What's your opinions on Wilsons 1996-A2

Joey

I've had a 1996A2 for several years now. Couldn't be happier with it. To me, they were the "sleeper" of the Wilson line.

This one has been extremely accurate, has a great trigger, tight slide fit and 100% reliability since day one. Literally took it new from the pouch for Level 3 Handgun at Thunder Ranch. Shot about 2600 rounds in 5 days, a mixture of reloads and 3 brands of factory ball with zero malfunctions. Seemed to be a pretty good test for a new gun. Has been no different since...

The only change I'd make to it now would be to add Novak or Wilson tactical sights, as I prefer them to the original design Nite Eyes that were stock at the time.

I've heard various rumors but it would seem Wilson used slides and frames that were of tighter tolerances than Kimber, Wilson parts, trigger jobs and hand fitted barrels.

I'd assume a used one would be $1000 or under depending on it's configuration. http://home.earthlink.net/~jsavant/wilson1996A2.jpg is a pic of mine when it was new.

Thanks for the compliments guys - Been doing professional advertising photos for 18 years along with corporate, annual reports, etc. Some of my work can be seen in current campaign for a major "american" airline.

Biggest problem is it interferes with my range time.

Some of you might recognize this guy - started a dinky little shooting school in Texas http://home.earthlink.net/~jsavant/clint_smith.htm

Ichi's a great still life shooter - enjoy looking at his work. He's probably responsible for selling more guns than anyone in history...

Happy to oblige on tips for lighting or whatever. One of these days I'll finish the website...

The full catalog page from 1997

jiminca - I'd be curious to hear the price range Terry gives you. I've only seen one at a show in the last couple years - it was mint but asking was 1200 IIRC.

Guys

I hope this helps.

Price used as I have seen the 1996A2's depends on the guns and accessories meaning whether it was hard chromed, bomars (which were used), tritium sights, all of the paperwork (test target and the like), and, of course, condition of the gun.

It is hard to give a value as prices are very regional on used high end guns as well as used production guns.

A park, no trit sight, non ambi, with all original stuff (bag, mags, test target, etc.) , should sell in the $1000 plus or minus $100.

Blue add about $50, tritium sights add another $50.

Everything depends on how "hungry" the seller is.

The need to sell is your driving factor on the buy. Most of you guys are hunters in waiting for the perfect shot to come by. Your patience can and will pay off.

I passed on one at $800 at a local show last fall. Well worn with no bag or papers. I was in no need of buying then. To me with the well worn condition and all else it was worth only $500.

A gun with none of the supporting documention does not sell or resell well.

Be safe and keep the brass flying

Terry Peters
http://www.pt-partners.com

P.S. My preference on the Wilson guns is the 1996A2. It was my test/display gun (we had shot about 8 thousand out of it for demo and fun) until someone bought it out of the store. I have never been a big fan of checkering. I like smooth or serrations.

I just got the three guns used in the California DOJ testing by Scott, Mcdougal and Associaties for display and store guns.



[This message has been edited by PT-Partners (edited 03-03-2001).]