Wilson Combat has introduced a complete line of Glock modifications that can be ordered ala cart. The modifications are affordably priced and turnaround time is very reasonable.
In early 2018, Bill Wilson surprised the pistol market by announcing a line of modifications for Glock pistols. Bill actively resisted working on Glocks for some time but finally recognized that a large percentage of shooters, who owned one of his 1911 pistols, probably owned a Glock. There were also a lot of Glock shooters who were Wilson Combat fans and wanted their pistols enhanced.
As with all of Bill’s projects, he took on the Glock project full force! A lot of time went into what modifications were popular and would fit with the Wilson Combat philosophy. That philosophy is that the pistol is designed for personal defense of you and your family. The Wilson Combat Glocks would be tastefully functional and practical. The next priority was to make the packages affordable while ensuring that quality was up to Wilson’s standards. Part of the project entailed improving the level of automation. This required an investment in building fixtures, writing code, and programming a laser. Only when everything was in place and met Bill’s approval, did Wilson open their shop for Glocks.
The final project resulted in an a la carte build sheet that gives customers some 88 options. Last year, I visited Bill at his ranch in Texas. He was kind enough to give me a guided tour of his vault. One of the things he showed me was a prototype of a Glock 19. I decided, then and there, that I would get a pistol to Berryville as soon as I could. I sent my back-up Gen4 Glock 19 to Wilson to do their magic. The pistol I got back was so impressive that it has become my daily carry pistol. Shortly after receiving my G19, Wilson expanded their offering to include the Glock 43. I just happened to have a bone stock 43 in the safe so I was immediately all in.
The author ordered a Wilson Vickers Elite serrated front sight with a Tritium insert for his G43.
The stock rear sight was replaced with a “U” notch Wilson Vickers Elite rear sight.
I based my G43 build on my G19 build with a couple of exceptions. I wanted the G43 to reflect Wilson’s quality and appearance. My build sheet was not all inclusive but included the most popular, and affordable, options for a personal defense/carry pistol. I also added a few cosmetic options.
The slide received most of the attention. The shop machined six forward cocking serrations that replicate the factory rear cocking serrations in number and width. The serrations on the left side of the slide are cut around the “Glock” logo. The end of the slide was radiused in a manner similar to the new Gen5 Glocks. This aids in re-holstering and also is advantageous when carrying appendix. The top of the slide was machined with 28 LPI serrations from the front sight, rearward to just in front of the rear sight. The factory sights were replaced with Wilson’s “U” notch rear Battlesight and a Tritium front sight. Finally, the slide was finished in gray Armor-Tuff to complement the black frame.
Wilson also carries the Vickers Tactical extended magazine release and the extended slide release for Glocks. These improve the operating controls on the little G43.
Wilson uses a computer-controlled laser to cut their Starburst pattern on the Glock grip.
The front cocking serrations on the G43 are cleanly machined and match the factory rear serrations. They are a very functional addition to a compact pistol like the G43.
The frame received a laser cut stipple in Wilson’s Starburst pattern. The laser allows the pattern to be very clean and consistent. I had the base of the trigger guard high cut with a single relief for a higher purchase on the pistol. I also added the Vickers’ extended magazine release and slide stop. I kept the stock trigger that I had previously improved with the installation of a Ghost Edge Connection from Handgun Combatives.
With the addition of the Ghost connector, the trigger on my G43 breaks at 4 lbs., 10 oz. with the customary over-travel found in the 43.
Since my 43 is only an occasional carry piece, I passed on a few options, in order to keep the build within budget. I did not have the barrel crowned and the ejection port lowered. And, as previously noted, I did not go with Apex trigger components. As shown in the photos, the G43 is the perfect companion piece to my daily G19.
I admit that when I first shot my G43, I was unhappy with the combination of my performance and the performance of the pistol. I simply could not shoot it as well as I expected. So, I set about diagnosing the problem and then attempting to solve it. I determined that the small diameter of the frame, combined with a hard trigger break and significant over-travel, was resulting in my pulling shots. The Ghost Edge Connector helped, along with more range time.
For more formal testing, I selected to test the G43 with three of Wilson’s premium personal defense loads. We started with the 95 gr. copper TAC-XP load that is optimized for compact pistols. Despite averaging 1,165 fps, this load was soft shooting and is ideal when over penetration is a concern. The next load was the copper, 115 gr. TAC-XP +P High-Performance Tactical load. This is my favorite load and is normally in the G43. The 115 gr. +P load averaged 995 fps. We also shot the 124 gr. XTP-HP +P load. This is a traditional, lead core, jacketed hollow point that averaged 1,095 fps. Federal’s HST loads are considered, by many, to be the king of the hill for traditional JHP bullets. We tested the 150 gr. HST Micro load in the G43. This load is designed specifically to give good terminal ballistics in small pistols. The HST Micro load averaged 862 and had a very mild recoil impulse. Finally, we ran around 200 rounds of Wilson’s remanufactured 135 gr. Hollow Base Flat Nose. This is a match load that averaged 873 fps and shot very well.
