Self Defense

Wilson Combat SBR Tactical

By: Dave Bahde

As good as it gets in a do-most-things defensive AR?

When it comes down to my idea of a “working AR rifle” that is equally efficient against predators (with two or more legs) as it is varmints and vermin, a single preference has arisen — an SBR or pistol configuration chambered in 5.56mm/.223 Rem. with a 10 to 11.5-inch barrel. In my mind, a short-barreled AR is a rifle you or anyone in your family — young or old — can grab when needed and offer the ability to confidently engage threats from across the room to 300 meters. Will it do everything? Nope, no rifle can, but it will get the job done for most and in most situations.

With its attractive sculpting and integral trigger guard, the SBR Tactical uses Wilson Combat’s precision-machined billet-aluminum upper and lower receivers as a foundation. In the lower you’ll find an A2-style safety selector, an enlarged Wilson Combat Bullet Proof bolt release, and a Wilson Combat TTU two-stage trigger.

Self Defense/Duty AR

Most tasks required for self-defense or duty are easily accomplished using a 5.56mm/.223 Rem. caliber rifle. Today’s ammunition choices are vast, with controlled expansion loads for across the room, bonded rounds that work well through glass in vehicles or hardened targets, hunting rounds that can provide deep penetration, and long-range-friendly bullets that can get you to 500 meters or more, even with a shorter barrel. All this with minimal recoil, reliable operation, and fired from a platform anyone can use effectively. The versatility of this round is impressive, and overall, it’s probably the most effective option for most people today.

The most versatile barrel length in my experience for the 5.56mm/.223 Rem. is the 10.5 to 11.5-inch range, and completely-reliable short-barreled rifles exist no matter the operating system (direct impingement or piston). Most suppressors still work effectively; you may suck up more gas, but they will work. Terminal ballistics also remain solidly proven with modern ammunition. SBRs (short-barreled rifles) are short enough to wield inside the home yet reach out far enough to protect farms and ranches from predators and vermin that destroy crops and grazing land. In short, an SBR makes for a fantastic base rifle that can be outfitted to do just about anything. And, equipped with a suppressor, they still remain compact and easy to maneuver in confined spaces. Used by professionals in the military and LE alike, a high-quality AR with a 10.5 to 11.5-inch barrel simply gets the job done.

A 10.25-inch M-LOK forend shrouds an 11.30-inch match-grade barrel with a carbine-length gas system, Wilson Combat Lo-Profile gas block, and a 1:7 twist rate. For testing the rifle was equipped with a Surefire X300 weaponlight, Magpul MBUS back-up sight and MVG vertical grip, and a Blue Force Gear Vickers Padded Sling.

Wilson Combat SBR Tactical/Quell Suppressor

Previously waiting a year or so for NFA Form 4 transfer approval was always a problematic component for SBR and suppressor sales, but given today’s shorter wait times (generally 90 days), the SBR has become a more viable option — especially considering the coming changes in what constitutes an “AR pistol.” Wilson Combat has offered an SBR version of their proven Tactical model for years, and it’s still one of the best options out there. Paired with their new Quell sound suppressor, you have a very quiet, lightweight, compact, and effective package for a defensive AR.

The SBR Tactical’s receivers are Wilson Combat’s proven WC-15 billet-aluminum units, fitted with a BCM/Wilson Combat Starburst handgrip, Wilson Rogers Super Stock, and a WC TTU (Tactical Trigger Unit) trigger. The upper receiver gets an M-LOK equipped forend that shrouds an 11.3-inch match-grade barrel with a carbine-length gas system and the company’s Lo-Profile gas block. An 8-inch-barreled version using a pistol-length gas system is also available. The Quell K mount muzzle device/suppressor interface is designed for the barrel length, and when not hosting the suppressor, it provides both flash suppression and recoil mitigation. The bolt-carrier group is a Wilson Combat Premium assembly, the safety selector is an A2 style, and the bolt release is an enlarged Wilson Combat Bullet Proof component. The entire rifle — including the suppressor — was coated in an Urban Camo Armor-Tuff, which is one of a variety of finishes available when ordering.

Treated to the same Urban Camo Armor-Tuff coating as the rest of the rifle, Wilson Combat’s ultra-light (nine ounces) Quell sound suppressor and requisite K-Mount flash-hider/suppressor interface muzzle device were used throughout testing. The Quell’s sound suppression capabilities proved excellent, and its lightweight construction did nothing to upset the rifle’s balance.

