{"id":1284,"date":"2024-09-04T00:19:32","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T00:19:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1284"},"modified":"2024-09-04T00:19:33","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T00:19:33","slug":"wilson-combat-edc-x9-2-0-review-compensated-perfection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1284","title":{"rendered":"Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 Review: Compensated Perfection"},"content":{"rendered":"<div> <!-- image --><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\">\n<figure> <noscript><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-review-feature-768x496.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 Review: Compensated Perfection\" title=\"Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 Review: Compensated Perfection\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Wilson Combat EDC X9 is the next step in the evolution of one of the best self-defense handguns ever created.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-we-hit-the-range-to-test-out-wilson-combat-s-compensated-edc-x9-2-0\"><strong>We hit the range to test out Wilson Combat\u2019s compensated EDC X9 2.0.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Not only is the 1911 pistol iconic, but it\u2019s also a timeless design that\u2019s more popular a century after Colt introduced it than it ever has been. But that doesn\u2019t mean the 1911, with its linked barrel, single-action operation and non-pivoting trigger, hasn\u2019t been improved on.<\/p>\n<p>These improvements\u2014at least for 1911-style pistols chambered in 9mm\u2014go way beyond an enhanced grip and thumb safeties. Wilson Combat\u2019s introduction of the EDC X9 pistol marked a significant shift in the 9mm 1911. In 2017, I declared it the best self-defense pistol ever made. I still believe that.<\/p>\n<p>I also believe the new EDC X9 2.0 is an upgraded version of \u201cbest.\u201d<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-wilson-combat-edc-x9-2-0-w-compensator-specs\"><strong>Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 w\/Compensator Specs:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><strong>Chambering:<\/strong> 9mm Luger<br \/><strong>Barrel Length: <\/strong>2.35 Inches<br \/><strong>Overall Length:<\/strong> 7.4 Inches<br \/><strong>Sight Radius:<\/strong> 5 Inches<br \/><strong>Height:<\/strong> 5.25 Inches<br \/><strong>Width:<\/strong> 1.4 Inches<br \/><strong>Weight:<\/strong> 28.6 Ounces (empty)<br \/><strong>Finish:<\/strong> Armor Tuff<br \/><strong>Sight:<\/strong> Wilson Combat Concealment Battlesight rear, fiber optic front<br \/><strong>Capacity:<\/strong> 15 Rounds<br \/><strong>Grips:<\/strong> Black G10 w\/starburst pattern<br \/><strong>Price:<\/strong> $3,564.95 (as tested) ; $3,307 (base price)<br \/><strong>Website:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/wilsoncombat.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wilsoncombat.com<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-columns gb-layout-columns-2 gb-2-col-equal\">\n<div class=\"gb-layout-column-wrap gb-block-layout-column-gap-2 gb-is-responsive-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros\"><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>An impressively shootable carry pistol<\/li>\n<li>The compensated model allows for faster, more accurate follow-up shots<\/li>\n<li>New grip panel options can provide improved ergonomics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-column gb-block-layout-column\">\n<div class=\"gb-block-layout-column-inner\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cons\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Very expensive<\/li>\n<li>Compensator can blow gas back at the shooter in certain positions<\/li>\n<li>Compensator adds additional length and weight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-edc-x9\"><strong>The EDC X9<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Wilson Combat machines the EDC X9\u2019s slide from 416R stainless steel, with a weight reducing, trimmed down, tri-cut-like top. It comes standard with a Wilson Combat Battlesight rear sight and a fiber-optic front sight. The pistol also utilizes the Wilson Combat Enhanced Reliability System (ERS). This is a proprietary system designed to optimize functioning with the varying power levels of 9mm ammunition. The pistol feeds from a double-stacked magazine, but the EDC X9\u2019s real <em>1911<\/em> innovation was the grip frame, which includes a one-piece backstrap that replaces the common 1911 grip safety.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-battelsight.jpg\" alt=\"EDC-X9-2-battelsight\" class=\"wp-image-295413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-battelsight.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-battelsight-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-battelsight-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-battelsight-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-battelsight-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-battelsight-650x420.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Wilson Combat Concealment Battlesight is a highly visible but snag-free rear sight.