Wilson Combat Paul Howe Tactical Carbine
Wilson Combat · Carbine · In Production · 2013
Also known as: WC Paul Howe Carbine, Paul Howe Tactical Carbine, PHTC
Overview
The Wilson Combat Paul Howe Tactical Carbine was developed in collaboration with Paul Howe - a decorated former U.S. Army Special Operations soldier, veteran of the Battle of Mogadishu, and respected tactical instructor at his CSAT training facility. Built to Howe's exacting fighting-carbine specifications, the 5.56 NATO model uses a match-grade stainless steel 14.7-inch barrel with deep lightening flutes and a permanently pinned Accu-Tac flash hider (16.1 inches total, keeping it non-NFA), a 1-in-8 twist, mid-length gas system, free-floating handguard, and Wilson Combat's hand-applied Camouflage Armor-Tuff finish. Light, fast-handling, and sub-MOA accurate, it represents a purpose-built duty carbine refined by real-world combat and instructional experience. The line later expanded into precision Paul Howe Tactical rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2835 g (100.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 870 mm (34.25") |
| Barrel Length | 373 mm (14.69") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 20 N (4.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 890 m/s (2920 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1610 J (1187 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Armor Tuff |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56mm NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington
- 6.5mm Creedmoor — also known as 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 CM, 6.5mm CM
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm NATO, 7.62 NATO, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Match Grade Barrel, Fluted Barrel, Stainless Steel Barrel, Lightweight Barrel, Pinned Flash Hider, Free Float Handguard, Mid Length Gas System, Collapsible Stock, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail, Camouflage Finish
Variants
- Paul Howe Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor — Precision
- Paul Howe Tactical .308 Winchester — Battle Caliber
Production
Production years: 2013-present
Wilson Combat builds firearms to order with extensive customization; exact production figures are not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Paul Howe / Bill Wilson
Notes
Original 5.56 carbine: 14.7-inch fluted barrel + pinned flash hider = 16.1-inch total length, ~6.25 lb empty, 34.25-inch OAL, 1:8 twist. Later Paul Howe Tactical models offered in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 with 18-inch barrels on the AR-10. Named for CSAT founder and Mogadishu veteran Paul Howe.
Background
Paul Howe survived the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu as a Delta Force operator and went on to found Combat Shooting and Tactics (CSAT). His Wilson Combat signature carbine distills decades of hard-won lessons into a deliberately uncomplicated, supremely reliable fighting rifle - no superfluous features, just the configuration a working professional actually needs.