Wilson Combat added to its EDC line this year with the X9S Subcompact pistol. Designed for deep cover and concealed carry, the alloy-framed gun is based on the 1911 pistol with some of Bill Wilson’s own refinements.
Chambered in 9mm, the EDC X9S has a capacity of 10+1 and weighs just 30 ounces fully loaded. Wilson Combat machines the X9S’s frame from 7065-T6 aluminum. To keep the gun’s dimensions as trim as possible, WC machines its trademark X-Tac traction texture into the gun’s frontstrap and backstraps and also the sides of the frame where grips would normally go. Though the gun is built without a grip safety, WC does incorporate a beavertail into the frame to prevent hammer bite. The frame also features a cut at the junction of the triggerguard and frontstrap to allow the shooter to get a higher hold, and the dust cover is designed to accept a compact light/laser.
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WC machines the X9S’s slide from stainless steel. It is a tri-top design and the slide flat between the sights is serrated at 30-lpi. The ejection port is lowered and an external extractor is used.
Every Wilson Combat pistol I have ever fired has produced head-turning accuracy and the X9S is no different. Our three-group average measured under 0.75 inches at 15 yards. This type of accuracy doesn’t happen by accident, and Wilson Combat offers a 1.5-inch accuracy guarantee at 25 yards!
The X9S uses a stainless steel, match-grade barrel with a coned muzzle and supported chamber. There is no bushing used on this gun, and the barrel tube and chamber exterior are fluted, giving dirt and firing residue a place to go instead of tying up the gun. Because of the gun’s petite dimensions and short barrel, WC uses a dual recoil spring system to give the little gun the needed spring mass to cycle properly.
Sights also aided in shooting this little gun well and Wilson Combat uses a florescent green front sight and a Battlesight rear with a deep notch “U.” Not only could I shoot tiny groups with them, but I found them to be very fast during shooting exercises. The gun’s trigger was also very helpful in shooting accurately and broke crisply with 4 pounds of pressure.
Because of its intended use, WC outfits the X9S with a strong-side-only thumb safety of standard dimensions. The X9S ships with one 10-round magazine that fits flush with the bottom of the frame. WC machined pulls on each side of the grip for the user to rip out a stuck magazine if needed. A 15-round magazine is also shipped with the gun and it has a machined aluminum base pad that acts as a grip extension and gives the shooter as much room on the frontstrap as any standard size 1911. Those who favor the 1911 operating system but need a smaller footprint for concealed carry should give the Wilson Combat EDC X9S a strong look!
