The Wilson Combat Protector Elite Carbine is chambered in .300 HAM'R, a Wilson Combat proprietary cartridge designed to deliver substantially more energy than 5.56 NATO from the same AR-15 platform with minimal recoil increase. The 16.25-inch stainless steel match-grade barrel runs in an overall length of 33.25 inches and weighs 6.10 lbs. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Caliber: .300 HAM'R 
• Action: Semi-Auto 
• Barrel Length: 16.25" 
• Overall Length: 33.25" 
• Capacity: 30+1 rounds 
• Weight: 6.10 lbs 
• Finish: Black hard coat anodized aluminum receiver 
• Safety Mechanism: Thumb safety 
• Trigger Type: Tactical trigger 
   

Detailed Features 

The receiver is hard coat anodized aluminum with an Armor-Tuff finish that resists wear. The Wilson/Rogers Super Stoc is synthetic and keeps the weight down while giving a solid cheek weld. The platform is optic-ready — no included irons, so budget for a red dot or scope. The tactical trigger is Wilson Combat's standard upgrade unit, which gives a cleaner break than mil-spec triggers without requiring separate installation. At 6.10 lbs, it's light for what the .300 HAM'R cartridge delivers. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Hunting: The .300 HAM'R produces significantly better terminal performance on deer-sized game than .223 Rem at comparable ranges. 
• Sport Shooting: The match-grade barrel and upgraded trigger support consistent accuracy in precision formats. 
• Home Defense: 30+1 capacity and semi-auto action at under 6.5 lbs makes for a responsive platform. 
   
  Note: .300 HAM'R ammunition is less widely available than 5.56 or .308. Factor in supply and cost before committing to this caliber.

Wilson Combat build quality is the consistent bright spot in Protector Elite feedback. Owners notice the fit and finish immediately — tolerances feel tight and the Armor-Tuff finish holds up through regular use. The .300 HAM'R cartridge gets positive marks for versatility: it handles deer-sized game better than .223 Rem while staying in the AR-15 form factor, and recoil is described as manageable.

The price is the most common criticism. This is a premium-tier carbine, and some buyers feel the cost is hard to justify compared to other AR-pattern rifles, even after accounting for the caliber and Wilson Combat's reputation. The .300 HAM'R cartridge availability is a real practical concern — it's a proprietary round that's nowhere near as stocked as 5.56, which raises the long-term cost of ownership and complicates travel to rural ranges.

Reliability reports are generally clean. The trigger and controls are straightforward for experienced AR users; newer shooters may need time to get comfortable with the platform specifics before running it efficiently.

Overall sentiment is positive among buyers who went in knowing the price and ammo situation.