Posted: 1/25/2008 8:49:33 PM EDT
| Wilson's KZ-45 is about $1000 cheaper than their next model in terms of price. Is there a lot of difference with the KZ being a polymer frame pistol vs all steel? Wilson guarantees 1 1/2" @ 25 yds with it. It would seem just the name alone would make it a deal for $1300. Where am I going wrong in my comparison here? Thanks |
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I think that's a double stack magazine. Not saying that's good or bad, just an observation. The cost difference is due to the greatly reduced amount of handwork required to build a polymer frame. No hand checkering, slide fitting, etc. That's my guess. If you haven't already, handle both before you decide. To me, the poly gun feels just like any other poly gun. I'm a Wilson owner, and a big fan, but if I wanted a polymer pistol I'd probably spend 2/3 of that amount and buy something else. BTW, they don't advertise it, but they do make guns with aluminum frames if weight was one of your reasons for considering the KZ. |
Apples and oranges. The KZ is as much a 1911 as a Llama is. They use a different magazine system an external extractor and other proprietary parts that do not interchange with 1911 pistols.
If you want a plastic pistol with some quality and service behind it, then you might consider it. If you want a top performing 1911 pistol, then you are going to regret the decision in the long term (even if you are happy with the performance of the KZ). Lots of people buy KZs because they can't afford Wilson 1911s. Lots of people are impressed with the performance of their KZ. Lots of people sell their KZ on the internet. You can line up the dots however you wish regarding that, but I know that I would be looking for a Wilson 1911 shortly after getting the KZ and having succeeded, I would find the KZ never got use after that. Best bet is to figure out what you truly want and insist upon that. Anything > 1,000 is too much money for a settlement IMO |
I agree with this post, and to it I would add that if you try to re-sell your KZ, you'll take an ass-kicking. The weak resale plus the difficulty and expense of buying extra mags and accessories (mag pouches, for example), make this only a mildly desirable pistol, unless I could buy one at a ridculously low price. This opinion is coming from a devoted Wilson fan. 
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Someone once wrote that Wilson doesn't actually make this model, they sub it out. Now, *I* have no clue if this is true or not, but simply repeating what someone else wrote. I agree with limited parts options & whatnot. Do these not take Para mags or are they proprietary mags? I looked at this model when I shopped for a hi-cap .45acp. I ended up with a USP fullsize. |
The extractors are internal these days. Maybe I'm the exception to the rule, because money was not an issue for me in choosing the KZ 9. The day I bought my KZ I was actually in the gun store with the intention of buying a CQB Elite. I hadn't heard of the KZ, but upon picking it up and trying the trigger, my decision was made. The KZ felt better in my hand than the too-small grip of the traditional 1911. Also, the mag capacity is a huge bonus. These two factors, for me, outweighed the slightly superior accuracy and trigger of the CQB Elite. I find myself not yet regretting the KZ, but YMMV. |