In the world of double stack 1911s, there are a number of choices at a plethora of price points. Wilson Combat has always been a leader in high-end 1911s, but has recently been moving more into the double-stack 9mm model variants. One of the most recent releases is the Experior Elite Commander and I’ve had the chance to test it out for the last few months. Let’s take a closer look at the Wilson Combat Experior Elite.
Specs
The Wilson Combat Experior Elite is a Commander-sized handgun with a 4.25” fluted bull match-grade reverse-crowned barrel. Moving to the slide, every Experior Elite is optics-cut with Wilson’s customizable optics system, allowing the user to use different red dot optics without having the need for different plates. I tested out the trigger weight and with my scale, the Experior Elite trigger came right in at 3.8-4 lbs every single time.
My example came with a red fiber optic front sight already installed as well as a blacked-out rear sight that is connected to the top optics cover plate. Another notable feature is the all-one-piece textured backstrap. Every Experior Elite comes with three 18-round magazines in a soft case. The lightweight frame is a version of the X9 system that allows for improved ergonomics while keeping things easy to conceal. My version came with Wilson’s Cherry wood grips, but it is also available in all black. MSRP on the Experior Elite is $3,999.99 and it’s shipping to dealers and distributors currently.
Spec List
|
MSRP |
$3,999.99 |
Manufacturer |
Wilson Combat |
|
Manufacturer Part # |
2XPD-COPR-9A |
Model |
2.0 XPD eXperior Elite Commander |
|
Action |
Semi-automatic |
Type |
1911 |
|
Size |
Officer |
Caliber |
9MM |
|
Barrel Length |
4.25″ |
Color |
Black |
|
Grips |
G10 |
Capacity |
18 Rounds |
|
Accessories |
2 Magazines |
Type of Barrel |
Fluted Bull Barrel |
|
Description |
Optics Ready |
Hand |
Ambidextrous |
|
Safety |
Ambidextrous |
Sights |
Fiber Optic Front Sight |
|
Subcategory |
Pistols – Metal Frame |
Material |
Aluminum |
|
Finish |
Armor Tuff |
Range Time
Over the last couple of months, I have roughly 1,100 rounds through the Experior Elite. For my testing, I used a combination of Wilson Combats 135gr remanufactured ammo along with Federal Premium 115 Gr American Eagle. To test accuracy, I shot some self-defense ammo that was loaded up with 115 Gr Hornady HAP hollow points. I shot 3 groups of 5 along with a couple of magazines to test reliability with hollow points as well. For accuracy testing, I had a bench rest at 20 yards with 3 groups of 5 shots. My group sizes were .93-1.38” with the Hornady HAP rounds being the tightest group with a .93” and 1.12” groups collectively. The trigger is a big part of allowing this gun to be as accurate as it is.
The trigger on the Experior Elite is a consistent single action only. At this price range, I expected a really well-done trigger and Wilson Combat didn’t disappoint. It has a crisp take-up with a defined wall, clean break and an audible reset. If you shot a high-quality 1911, you know exactly what I’m talking about when I say a well-done single-action-only trigger really does make a difference. Having a high-contrast sight picture also helps with finding your sights and getting rounds on target. The blacked-out rear sights help with almost no distractions, which allows you to focus on the red front fiber optic sight. The front and rear checkering on the grip is fairly aggressive and allows you to have a good purchase on the handgun without being overly aggressive or uncomfortable.
Carrying The Experior Elite
When it comes to carrying the Wilson Combat Experior Elite, you have to think about how capable a lightweight 4.25” barrelled pistol is that’s optics-cut with an 18-round standard capacity. I’ve been carrying the Experior Elite in a leather IWB 1911 holster with no issues. It fits snugly and really is comfortable even when I wear just a T-shirt and shorts. It’s one of the few pistols that has a great balance of being heavy enough to shoot really well, but small enough to easily conceal without feeling like you’re carrying a boat anchor on your hip.
I have tried out a number of mid-size guns and these have some of the higher capacity of modern carry guns while remaining light enough to comfortably carry for longer durations of time. I didn’t have any problems with the grip panels irritating my skin or rubbing me raw, which some people complain about with textured grips. It was a really comfortable gun to carry for long durations and I wouldn’t hesitate to carry this Experior Elite as a regular carry gun.
Overall Thoughts
In short, I know $4,000 is a lot to spend on a carry gun, but this is certainly a fantastic pistol and I don’t regret picking it up to test and carry on a daily basis. The small details like the crowned barrel blacked out sights really do make it feel like a high-tier quality pistol. The combination of it being completely reliable given the round count, the higher level of accuracy and quality feel makes me want to pay the higher price because this feels like an heirloom item rather than a run-of-the-mill carry gun.
Despite the price, I think this Experior Elite is a fantastic option for carrying and having a higher-tiered handgun that has that hand-fit, hand-built feeling. Let me know what your thoughts are on the Experior Elite down in the comments below. If you have questions about this pistol or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you in the next review.
