Hey everyone, this is Shooting Illustrated bringing you another episode of “I Carry.” In today’s feature, we’re showcasing the Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1 9 mm pistol and some related gear as a special kit for Independence Day. Let’s take a closer look at this setup:
Firearm: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1 (MSRP: $3,995)
It’s America’s birthday! We wanted to showcase something special today, so we’ve got the new Division 77 Project 1 pistol from Wilson Combat. This is a from-the-ground-up custom pistol, based on the excellent EDC X9, that represents the very first offering from Division 77, which is the “Skunkworks,” if you will, of Wilson Combat. Yeah, take a moment and let that sink in. Wilson Combat, known for its top-shelf firearms, especially the venerable 1911, now has its own custom shop to make even better pistols. Whoa.
From a concealed-carry standpoint, the Division 77 P1 pistol is only marginally larger than a standard, Government model 1911. It has a 5-inch barrel, an 8.7-inch overall length, 5.5-inch height and 1.4-inch width, mainly due to the ambidextrous thumb safeties. Weight is 33.8 ounces, which is less than a standard, all-steel Government 1911. The Division 77 P1 is slightly longer owing to the multi-ported compensator which helps reduce felt recoil. Also, Wilson Combat ships each P1 with three 18-round magazines, so there’s plenty of on-board capacity.
But, let’s be honest with ourselves here. Concealing a pistol as beautiful as the Division 77 Project 1 just wouldn’t be right, would it? Wilson Combat has added both functional and aesthetic upgrades to this double-stack 1911 pistol, with clever, sculpted grooves both at the rear of the slide and toward the muzzle to help with administrative functions. There are serrations running the length of the top of the slide to reduce glare, while corners and edges are artistically beveled to facilitate a smooth draw. Add in copper accents to highlight the black Armor-Tuff finish, and there’s no question the P1 will draw attention.
Looks aren’t all, though: This is a Wilson Combat pistol, after all, and it’s designed to function above everything else. An oversize magazine well facilitates rapid reloads, while Wilson’s Trak texturing covers the G10 grips, frontstrap and backstrap to help anchor the P1 in the hand. Thanks to the pistol’s heft and the compensated barrel, though, felt recoil is next to nothing. The trigger is superlative, controls are intuitive; it’s everything you’d expect from a Wilson Combat handgun. If you wanted to compete with the Division 77 Project 1, you absolutely could.
And what better way to spend America’s birthday than on the range, showing off a custom Wilson Combat pistol while getting in some practice?
Holster: Galco Concealable 2.0 Belt Holster (MSRP: $172)
We’ve gone with tradition for the holster in today’s kit and picked Galco’s excellent Concealable 2.0 Belt Holster. Constructed of premium steerhide with double-stitched seams for longevity, the Concealable 2.0 Belt Holster features a two-piece construction, where the portion of the holster that rides against the body is curved and flat, while the molding for the specific handgun is on the front piece. This allows the holster to stay closer to the body to aid in concealment.
Additionally, the Concealable 2.0 Belt Holster features a slightly forward cant to aid in the draw stroke as well as a raised sweat guard to separate the pistol and the wearer’s body. There’s a deep channel for the front sight, and the holster is cut to accommodate powered optics, should one be added to the slide of the pistol. Concealable 2.0 Belt Holsters are available for right- and left-handed shooters, and are available in the tan we have today or in black.
Accessory: Galco SB7 Fancy-Stitched Holster Belt (MSRP: $149)
We’ve upgraded our carry belt in honor of today’s patriotic, upscale rig and chosen a Galco SB7 Fancy-Stitched Holster Belt to the kit. This double-thickness belt is designed to make carrying your handgun easier, offering a super sturdy belt that helps distribute the weight across a larger section of body. This particular belt offers eye-catching stitching and matches the holster color. It’s also available in black with nickel-finish hardware.
Accessory: Galco DMC Double Magazine holder (MSRP: $109)
Galco’s DMC double-magazine holster is the last piece in our special Independence Day kit and matches the holster and belt. Whether it’s to show off the extra 18-round magazines that come with the Division 77 Project 1, or simply to have extra rounds for practice, this leather magazine carrier is constructed of premium steerhide and features screw-retention adjustment. It is available in the tan we have today as well as black and Havana brown.
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