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I was so smitten with the EDC X9 when I evaluated it in 2017, I purchased it immediately. Since then, that pistol has spent a lot of time on my side, and I\u2019ve fired thousands of rounds through it. I\u2019ve also recommended the pistol to several others who ended up purchasing one and loving it just as much as I do. When I\u2019ve let people shoot my EDC X9, the most common reaction is an audible, \u201cWow!\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-edc-x9-2-0-upgrades\"><strong>EDC X9 2.0 Upgrades<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>You might say the 2.0 upgrades to the EDC X9 are subtle \u2026 but substantive. The EDC X9 2.0 features an all-new solid aluminum X-Frame frame design. This change makes the pistol more versatile because now it offers interchangeable grip panels much like with original 1911 pistols. Wilson Combat currently offers six different grip packages for the EDC X9 2.0, and it comes standard with the Wilson Combat Concealment Battlesight rear sight, and a green or red fiber-optic front sight.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator\" class=\"wp-image-295414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-295414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensator-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The compensator option for the EDC X9 2.0 is an expensive upgrade to an existing EDC X9 but an affordable option on a new EDC X9 2.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Another notable option is for a compensated barrel: You can add it to an existing EDC X9, or even one of the SFX pistols, but the cost is a bit steep at around $1,800\u2014the retrofit requires a new slide. If you\u2019re ordering a new EDC X9 2.0, the upgrade to a compensated barrel is only $257.95, and the option is available on either a 3.25- or 4.0-inch pistol. The comp does add a bit of length and weight to the pistol. With a comp, the 3.25-inch EDC X9 2.0 essentially becomes the same size as the original 4-inch EDC X9 without a comp.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison\" class=\"wp-image-295415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-650x420.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-295415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-650x420.jpg 650w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 3.25-inch barrel Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 with a compensator is nearly identical in size and weight to the 4.0-inch barrel original EDC X9.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You can purchase a base model EDC X9 at various dealers, and some come with what I call standard options, like an accessory rail, a frame-integrated magwell with 18-round magazines, a compensator and an ambi-safety. However, if you order directly from Wilson Combat, the options are almost endless and include a True Zero optics mount, suppressor height sights, short trigger, flat trigger, Tritium front sight, slide engravings and various color options. Of course, Wilson Combat adjusts the price for these additional goodies accordingly.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2\" class=\"wp-image-295416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-295416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-size-comparison-2-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-reliability\"><strong>Reliability<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If there\u2019s one area where Wilson Combat pistols are generally impeccable, its reliability; they tend to run flawlessly. So, I was a bit surprised that the EDC X9 2.0 comped pistol was initially giving me some problems.<\/p>\n<p>Just to get familiar with the pistol, I began my range time using re-manufactured Wilson Combat 135-grain HBFP ammo at 950 fps. These were light loads, and I was having some cycling issues. Sometimes the slide would capture the empty case in the ejection port\u2014a stove pipe\u2014and sometimes the pistol would fail to feed.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated\" class=\"wp-image-295417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated-650x420.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated.jpg\" alt=\"Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-295417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Wilson-Combat-EDC-X9-2-compensated-650x420.jpg 650w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ordered direct from Wilson Combat, you can dress the EDC X9 2.0 up just about any way you like. This version has an ambi-safety, suppressor height sights, an integrated magwell and an 18-round magazine, a compensator, and the True Zero optics mount with a Trijicon SRO reflex sight.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I thought the load might have not had enough gas to drive the compensated slide, but I found it hard to accept the fact that a Wilson Combat pistol was <em>out of the box <\/em>unreliable. I had a little can of Ballistol in my range bag, and thinking a bit of lubrication might help, I gave the pistol a couple squirts.<\/p>\n<p>Afterward, it ran perfectly with everything I put through it, which amounted to an additional 450 rounds using 10 different loads, which included everything from CCI Blazer to Federal HST. After the juicing, the gun <em>never<\/em> hiccuped.