Wilson Combat Sentinel Pistols

Wilson Combat’s Sentinel is the all steel version of the line offering incredible control in a 9mm pistol.

In any industry there are always few signs that indicate whether a concept or new product idea is going to have some staying power. In many instances companies make a mad rush to build their idea of the latest greatest innovation as soon as the idea hits the market in the effort to catch the buying public in a spending mood sort of riding the wave. But Wilson Combat is the type of company that will simply not compromise just to meet an industry trend. When everyone was making a sub four inch 1911 pistol Wilson Combat was slow to make that change because Bill Wilson simply will not compromise on the complete reliability for which his guns are known. Until he could make one that was completely reliable, he simply did not make them.

This dedication to quality explains why Wilson Combat was so long in coming to the sub-compact market, yet in doing so they have produced some of the best examples of a sub-compact 1911 pistol you can find.

Sentinel

The Ultra Lightweight Carry (ULC) Sentinel isthe flagship of the Sentinel line offering customization and complete reliability in an incredibly light carry pistol.

With the Sentinel, Wilson starts with an all carbon steel slide and frame and each part is hand fit for reliability and accuracy. It is fitted with Wilson Combat’s #463 Tactical Combat Pyramid sights, containing contrasting tritium colors in the front and rear. Standard configuration includes a single-side tactical safety, high-ride grip safety with Posi-Release tab, and slim-line grips. The magwell is nicely hand-fit and contoured. The barrel is a 3.6-inch heavy tapered barrel that is custom fit to the slide. It is completely dehorned for concealed carry and includes rear cocking serrations. Only the best Wilson Combat internals are used and at a scant 7.2 inches overall length it is perfect for deeper concealed carry. It is chambered in 9mm with an 8+1 round capacity.

Ms. Sentinel

Ms. Sentinel is built from Wilson’s shortest aluminum frame, making it the smallest pistol available.

As the name implies, by utilizing Wilson Combat’s extensive experience in building custom pistols, many of the features requested by women were included. The frame is made of aluminum and hand-fit to a carbon steel slide. Wilson Combat’s latest concealment beavertail grip safety and hammer are used as well as a round but frame. A shortened and rounded magazine release is also used. The barrel is a 3.5-inch fluted match-grade, coned barrel, which uses a full-length guide rod with a reverse plug. The magwell is nicely contoured and the front strap is checkered at 30 LPI. The grips are cocobolo Starburst grips presenting a very nice look. The contrast against the black Armor-Tuff is my personal preference in a 1911.

The Ms. Sentinel is designed with the discriminating woman shooter in mind, with many custom features based on years of 1911 build experience.

The trigger is a shortened model set at a crisp 3.5 to 3.75 pounds. Another really nice touch is the countersunk slide stop, presenting a very smooth no snag design. The sights are a Combat Tactical Pyramid rear combined with an improved ramp front, both with white outlined tritium inserts. Other nice touches include carry cuts as well as the Ball Endmill cuts. This pistol is truly set up for smooth and accurate concealed carry. Chambered in 9mm, it provides for 8+ 1 carry. Although originally designed with women in mind, this pistol is also perfect for anyone with smaller hands, or anyone just looking for a truly reliable sub-compact 1911 for concealed carry. Having tested this particular pistol extensively, it proved to be incredibly reliable, very accurate, and one of the lightest 1911 pistols I have ever carried.

Ultralight Carry Sentinel

The fluted chamber, barrel, and customdesign features are all about light weight, concealability, and complete reliability

This is the smallest and lightest of the Sentinel line of pistols. Wilson Combat’s Ultralight line of pistols has always been dedicated to providing the smallest and lightest, yet most reliable carry pistols. Wilson starts with their aluminum frame and mates it to an all carbon steel slide. This pistol is equipped with the Battlesight rear and a fiber optic front sight. The fiber optic is fast becoming the favorite of many, whether for concealed carry or flat out duty or professional use. The 3.5-inch barrel and chamber are fluted on this pistol, providing for as much weight savings as possible. The slide has a heavy machine chamfer on the bottom and rear cocking serrations. The top of the slide is serrated at 30 lpi for glare control and added weight savings. The magazine is nicely contoured and the grip is checkered at 30 lpi with a high cut for control. The grips are G10 Starburst for rugged reliability under use. It utilizes a medium length trigger, set to a crisp 3.5 to 3.75 pounds. The slide is nicely countersunk for smooth concealed carry and also includes both carry and endmill cuts. This may just be the ultimate concealed carry pistol built for accuracy, reliability, and very light weight. Like most all of Wilson Combat’s pistols you can also add features such as an ambi-safety, different sights.

Conclusion
As is always the case with Wilson Combat it is about fit, finish, reliability, and as close to perfection as you can get in a 1911. It is not about the numbers. Although they only offer a few truly sub-compact pistols, the all represent the pinnacle of the custom 1911 pistol.