing the shortcomings of products which cost less than mine and from putting down those which cost more as being a waste of money.
A common type of post I see on this and many other product forums always reminds me of the attitude of a close friend of mine. His often exprssed opinion is that "If I ain't got it, nobody needs it and if I have one everybody ought to have one."
