started in 1977
Berryville, Arkansas
- 1977 started by Bill Wilson as “Wilson’s Gun Shop” in Berryville, Arkansas
– gunsmith business in the back of the family jewelry store - modified
– 1911-A1
– Smith & Wesson Model 10
– Ruger Single Action Revolvers - 1983 began making custom parts
- 1996 building M1911 pistols in house
- 2000 bought “Scattergun Technologies”
– Wilson Combat Scattergun Technologies
Wilson Combat
Scattergun Technologies
2452 CR 719
Berryville, AR 72616
800-955-4856
wilsoncombat.com
About Wilson Combat
Wilson Combat is a custom firearms maker headquartered in Berryville, Arkansas, and one of the most respected names in the M1911 world. Champion pistol shooter Bill Wilson started the business in 1977 as Wilson’s Gun Shop, doing basic 1911 gunsmithing from a small space behind his family’s jewelry store. Work with competitive shooters, including IDPA co-founder Ken Hackathorn, helped shape the company’s parts and pistols, and in 1996 Wilson Combat began building complete M1911 pistols entirely in-house.
The company expanded into defensive carry guns, AR-15 style rifles and tactical shotguns, and in 2000 it acquired Scattergun Technologies, whose combat shotguns are now sold as Wilson Combat Scattergun Technologies. Later acquisitions include Chip McCormick Custom, Lehigh Defense and New Ultra Light Arms, and the company has produced pistols in partnership with SIG Sauer and Beretta. By its 45th anniversary in 2022, Wilson Combat had grown to more than 200 employees in three states, and in December 2020 American Rifleman reported a manufacturing expansion that added jobs. The company remains based in Berryville as of 2026.
Key Facts
- 1977: Bill Wilson opens Wilson’s Gun Shop in Berryville, Arkansas
- 1996: Begins building complete M1911 pistols in-house
- 2000: Acquires Scattergun Technologies
- December 2020: Manufacturing expansion reported
- 2022: Marks 45th anniversary with more than 200 employees in three states
Sources
Across the Gun Websites Network
- Wilson Combat and Beretta Pistol Buyers Guide.com
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