Wilson Combat WCP320 9mm Pistol Review

Bill Wilson has worked his magic for decades. From custom Model 1911s to Glocks and Beretta 92s, his company, Wilson Combat, has a way with guns. Wilson’s appreciation for combat pistols outside of the 1911 world is well documented.

Another well-­documented figure in the firearms world is the affordable, reliable and robust polymer-­frame and striker-­fired pistol. They remain the future of handguns. Typically robust with a repeatable trigger press, they are the most sought-­after choices.

With many of Wilson Combat’s customers already followers of the 1911, growing the product line to accommodate the popularity and modularity of the SIG Sauer P320 family was a smart business move; Wilson wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to expand. If you want a striker-­fired pistol that’s a little closer to perfection, Wilson wants you to think of them.

Take a Step Back

If you’re not new to guns, you already know that the serialized component of the P320 is the chassis within. The grip module is interchangeable and is not the fire control group. Now that most who would be in the market for a P320 or X-­frame pistol already have one, SIG Sauer decided to make the chassis available to other manufacturers.

Though it means other companies will soon make their own interpretation of a P320, SIG Sauer continues to sell the P320’s fire control unit and continue to profit off of the fundamental design. In turn, boutique brands such as Wilson’s have a new means to expand their customer base and broaden their offerings without infringing on patents. It’s just business.

With their own uniquely serialized P320 fire control units in hand, Wilson’s engineers went to work and first created an entirely new grip module, a product they offer for sale separately for use on existing P320s in circulation. Guns & Ammo featured these new grip modules in my “Handgunning” column that appeared in the June 2020 issue. (At $65 apiece, Wilson’s grip modules sold out fast.)

Get a Grip

The grip module on the WCP320 was the basis for fresh bevels, swells, contours and angles that are more specialized than the original SIG Sauer grip modules. SIG’s stock grip modules are offered in multiple sizes for different hand sizes, but Wilson took another route. They created a grip module that is only slightly larger than SIG Sauer’s “small” P320 module, but theirs features a high-­tang cut in concert with scoops that are molded to the side panels. There’s a high undercut of the triggerguard to allow all hand sizes obtain a positive firing grip.

To add to its positive control, the WCP320’s grip texture is Wilson’s proprietary Starburst grip pattern complimented by a sandpaper texture at the front-­ and backstrap. If you think the texture is too much, a little sandpaper can knock down the edges.

Completing the grip module’s feature list, the magazine well received a makeover from the original. It provides a generous bevel and flare to allow us very fast and easy-­to-­find reloads.

Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that the dust cover consists of a molded rail and the frame that has a provision for inserting tungsten, brass or steel rods to increase the weight. Why add weight to a polymer-­framed pistol? Well, competitive shooters have made this practice popular to balance the pistol’s weight distribution.

The Trigger Inside

Inside the grip, the fire-­control unit sits inside secured by the removable takedown lever. It contains most of the controls including the serrated slide catch lever and trigger assembly. The base model WCP320 comes with the same straight-­face trigger found on the SIG Sauer’s X series. However, an even better trigger is available.

Grayguns’ Competition Trigger is an upgrade that we wouldn’t hesitate to pay for­ — it’s worth every penny. I don’t want to tell you how to spend your money, but spend the money! The Grayguns Competition trigger is really that good. G&A’s had a gentle, rolling 3.15-­pound break out of the box that improved to 2 pounds, 7 ounces after 500 rounds. There was some initial take-­up on our sample, but no discernable overtravel. Some thought the reset was a bit soft, but when running the gun, I didn’t think so. A great trigger won’t make a poor shooter good, but it can definitely help make a good shooter even better.

Slide Action

Wilson Combat modified SIG Sauer’s slides with aesthetically pleasing machine work, while also utilizing stock SIG barrels. This isn’t as much of a money saving endeavor as it is recognition for SIG’s outstanding job in manufacturing these components. Many shooters will back me up when I say that the stock P320 is consistently one of the most accurate striker-­fired pistols. My personal X-­Carry was the first striker gun that regularly delivered 1-­inch groups from a rest at 25 yards. That said, I was told that Wilson Combat’s gunsmiths ensured that the slide and barrel assemblies they receive as a basis for their creation are fit well, or hand fit, a step that large manufacturers can’t afford the time it takes to verify.

Once slide dimensions meet Wilson’s standards during the manufacturing process, a machine operator mills the P320 slide with their proprietary X-­Tac pattern at the rear, front and all over. This pattern offers positive traction on the slide no matter what type of press check or chamber check the shooter prefers.

The crosshatch diamond-­style is also an aid when trying to manipulate the slide with moist hands. Next, Wilson carried this machined pattern over the top of the slide, which is not only attractive, but helps break up glare when shooting in bright sunlight.

To finish the slide, Wilson Combat uses black Diamond Like Coating (DLC) with underlayers of chromoly and tungsten. It should resist wear like absolute iron. The slide is topped with Wilson Combat Battlesights featuring a generous rear notch that measures .223 inch and a bright red fiber optic that’s installed into a narrower, .215-­inch front sight.

Rounds Downrange

The WCP320 shot amazingly well. While the P320 has always been a performer, Wilson’s take on this gun has moved it up a level. It shot really fast and I was able to routinely hit .14 splits within the A-­Zone of an IPSC target. (I told you that the Grayguns trigger makes a difference!)

Shooting steel is always fun, but the WCP made it more so. The enhanced grip design and wide-­open magazine well helped me shoot and reload faster than I once thought possible. It’s always a good day when the limiting factor of my performance is my skill and physical ability rather than the pistol.

Accuracy testing with the WCP320 was exactly where I expected it to be. Before resting the gun at 25 yards, I shot plenty of free-­hand groups from 5 to 15 yards, and I chewed holes through the middle of a B8 target’s X-­ring. I like to offer my freehand shooting results because I believe that they show practical accuracy rather than mechanical accuracy potential that a benchrest or Ransom Rest can provide.

Wilson Combat’s interpretation of the P320 resulted in one of the most accurate striker-­fired pistols I’ve ever shot. My 25-­yard groups never exceeded 2 inches, but at the bench its accuracy was unbelievable. I’m not used to seeing striker-­fired pistols like that shoot as if it were one of Wilson’s custom 1911s.

The WCP320 is the next big thing in striker-fired guns. This one is where striker-­fired reliability meets custom-­gun performance, and it doesn’t get any better than this. 

Wilson Combat WCP320 Pistol Specs:

• Type: Striker fired, recoil-operated, semiautomatic
• Cartridge: 9mm
• Capacity: 17+1 rds.
• Barrel: 4.7 in., carbon steel
• Overall Length: 8.25 in.
• Width: 1.5 in.
• Height: 5.5 in.
• Weight: 1 lbs., 13.2 oz.
• Finish: Black DLC, chromoly, tungsten (steel)
• Frame: Polymer module, black or tan
• Sights: Wilson Battlesights; red fiber optic (front); U-notch (rear)
• Trigger: Grayguns Competition; 3 lbs., 3 oz. (initial test)
• MSRP: $1,350 (tested)
• Manufacturer: Wilson Combat, 800-955-4856, wilsoncombat.com