Testing Gear

Testing was completed using Trijicon’s MRO Patrol, which, as one might expect, is one of the most popular versions of the MRO for law enforcement. It is equipped with a lightweight but solid QD mount, flip-up lens covers, and a KILLFLASH diffuser. The KILLFLASH primarily prevents your dot from being seen from the front but also eliminates glare. This Wilson Combat Quell Ultralight suppressor is made from titanium and weighs in at a mere nine ounces … you barely notice it’s there. I also added a Blue Force Gear sling and Magpul flip-up MBUS sights and M-LOK MVG forward pistol grip.

The SBR Tactical was topped with Trijicon’s MRO Patrol red-dot and lightweight QD mount for testing. Riding in the upper receiver are a Wilson Combat Premium Bolt Carrier Group and an enlarged, ambidextrous charging handle.

Range Testing

Wilson Combat rifles are always accurate, and the SBR was no exception. My best five-shot group at 100 yards measured in at just under an inch using the Barnes VOR-TX 55 grain TSX load. My preference in these shorter barrels is this lighter grain weight Barnes load or the comparable Black Hills load due to less loss in velocity, but another really solid choice is the Hornady Critical Defense 55-grain load. The latter is generally very accurate and expands perfectly in gel, even when fired out of a short barrel. At the longer ranges, the Black Hills Hornady 60-grain VMAX load won the day, with my best three-shot group measuring under two inches at 200-yards.

The 11.30-inch barrel seems to strike the perfect balance in a self-protection rifle. Even with the added length of a suppressor, it’s plenty maneuverable in tight spaces yet will reach out to reasonable defensive distances. Working around the barricade was easy, and, given the light weight of the suppressor, it never felt barrel heavy. Remove the suppressor, and you have a downright handy package, and the Quell K mount muzzle device was not oppressive at all; loud for sure, but minimal backpressure at the shooter.

Backpressure was noticeable suppressed, as was a tad more felt recoil, but it was very quiet. Gas in the shooter’s face was not excessive, indicating it was tuned at the factory, and running suppressed or unsuppressed did not change operation significantly. With a 9-ounce suppressor, impact shift was also minimal between suppressed and unsuppressed; less than an inch at 100 yards and barely perceptible at the 50-yard zero for the MRO. Basically, for anything 100-yards and under, there’s no need to change your point of aim.

Taking up the rear of the SBR tactical are a Wilson/Rogers Super-Stoc adjustable buttstock with several sling attachment points and a unique Cam-Lock system to eliminate slop, and a Wilson/BCM Starburst handgrip.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, Wilson’s Tactical SBR is an extremely well-built, lightweight, accurate, reliable, and handy rifle that is just about perfect for any self-defense or duty application. Throw a low-power-variable optic on this one, and it’s an easy 500-meter, do-most-things rifle. See the complete line of Wilson combat rifles and pistols at your nearest dealer, or for more info., contact Wilson Combat directly at; Tel.: (800) 955-4856; Web: www.wilsoncombat.com.

Specifications:

Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/.223 Rem.

Receiver Set Billet Aluminum

Barrel: 11.30-inches

OA Length: 28.25-inches

Weight: 6-pounds, 4-ounces

Sights: Flat Top

Stocks/Grips: BCM/Wilson Rogers

Action: Semi-Automatic/Rotating Bolt/Direct Impingement

Finish: Urban Camo Armor-Tuff (ceramic)

Capacity: 30-rounds

Price: $2,775.00 (rifle with camo), Quell Suppressor ($1,049.00)

Using only the non-magnifying Trijicon MRO red dot, the author was able to wring out sub-MOA precision at 100-yards with two of the loads tested and at or near MOA with the other three. Bill Wilson’s various AR platforms never disappoint in the downrange-precision department.

Ammunition Tested Velocity Group Size

Black Hills 55 grain TSX 2956 .97 Inches

Barnes VOR-TX 55 grain TSX 2810 .90 Inches

Remington 69 Grain Match 2500 1.25 Inches

Black Hills 60 Grain VMAX 2890 1.15 Inches

Hornady 55 critical Defense 2850 1.00 Inches

Groups tested from the back of my truck using a bag as a rest. The best group shown over five (5) shot groups from 100 yards. Velocity was measured using a Magneto Speed V3.