Recently, my local FFL and Range held a Range Demo Day featuring products from Wilson Combat, Silencerco, Heckler & Koch, Blue Bullets, and Vortex Optics.  I was Volunteering my time for the most part, but got to try some products at the end of the day.  One of the most anticipated products at the range day was Wilson Combat’s relatively new EDC X9 double stack 9mm 1911, and I was very excited to try it out.

Two EDC X9 pistols in the foreground.

First Impressions

Being that all new production models are spoken for with an 8-month wait time (the first 500 models initially launched sold within a week), they had two earlier prototypes on hand to shoot.  The only difference between them and production models was the magazine used.  The prototypes use Walther magazines, while production models use Mec-Gar 15-round magazines.

Note early prototype Walther-based magazine. Production models have 15-round mec-gar magazines

One model featured black G10 starburst grips, and the other had rosewood grips.  The grips on Wilson Combat’s new X-Frame platform are not held on by screws, but by hammer spring tension.  The backstraps come in small or large size, and there are three different length trigger pads available as well.  The example I tried had a small backstrap and medium length trigger pad.  As per usual with Wilson combat, the fit and finish was exceptional.  The slide racked as smooth as could be, and the trigger pull and reset was crisp and light.  Though the gun weighed 29.1 oz unloaded (1 oz less than a loaded Glock 19) and 35 oz loaded, the balance was exceptional.  The overall effect made the gun feel a lot lighter than it actually was.  The X-type checkering, while providing a firm grip, was not overly aggressive or abrasive.

Trigger Time

I did not get to put a ton of rounds downrange with the EDC X9, given the nature of the event.  Even so, I was able to put a few magazines worth of 9mm downrange at a horizontal plate rack and a steel silhouette.  The stock sights are a elevation adjustable rear sight with fiber optic front.  The sights worked great in both the bright sunshine and in the shade.  That being said, if I ordered this particular pistol, I would want it to have tritium night sights.

After each press of the trigger, the sights stayed exactly on target.  Rapid strings were as easy to shoot with this short, relatively light carry gun as with my Sig X-5.  It is something remarkable to experience.  I had to put little to no effort into follow up shots or double taps.  The EDC X-9 is guaranteed to print 1.5″ groups at 25 yards with its 4″ stainless match grade cone barrel, so accuracy was to be expected and I was not let down.  I was possibly the 100th or so person to fire this particular pistol without cleaning, and there were zero malfunctions of any kind.

Initial Takeaways

Though price for admission is in nosebleed territory, Wilson Combat Handguns are ultra-reliable, ultra-accurate works of art.  The EDC X9 and Wilson’s new X-Frame are well deserving of Wilson Combat’s reputation for reliability, accuracy, and the highest levels of combat pistol craftsmanship.  I compete with one of their full size .45’s (round count stands at over 15k rounds), hunt with one of their 10mm’s and EDC one of their compact .45’s, so I have a lot of experience with their handguns and have put them through hard use.  I can vouch for their pistols 100%.  The EDC X9 left me with a great first impression, and their X-frame should be a great base for any new double stack 1911’s to come out of Wilson Combat.  The phrase I most overheard throughout the day by people that tried out the EDC X9 for a demo?  “Dammit, now I want to buy one!”

Wilson Recon Tactical .308 in Burnt Bronze finish

The Burnt Bronze looks quite nice on the gun and is a unique finish

A full compliment of Wilson .45 caliber handguns was available as well

Other awesomeness

Other notable items I got to try out/handle at the range day were H&K’s VP9 and VP9SK, Silencerco’s Maxim9, and Vortex Optic’s Razor HD Binoculars.  Quick takeaways:

• The VP9 series is the handgun I wish existed when I carried a duty weapon.  The triggers are great, and they point exceptionally well.
• The Silencerco Maxim9 is a pistol I greatly regret not securing when allocations went out.  It was super quiet and just plain fun to shoot.
• The Vortex Razor HD Binoculars are half the price of Swarovskis, and nearly approach their perceived performance during daytime.  Outstanding binoculars at a great price.
  

  Maxim9. So much want.

  

  H&K

  

  Some cool polymer coated bullets for reloading

  

  QUIET!  By Silencerco.

  

  H&K

  

  Some cool polymer coated bullets for reloading

  

  Handsome little folder

  

  Wilson’s fixed blades included: (Top to bottom) a Steve Woods V1 Pro, Steve Woods C.U.B., and an Allen Elishewitz Star-Light Tactical Fighter

  

  

  Torx wrench fits into a slot in the grip

  

  Vortex

Full disclosure:  The author used to be involved in retail sales of Wilson Combat handguns, though no longer is involved in firearm sales