TL;DR: The Wilson Combat Division 77 Project One is a limited-edition, sub-$4K double-stack 1911 built to push boundaries in speed, accuracy, and reliability. With its ported slide and barrel, proprietary optic mounting system, excellent ergonomics, and high-end craftsmanship, it performs exactly how a flagship Wilson Combat gun should. It’s not cheap—and it’s not meant to be—but on the range it delivers flat recoil, predictable trigger control, and standout shootability. Our final score: 77.2, placing it comfortably in our top 10.
Introduction: A Limited-Edition Wilson Built for Innovation
Welcome back to Monday Gunday. Today we’re looking at something truly unique: the Wilson Combat Division 77 Project One.
This pistol isn’t just another premium 2011-style gun—it’s a limited-run project paying homage to Bill Wilson’s push for innovation back in 1977. Think of it as a “what’s possible?” exercise from one of the most respected names in the industry.
From the slide cuts to the optic system to the integrated magwell, everything about this gun shows intention and craftsmanship.
Project One Features & First Impressions
Wilson Combat designed the Project One to be the ultimate blend of:
-
Speed
-
Accuracy
-
Reliability
It’s built around a ported slide, ported 5" PVD-coated barrel, and a double-stack frame with Wilson’s signature fit and finish.
Standout Features
Patent-Pending Slide Cuts & Porting
The slide is aggressively machined, not just for looks but for performance. Paired with the compensated ported barrel, recoil management becomes noticeably flatter.
PVD-Coated Barrel & Internal Parts
Durability and longevity take priority here, making the gun suited for high-volume shooters.
18-Round Double Stack Mags
Three magazines ship with the pistol, all with aluminum base pads. Capacity is solid—but visually they resemble extended mags, making some shooters wish for 20-rounders.
Integrated Minimalist Magwell
Built into the frame, it creates a refined, sleek profile while still making reloads feel intuitive and fast.
Tool-Less Optic Mounting System
This is one of the coolest features. You can mount:
-
RMR footprint optics
-
DeltaPoint Pro
-
RMSc footprint optics
With a set of positionable steel pins and only two screws, optics lock down securely with no plates needed.
Updated RPG Guide Rod System
A redesigned guide rod and spring setup to improve durability and overall reliability.
Trigger
Flat-faced, crisp, about 3.5–4.5 lbs, and what you’d expect from a high-tier Wilson.
Price
$3,995 MSRP — expensive, but this gun isn’t built to compete with budget options. It’s built to showcase Wilson’s engineering.
Range Testing the Division 77 Project One
As usual, we ran the Project One through our standard Monday Gunday drills:
-
Bill Drill (×2)
-
3 Reload 3 (×2)
-
10-Yard B8 Accuracy Test
Our goal: evaluate real-world shootability, trackability, ergonomics, and ease of operation.
Bill Drill: Fast, Flat & Predictable
Being a compensated and ported handgun, recoil control was a highlight.
-
First run: 2.34 seconds (clean)
-
Second run: 2.17 seconds (clean)
Sights tracked smoothly, trigger was predictable, and the comp made the gun feel extremely flat. First-shot times were slower than ideal—but that’s typical for 2011-style platforms in our hands.
3 Reload 3: Smooth Reloads, Smart Control Layout
The Project One’s slide release placement was a standout advantage. Unlike many 2011s, the release sits far enough back to hit with the strong-hand thumb—making reloads faster and more intuitive.
Times:
-
4.50 seconds (clean)
-
4.42 seconds (clean)
Reloads felt clean thanks to the integrated magwell, and the flat trigger made post-reload shots crisp.
10-Yard Accuracy Test: Ammo Matters
Initial groups were bizarre: tight clusters with a few wild fliers and even some oblong holes—indicating potential tumbling. After switching ammo from flat-nose Syntech to round-nose, accuracy snapped back to true Wilson form:
-
Final B8: Perfect 100, extremely tight group
The gun shoots exceptionally well with compatible ammo.
Back in the Armory: Final Scores
Below is the full scoring breakdown:
Cost – 6.7 / 10
It’s expensive, but it’s also a limited-edition Wilson. Pricing matches the craftsmanship and innovation.
Ergonomics – 8.2 / 10
Controls are intuitive, grip feels secure, and the improved slide release placement is a standout feature.
Trigger – 8.6 / 10
Crisp wall, clean break, short reset—though slightly on the heavier side for a high-end 1911-pattern pistol.
Bore Axis – 7.7 / 10
Not the lowest, but compensated porting keeps recoil incredibly manageable.
Sights – 8.8 / 10
Minimalist front sight + full SRO window + awesome optic-mounting system = A+ modern setup.
Aftermarket Support – 6.2 / 10
Because it’s limited and unique, aftermarket options are naturally limited—but it doesn’t need much.
Round Capacity – 6.5 / 10
18 is good, but visually the mags look like they should hold 20.
Serviceability – 7.3 / 10
Straightforward for anyone familiar with double-stack 1911s or 2011s.
Value – 7.9 / 10
Expensive but fair for a limited-edition Wilson Combat with this level of engineering.
Cool Factor – 9.3 / 10
It’s flashy, innovative, and unlike anything else in the safe. Definitely a conversation piece—and a performer.
Final Score: 77.2 — A Top-Tier Shooter
With a final score of 77.2, the Wilson Combat Division 77 Project One earns a spot among our top 10 pistols tested. It’s not for everyone, but for shooters who appreciate craftsmanship, innovation, and limited-edition firearms, it’s an absolute standout.
If you pick one up, you’ll want to carry it properly—so pair it with a purpose-built concealed carry or appendix carry holster designed to support the weight and footprint of a double-stack 1911.