Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit Review

Let’s Dive into Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit

The Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit promises to be an inexpensive and effective upgrade for Browning Hi-Power owners looking to refine their pistol’s action. Coming from Wilson Combat, a name synonymous with high-quality 1911 and handgun parts, expectations are naturally high. I’ve spent years tweaking and tuning firearms, and the allure of a drop-in kit that can potentially improve trigger pull, enhance reliability, and manage recoil is always appealing.

I was looking for a solution to tame the snappy recoil of my Hi-Power and improve its trigger feel without extensive gunsmithing. The promise of reduced power hammer spring for a lighter trigger and recoil springs tailored to different loads piqued my interest. Upon unboxing, the springs are neatly packaged, appearing well-made with a clean finish; they felt a bit lighter gauge than the factory springs, which raised a slight initial concern regarding long-term durability.

Compared to Wolff spring kits, which I’ve historically used and found reliable, the Wilson Combat kit is positioned as a more “custom-tuned” solution, implying a more refined approach. While Wolff offers a range of spring weights, the Wilson Combat kit preselects specific weights designed to work in harmony. Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the kit would deliver on its promises of improved performance and smoother operation.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit in my Browning Hi-Power at my local outdoor range. The weather was mild and dry, typical conditions for a pleasant range day. Installation was straightforward, though I did notice the reduced power hammer spring felt significantly lighter than the factory spring during installation.

The initial results were mixed. The reduced power hammer spring did lighten the trigger pull, but not as drastically as I had hoped, and the trigger reset became noticeably weaker, occasionally failing to reset entirely. Using the extra power recoil spring with factory ammunition, felt recoil was indeed slightly reduced, but the pistol’s cycling became sluggish, with some failures to eject.

Extended Use & Reliability

After approximately 500 rounds with the Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit, the issues became more pronounced. The reduced power hammer spring consistently caused light strikes, especially with harder primers. The extra power recoil spring continued to induce cycling issues, while the reduced power recoil spring failed to reliably cycle factory ammunition.

Durability-wise, the springs showed no immediate signs of physical wear, but their performance degraded significantly over time, with the hammer spring losing even more tension. Maintaining the pistol was no different than usual, but the inconsistent performance of the springs made me question their overall reliability. Compared to my previous experiences with Wolff springs, which have always provided consistent and reliable performance, the Wilson Combat kit was a clear disappointment.

Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit

Specifications

The Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit for the Browning Hi-Power includes the following components:

• 26# Reduced Power Hammer Spring: Designed to reduce trigger pull weight by decreasing hammer tension.
• 12# Reduced Power Recoil Spring: Intended for use with reduced power or target ammunition.
• 18 1/2# Extra Power Recoil Spring: Meant for full-power factory loads, aiming to improve feeding and extend pistol life.
• Extra Power Firing Pin Spring: To increase firing pin spring tension, allegedly adding drop safety.

These specifications are intended to provide a balanced approach to tuning the pistol’s action. However, the specific spring weights may not be optimal for all pistols or ammunition types, which is a crucial consideration.

Performance & Functionality

The performance of the Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit was inconsistent at best. The reduced power hammer spring did decrease trigger pull weight, but at the cost of reliability, as light strikes became a recurring issue. The recoil springs offered marginal benefits, but introduced cycling problems, indicating a poor balance between spring force and slide velocity.

The kit’s strength lies in its potential to fine-tune the pistol’s recoil impulse, but its weakness is its tendency to compromise reliability in exchange for minor performance gains. Overall, the kit failed to meet my expectations, as the reliability issues outweighed any perceived benefits.

Design & Ergonomics

The springs themselves are well-made from high-tensile steel, as Wilson Combat states. The weight differences are immediately noticeable when handling the springs compared to the factory components. The lighter hammer spring contributes to a slightly smoother hammer cocking action, but this is overshadowed by the subsequent reliability issues.

The installation process is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and knowledge of Hi-Power disassembly. There is a slight learning curve in determining which recoil spring is best suited for specific ammunition, but experimentation is necessary.

Durability & Maintenance

The springs appear to be durable in terms of physical integrity, but their functional lifespan seems limited, particularly the hammer spring. Routine cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain optimal performance, but even with proper care, the kit’s issues persist. The springs themselves require no specific maintenance other than what is standard for firearms.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit is primarily a drop-in replacement for existing springs. There are no included accessories beyond the springs themselves. The kit does not directly interface with other accessories, such as optics or grips, but can indirectly affect their performance.

The primary customization option is selecting the appropriate recoil spring for specific ammunition types. There is no inherent compatibility issue with other brands’ accessories, but the overall performance of the pistol may be affected by the spring kit’s impact on cycling and reliability.

Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit

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Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit?

The Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit is best suited for experienced gun owners and gunsmiths who are comfortable troubleshooting potential reliability issues. It could be useful for those who want to experiment with different spring weights and are willing to spend time fine-tuning their pistol’s action.

This product should be skipped by novice gun owners or those who prioritize absolute reliability above all else. The potential for light strikes and cycling issues makes this kit unsuitable for self-defense or duty firearms.

A must-have modification if you decide to pursue the Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit is a selection of different factory weight or slightly heavier hammer springs, in case the included spring causes light strikes.

Conclusion on Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit

The Wilson Combat Custom-Tune Spring Kit promises much but delivers inconsistently. While the kit offers the potential to reduce trigger pull weight and fine-tune recoil impulse, the reliability issues it introduces outweigh the benefits. The value proposition is questionable, as the $9.65 price tag is attractive, but the potential for malfunctions can be costly in terms of frustration and ammunition wasted.

I would not personally recommend this kit for most users. The potential for reliability issues makes it a risky proposition, especially for those who rely on their firearms for self-defense or competition. A better approach is to invest in high-quality factory replacement springs or seek the services of a qualified gunsmith for more comprehensive tuning.