Wilson Combat 1996 A2 .45 ACP 5" Match-Grade 1911 – Early Production, Custom Fiber-Optic Front Sight
This early-production Wilson Combat 1996 A2 is one of the first few hundred pistols that preceded the company’s CQB line, making it a notable piece for shooters and collectors alike. Hand-fitted carbon-steel construction, a match-grade stainless barrel, and a factory retrofit green fiber-optic front sight set this full-size 1911 apart, while the discontinued model status adds scarcity value.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent – Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling Condition: Excellent Rifling – Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor superficial scratches and small blemishes are present on the slide and frame, but the pistol remains in great shape. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Wilson Combat 1996 A2 pistol
- Original Wilson Combat case
- Wilson Combat 1911 Auto Maintenance Manual
- Four 8-round stainless Wilson Combat magazines
Serial number WC000469 places this pistol in the very first run of the 1996 A2 model, underscoring its collectibility. Each early A2 was hand-built and finished in Berryville, Arkansas, featuring a carbon-steel frame and slide that were precision-mated for tight lock-up and long-term durability.
The match-grade 5" stainless barrel and bushing deliver the accuracy Wilson Combat is known for. A factory retrofit green fiber-optic front sight pairs with a low-profile 2-dot rear, giving a bright, fast sight picture without sacrificing snag-free carry characteristics.
Enhanced controls include an extended thumb safety, beavertail grip safety with memory bump, and a skeletonized three-hole aluminum trigger tuned for a crisp break. The skeletonized Commander-style hammer and rear cocking serrations provide positive manipulation and reliable ignition.
An integrated checkered mainspring housing with magazine-well funnel speeds reloads, while checkered hardwood grip panels with gold Wilson medallions add classic aesthetics and secure handling. Discontinued for decades, the 1996 A2 remains a sought-after example of Wilson Combat’s craftsmanship before the advent of the CQB series.