Recon Tactical
Wilson Combat · Carbine · In Production · 2012
Also known as: WC Recon Tactical, Wilson Recon Tactical 5.56
Overview
The Wilson Combat Recon Tactical is a premium AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, representing Wilson Combat's vision of a practical, all-purpose tactical carbine for rigorous training, professional use, and demanding field applications. At the heart of every Recon Tactical is Wilson Combat's match-grade, medium-weight stainless steel barrel, precision-machined in their Berryville, Arkansas facility for unsurpassed accuracy and sustained high rates of fire. The rifle features a 16-inch barrel with 1:8 twist rate, intermediate-length gas system for optimal reliability with suppressed or unsuppressed fire, and an NP3-coated bolt carrier group combining submicron PTFE particles with electroless nickel for superior corrosion resistance and lubricity. Additional premium features include Wilson Combat's proprietary single-stage Tactical Trigger Unit (TTU) with 4.5-5 lb pull weight, free-floating handguard, Q-Comp flash hider/compensator, and Armor-Tuff finish. Hand-built by experienced gunsmiths and backed by Wilson Combat's lifetime warranty, the Recon Tactical delivers custom-grade performance for law enforcement professionals and serious civilian shooters.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3175 g (112.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3615 g (127.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 845 mm (33.27") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Direct Impingement |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 22 N (4.9 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 | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| 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
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Match Grade Barrel, Free Float Handguard, Np3 Coated Bcg, Stainless Steel Barrel, Medium Weight Barrel, Single Stage Trigger, Intermediate Length Gas System, Q Comp Flash Hider, Collapsible Stock, Accessory Rail, Forward Assist, Dust Cover, Flat Top Receiver, Picatinny Rail
Variants
- Recon Tactical Fluted — Lightweight
- Recon Tactical 14.7" — Short Barrel
- Recon Tactical 18" — Precision
Service history
Operators
- Arkansas State Police · as Wilson Combat Patrol Carbine
- United States Law Enforcement
- Competitive Shooters
Production
Production years: 2012-present
Exact production numbers not disclosed. Wilson Combat builds rifles to order with significant customization options, resulting in lower volume but higher quality compared to mass-produced ARs.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Bill Wilson
Notes
Wilson Combat was founded by Bill Wilson in 1977 as 'Wilson's Gun Shop' in Berryville, Arkansas, and has grown to become the largest custom firearms company in the United States. The company is particularly renowned for its 1911 handguns and AR-15 rifles. The Recon Tactical represents Wilson Combat's philosophy of building rifles that balance precision accuracy with field durability-medium-weight barrels provide excellent accuracy while managing heat during sustained fire better than lightweight profiles. The NP3 coating on the bolt carrier group is a proprietary self-lubricating finish that reduces friction, enhances reliability, and extends service life significantly beyond standard phosphate-coated BCGs. The intermediate-length gas system (between mid-length and rifle-length) is optimized for 16-inch barrels, providing smoother operation and reduced bolt carrier velocity compared to carbine-length systems. Wilson Combat offers the Recon Tactical in multiple calibers beyond 5.56 NATO, including .300 Blackout, .458 SOCOM, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, and others. Base price starts around $2,524 for non-fluted barrels and $2,575 for fluted variants. Each rifle is individually test-fired for accuracy and function before leaving the factory. The Arkansas State Police selected Wilson Combat carbines for patrol use, testament to the platform's law enforcement credentials.
Background
In the world of AR-15s, the Wilson Combat Recon Tactical occupies a unique position-it's not a military contract weapon or a budget entry point, but rather what happens when a master 1911 gunsmith applies custom pistol-building standards to the AR platform. Every Recon Tactical is hand-built by experienced craftsmen in Arkansas, representing the intersection of precision manufacturing and American gunsmithing tradition. It's the rifle for those who consider their AR-15 an investment, not just a tool.