The Wilson Combat CQB Elite is a full-size .45 ACP 1911 with a hand-fitted 5-inch match-grade stainless barrel, single-action-only trigger, and 8+1 capacity. It weighs 46.60 oz on a stainless steel frame with Black Armor Tuff finish, G10 Starburst grips, ambidextrous safety, fiber optic front sight, and Battlesight rear. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Wilson Combat 
• Model: CQB Elite 
• Caliber: .45 ACP 
• Barrel Length: 5 inches (Match Grade) 
• Capacity: 8+1 rounds 
• Weight: 46.60 oz (2.9 lbs) 
• Frame Material: Stainless Steel 
• Finish Color: Black Armor Tuff 
• Grip Type: G10 Starburst 
• Action Type: Single Action Only (SAO) 
• Safety Features: Ambidextrous safety 
• Sights Configuration: Fiber Optic Front & Battlesight Rear 
   

Detailed Features 

The hand-fitted 5-inch barrel is the core of the CQB Elite's accuracy advantage over production 1911s — fitting is done at the Wilson Combat shop to tight tolerances. The Armor Tuff finish is applied over the stainless frame for corrosion and wear resistance. G10 Starburst grips provide traction without the edge-digging that some aggressive textures cause during extended handling. The Battlesight rear is designed for fast acquisition at close to moderate distances. 
 
Ambidextrous safety makes the pistol equally operable for left- and right-handed shooters. The fiber optic front picks up light quickly for target acquisition. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

Wilson Combat builds the CQB Elite for competitive shooters and serious defensive use. The match-grade barrel and fitted action show clearly in group sizes at the range. At 46.60 oz it is not a carry gun in the traditional sense, but it is well-suited to home defense and competition where weight is not the primary concern.

Owners of the Wilson Combat CQB Elite in .45 ACP consistently describe it as a high-quality, accurate pistol — the kind of feedback that reflects Wilson Combat's positioning as a premium custom-production manufacturer.

Craftsmanship and fit/finish come up in nearly every positive discussion. The pistol feels tight and well-built, and the trigger pull gets frequent praise for being crisp and responsive. Accuracy at the range lives up to the reputation of a hand-fitted match barrel.

The Black G10 grips are mentioned positively for comfort and traction. Some owners prefer different grip texture or size, which comes down to individual hand geometry.

The main friction point in discussions is price. At Wilson Combat's price point, the CQB Elite is not competing with production 1911s — it is competing with other custom-shop guns. Casual shooters sometimes question whether the premium is worth it; competitive shooters and collectors tend to see the value more clearly. Overall ownership sentiment is strongly positive, with the price discussion being the primary qualifier.