I previously mentioned that I have had difficulty shooting the G43 as well as I would like. As a result, I have carried it very little. I took this opportunity to increase my round count and work on my fundamentals. The accompanying chart reflects the accuracy testing of the five different loads, at 15 yards. During the testing, my first groups ran around 3” with a number of flyers. As I settled down, I managed to shoot a few respectable groups to include a 1.25” group with both the Federal HST Micro load and the Wilson 135 gr. HBFN.
After the formal testing, I ran a modified Hackathorn 10-10-10 drill. The original 10-10-10 drill is shot from 10 yards with 10 shots being fired in 10 seconds. The target is an NRA bullseye target. Given the magazine capacity of the G43 and its small size, I shot the drill from 7 yards instead of the normal 10 yards. The challenge is to remember the fundamentals and not let the clock beat you. I fired two sequences of five rounds with a five-second par time to meet the 10 shots in 10 seconds criteria. My first run was 4.27 seconds with all hits in the 10-ring. My second run was 5.13 seconds and, even though I shot slower, I managed to drop one round into the 10-ring. My final score was a surprising 99/100. What I found was, I actually shot the G43 better when shooting at speed. I shot a Bill Drill from five yards with all six rounds in a 3” group. While my time was not blazing, I was pleased with the way the G43 tracked.
The author found the AAC TiRant 9S suppressor to be a great accessory to the G43. The pistol was 100% reliable with the suppressor installed.
I then swapped the factory barrel out for a Silencerco threaded barrel and installed my AAC TiRant 9S suppressor. For those not familiar with the TiRant 9S, it is a compact 9mm suppressor with an overall length of just 5.07” and is designed to be used with an ablative. Both the Wilson 135 gr. HBFN load and the Federal HST Micro load averaged 873 fps and 862 fps respectively. Both performed well with the TiRant 9S. While the Wilson Battlesights did not clear the suppressor, we were able to make solid hits by shooting with both eyes open and superimposing the sight on the target.
The author installed an extended/threaded barrel from Silencerco for use with the TiRant 9S suppressor.
The serrations on the top of the slide are a nice addition and assist in reducing glare.
Federals 150 gr. HST Micro load was designed to provide effective terminal ballistics from a compact pistol. With an average muzzle velocity of 862 fps, it is also a very quiet round when used with a suppressor.
The Wilson Combat G43 is shown with the author’s AAC TiRant 9S suppressor and a Raven Vanguard 2 holster. The entire kit is compact and very efficient.
Because of the compact nature of the G43, I generally keep a Raven Vanguard 2 holster close by. The Vanguard 2 clamps around the trigger and has an integral belt loop. It also serves as a safety by covering the trigger when the G43 is not being carried. For belt carry, I have an older Valkyrie OWB rig from Veil Solutions. For those who elect to carry the G43 in a pocket, Blue Force Gear has the new ULTRAcomp Pocket Holster.
By the end of this evaluation, I felt more confident in my abilities with the little G43. I also came to several conclusions. The Starburst stippling works well without being overly aggressive for concealed carry. It also provided a very positive gripping surface for the fingers of the firing hand. I have also come to like the contour of the Wilson rear sight and the “U” notch. I have come to appreciate forward cocking serrations and I now find myself wanting them on my other carry Glocks. They are especially helpful on the abbreviated G43. Finally, the gray slide over the black frame is very attractive.
The TiRant 9S compact suppressor is an ideal suppressor for the G43. The G43 was 100% reliable with, and without, the suppressor.
Wilson’s Glock modifications are extremely reasonable. For example, the Starburst frame treatment is $139.00 while the cocking serrations and slide serrations are only $75.00 each. The gray Armor-Tuff finish for the slide is $100.00, but, for those who would like to have the entire pistol refinished, the cost is $350.00. This is considerably less than some other shops.
Wilson’s 135 gr. HBFN load averaged 873 fps and was ideal for use with the TiRant 9S.
No one has ever accused Bill Wilson of half-stepping anything, and he certainly has a winner with his Glock packages, even if he doesn’t personally like the gun! For those who are interested in having a Wilson Combat Custom Glock, please visit their page on Glock Customization. When you click on the price list, a PDF build sheet will load showing all the options that are available. You will be glad you did!
The Glock 43 breaks down for cleaning in the same components as all other Glocks.
The Raven Vanguard 2 is the ideal holster for the G43 and can be used for Appendix or traditional IWB carry.
The author also tested an older kydex rig by Veil Solutions. It worked very well. Notice the holster has been modified to carry the G43 with an extended/threaded barrel.
The author’s favorite load for the G43 is the Wilson Combat 115 gr. TAC-XP +P load. This load shot well in the G43 and the solid copper projectile provides excellent terminal ballistics.
