This post was originally published here.
Independence Day is typically celebrated on a single day each year, with some anticipatory celebrations leading up to the 4th. However, the 250th anniversary of America is much bigger than one day, and Wilson Combat gets it. So, for this year’s momentous occasion, the company has released two pistols in a limited-edition commemorative 1911 series.
The Wilson Combat America 250th Limited-Edition 1911 Series
The 1911 is America’s pistol, and Wilson Combat has a well-known history with the platform. So, it only made sense that this series would be built on a full custom Wilson Combat 1911. The America 250th series combines the American fighting platform with exclusive custom engraving, which includes hand- and laser-engraved options.
To further exemplify the series’ American heritage, each 1911 is built from domestically sourced stainless steel with deluxe satin-polished flats. The slide houses a hand-fit 5-inch match-grade barrel and bushing, with a fluted chamber. Sitting atop the slide is the Wilson Combat rear sight coupled with a white gold bead front sight.

The high-cut hand-checkered front strap works in tandem with the hand-checkered backstrap for excellent retention. Adding to the beautiful presentation of the 1911s are the Bullet Proof one-piece magwell and Desert Ironwood grips with sterling silver medallions. However, if you get yours early enough to get a hand-engraved model, the grips are Ben Jennen American Desert Ironwood.
On the back of the frame is the reduced-size Bullet Proof Concealment beavertail grip safety. In addition, south paws will be happy to know that it comes with the Bullet Proof ambidextrous thumb safety. However, when ordering the laser-engraved model, you can request the Bullet-Proof Tactical Thumb Safety. Finally, the trigger provides a crisp 3.5–4.5-pound pull.
Hand-Engraved or Laser-Engraved
Although the design is the same, the engraving is where the two models diverge significantly. You get a choice between hand-engraved and laser-engraved. However, the hand-engraved model is limited to serial numbers 1–25. These first 25 are personally hand-engraved by renowned master engraver Wayne D’Angelo. The remaining models are laser-engraved and available until December 31, 2026. Once the books are closed, they are closed for good.
The right side of the slide features intricate scrollwork framing “250th,” just forward of the ejection port. Likewise, just behind the rear serrations is a depiction of the Liberty Bell. To finish the theme, accent scrolls are subtly placed on the grip and along the smooth dust cover.

Similar to the right side, the left side of the slide also features a scrollwork frame surrounding an American bald eagle head. A banner flies behind the eagle with 1776 on one side and 2026 on the other. Behind the rear serrations is a field of stars. Finally, as with the right side, the left side of the frame features tasteful scrollwork around the grip and along the dust cover.

Whether you choose the hand- or laser-engraved model, the story of America’s history lives on in beautiful intricacy.
Availability
The Wilson Combat America 250th Limited-Edition 1911 Series is available now with MSRPs of $6,999.95 (laser engraved) and $11,999.95 (hand engraved). But you will want to act fast; there will only be 25 hand-engraved models, and the rest will be laser-engraved. Likewise, the laser-engraved models will only be available until December 31, 2026. After that, the books close for good.

Wilson Combat America 250th Limited-Edition 1911 Series Specs
| Available Calibers | .45acp (hand engraved), .45acp ~ 9mm (laser engraved) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds (hand engraved), 8 rounds .45acp ~ 10 rounds 9mm (laser engraved) |
| Barrel Length | 5.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 8.7 inches |
| Sight Radius | 6.6 inches |
| Height | 5.6 inches |
| Width | 1.3 inches |
| Weight Empty (approx.) | 31 ounces |
| Weight Loaded (approx.) | 46.6 ounces |
| MSRP | $6,999.95 (laser engraved), $11,999.95 (hand engraved) |
Features
- Full-Size Stainless Steel Frame
- High-Cut Checkered Frontstrap
- Concealment Bullet Proof® Beavertail Grip Safety
- Bullet Proof® Ambidextrous Thumb Safety
- (Can be ordered with a Bullet Proof® Tactical Thumb Safety – LASER ENGRAVED ONLY)
- 3½# – 4½# Crisp Trigger Pull
- Bullet Proof® One-Piece Magazine Well
- Bullet Proof® Magazine Release
- Desert Ironwood Grips with Sterling Silver Medallions (LASER ENGRAVED)
- Ben Jennen American Desert Ironwood Grips with Sterling Silver Medallions (HAND ENGRAVED)
- 5″ Stainless Steel Slide
- Glass Bead Rounds, Satin Polish Flats
- White Gold Bead front sight
- 5″ Stainless Match-Grade Barrel & Bushing, Hand Fit
- Fluted Chamber
- Carry Cuts
- 40 LPI Checkered Rear of Slide
- Laser Engraved Slide ~ Frame
- Or Wayne D’Angelo Hand Engraved Slide ~ Frame
WHY OUR ARTICLES/REVIEWS DO NOT HAVE AFFILIATE LINKS
Affiliate links create a financial incentive for writers to promote certain products, which can lead to biased recommendations. This blurs the line between genuine advice and marketing, reducing trust in the content.
The post Happy 250th, America, from Wilson Combat with a Limited-Edition 1911 Series appeared first on Athlon Outdoors Exclusive Firearm Updates, Reviews & News.