Wilson Combat Protector Carbine
Wilson Combat · Carbine · In Production · 2018
Also known as: WC Protector, Wilson Protector Carbine
Overview
The Wilson Combat Protector Carbine is a premium AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle designed from the ground up to deliver true rifle performance in a compact, tactical package. Built around Wilson Combat's match-grade, precision button-rifled barrel mated to a premium bolt carrier group, the Protector represents the company's most accessible entry into hand-built custom AR ownership while retaining the fit, finish, and reliability of their higher-end models. The 16-inch barrel uses a mid-length gas system for smooth, reliable operation, and the rifle ships with a free-floating M-LOK handguard, Q-Comp flash hider/compensator, collapsible stock, and Wilson Combat's BCM Starburst Gunfighter pistol grip. Offered across a broad range of chamberings - 5.56mm NATO, .300 HAM'R, .300 Blackout, and .350 Legend - and finished in durable Armor-Tuff, the Protector is a versatile defensive and general-purpose carbine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3062 g (108.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 864 mm (34.02") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| 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 | 905 m/s (2969 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1640 J (1210 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 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
- .300 HAM'R — also known as 300 HAMR, 300 HAM'R, 7.62x42mm
- .300 AAC Blackout — also known as 300 BLK, .300 Blackout, 7.62x35mm
- .350 Legend — also known as 350 Legend, 9.1x43mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Match Grade Barrel, Button Rifled Barrel, Free Float Handguard, M Lok Rail, Mid Length Gas System, Q Comp Flash Hider, Collapsible Stock, Forward Assist, Dust Cover, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail, Starburst Gunfighter Grip
Variants
- Protector Elite Carbine — Premium
- Protector S Carbine — Stainless Barrel
- Protector Pistol — Pistol
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Wilson Combat builds firearms to order with extensive customization; exact production figures are not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Bill Wilson
Notes
The Protector series spans both carbine and pistol configurations, with Elite (premium billet receivers) and Protector S (stainless barrel) trims. MSRP ranges from roughly $1,795 to $2,342 depending on configuration; camo variants run higher. .300 HAM'R, a Bill Wilson-designed cartridge, is a Protector signature chambering offering 7.62x39mm-class terminal performance from standard AR magazines and bolts.
Background
The Protector line was Wilson Combat's answer to shooters who wanted genuine custom-shop quality without the bespoke price tag of the Recon Tactical or Super Sniper. It quickly became the company's volume AR, proving that a hand-finished, match-barreled fighting carbine could be offered at a comparatively attainable price.