Blue Force Gear has recently launched a line of pocket holster for popular compact pistols. The ULTRAcomp holster is made from a polymer-based laminate that resists abrasion and water.
| Wilson Combat Glock 43 Range Tests | |||||||
| Manufacturer | Type | Bullet Wt. | High | Low | Avg | ES | SD |
| Wilson Combat | TAC-XP | 95 gr. | 1,188 | 1,138 | 1,164 | 50 | 20 |
| Wilson Combat | TAC-XP | 115 +P | 1,004 | 986 | 995 | 18 | 6 |
| Wilson Combat | XTP | 124 gr. +P | 1,115 | 1,075 | 1,095 | 40 | 18 |
| Federal | HST Micro | 150 gr. | 869 | 855 | 962 | 14 | 5 |
| Wilson Combat | Remanufactured | 135 gr. HBFN | 900 | 844 | 873 | 56 | 22 |
| Velocity Reading 10 ft./Accuracy 15 yards | |||||||
Visit Wilson to learn more about Wilson’s Glock Customizations by clicking HERE.
Comparing to a 1911 was bad idea. However, my G43 is stupid accurate at 10 yards. More accurate then my G17 at the same yardage.
I agree with the comment on Glock after travel, ( or backlash for us with more history). My solution was to take some small furniture, or cabinet silicone bumpers, remove the adhesive and contour the back with a dremel tool to fit the curve of the frame behind the trigger. By careful pre fitting for amount of backlash travel and testing, an almost movement free after sear release can be created as good as with screw adjustments for 1911 triggers. Time less than 5 minutes of actual work. Cost a few dollars for enough of these silicone bumps to do 10 to 30 trigger jobs. I found that when adjusted for almost no movement, it raises the trigger pull, but with absolutely no apparent movement, the trigger pull is irrelevant. For me, after travel has a Glock solution for peanuts on cost, less than shipping cost to a qualified gunsmith and the time it takes is less than packaging and going to the UPS store. Most of the bumpers come in a clear or white.
I use clear and then finish it with a black felt tip pen to look like it was built in.
Come on guys, any fan and owner of 1911’s knows there is no comparison between polymers (glocks) and 1911’s. I own a Glock 43 and many Dan Wesson 1911’s, if we’re going to talk about the 43 that’s what we should talk about not ompare it with a 1911. I have to agree with the other guys that you sound like an idiot. You don’t like the tricked out Wilson Glock 43, fine, when you start comparing it to a 1911 you sound like a fool.
Don’t get the h8ters but I never will.you DO you and I’ll do me. If I save some penny’s up I’d love the slide aberrations and grip work on my 42.leave my sights(Novak low mount carry) alone. Now back to the regularly scheduled h8 fest.
Other then trigger work and a CT Laser, the 43 is fine. This set of sights would be a no go for me, Sights with trits good, but I would go with a 3 dot set. One in front, two in back. With a laser, you don’t need night sights though so….
Young shooter? You don’t need a laser but wait till you get older and your eyes no longer will focus on the sights. Then try a laser and you will appreciate it.
~
Can we say he’s polishing a turd? I’ve carried my Glock 21 for a service weapon for a long tome and there is no more dependable and reliable hand gun made. I have 10 different Glocks in my safe that I qualify with every quarter with our agency. That being said I also have about 10 different styles of 1911’s that I love to shoot and I qualify on those too.
I must say nothing compares to the feel and form of a good 1911 and my favorite is both my Colt Delta Elite in 10mm.I do wish that one day I could afford a good custom Wilson 1911 just to shoot it and say I own one.
Tj,
“A Hero remembered never dies”
Buhbang, thats not a name, sounds more like an accident. Comparing glocks and 1911’s is apples and oranges. Im not a fan of modifying glocks as they work quite well as they are, but what do I know, ive only depended on them for over 20 years as a leo and in SOF. So, is it your indictment of glock or making mods to it? But, if making mods to a glock is so wrong, why is making mods and improvements to 1911’s so righteous? Bottomline, Shut up your an idiot.
I can’t begin tell you how much I love it when someone says, “your an idiot.”
Most disappointing. A staggered magazine 45 American made weapon”
thats a lot of lipstick on that pig….and after all that, it’s still a glock with the sloppy, over travel trigger.
lets add this up, original glock purchase, then a slightly better trigger purchase, then a after market barrel, then bigger mag & takedown buttons,then a slide, then a bunch of money wasted at wilson for mostly looks and not performance now you have a $1500 glock that still shoots the same and still has the gritty trigger pull, & over travel.
do you ever wonder why glock doesnt do any of this? you could have bought a good gun that doesn’t need any of these mod’s with all that money you blew on this one. my gun came with a match barrel, match S.A. trigger w/ over travel set screw
and shoots easier and better than any glock., but it’s not fair to compare glocks to 1911’s when glocks don’t even come close.
I just laugh when people tell me their glock is a good gun and then tell me about all the parts they replaced as soon as they bought it. and i havent seen any trigger jobs come anywhere close to a 1911 trigger.
this is the part where they know they have lost the argument, and they always whip out the “mine holds 15 rounds”
15 rounds of 9mm. well….I have a 15 round mag too! but in .45 caliber