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-precision\"><strong>Precision<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>I evaluated six loads for record out of the EDC X9 2.0 pistol, and the exercise was more a measure of my marksmanship than a test of how accurately the pistol shot. If I did my part while shooting five-shot groups from a sandbag rest at 10 yards, you could cover every group with a quarter.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes I didn\u2019t do my part, and a single stray would open the group a bit. The test target supplied with the pistol was a three-shot group fired at 15 yards that measured 0.58 inch. Most of the first three shots I fired for every group were about that size.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-shooting-results\"><strong>Shooting Results<\/strong><\/h4>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>LOAD<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>MV<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>SD<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>ENG<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>PRECISION<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lehigh Defense 90-grain XD<\/td>\n<td>1,293<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<td>334<\/td>\n<td>0.97<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Wilson Combat 115-grain TACXP +P<\/td>\n<td>1,098<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<td>308<\/td>\n<td>1.12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>CCI 115-grain Blazer FMJ (brass)<\/td>\n<td>1,125<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>323<\/td>\n<td>1.37<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nosler 115-grain ASP JHP<\/td>\n<td>1,081<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>298<\/td>\n<td>1.14<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Federal 124-grain HST<\/td>\n<td>1,123<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>347<\/td>\n<td>1.07<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Wilson Combat 124-grain XTP HP +P<\/td>\n<td>1,123<\/td>\n<td>16<\/td>\n<td>347<\/td>\n<td>1.31<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">NOTES: Average muzzle velocity (MV), standard velocity deviation (SD), and muzzle energy (ENG), were established by firing 10 shots over a Caldwell G2 chronograph with the screens positioned 10 feet from the muzzle. Listed precision was established by firing three, five-shot groups with each load from a sandbag rest at 10 yards.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I\u2019m betting the guy who does the accuracy testing for Wilson Combat can shoot better than I can, but I\u2019ll also bet this pistol can shoot better than you can. It comes with a 1.5-inch accuracy guarantee at 25 yards\u2014unfortunately, your humble correspondent does not. I might better represent the precision this pistol is capable of with the two-shot strings I fired after drawing from the holster at 25 yards. More often than not, at that distance I was getting two hits on an 8-inch steel plate in\u2014on average\u2014about 4 seconds.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-compensated-advantage\"><strong>The Compensated Advantage<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Why a compensator? A comp on a pistol reduces muzzle rise by diverting gases upward at the muzzle. In theory, this allows you to make follow-up shots faster. But how much of an advantage is it really?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target.jpg\" alt=\"EDC-X9-2-review-target\" class=\"wp-image-295418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target.jpg\" alt=\"EDC-X9-2-review-target\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-295418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/EDC-X9-2-review-target-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">While performing the step back drill, the Wilson Combat EDC X9 2.0 (comped) performed better than any open sighted pistol the author has attempted this drill with.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Since I already own an original uncompensated EDC X9, I was able to do some side-by-side comparisons to measure this advantage while also testing the new EDC X9 2.0. I ran both pistols through two of my most-used shooting drills, and to prevent getting too familiar with each pistol during the process, I\u2019d run each drill twice with each pistol \u2026 and then switch.<\/p>\n<p>On the Forty-Five Drill, which requires you to draw and fire five shots into a 5-inch circle at 5 yards in less than 5 seconds, I failed to get all five hits four times with each pistol. Overall, it looks like I shot the original EDC X9 better\u2014I got more hits with it\u2014but you must look at the times to get the clear picture.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill.jpg\" alt=\"forty-five-drill\" class=\"wp-image-295419\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill.jpg\" alt=\"forty-five-drill\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-295419\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/forty-five-drill-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>With the original EDC X9, if I didn\u2019t run the drill in less than 3.0 seconds, I was able to get all my hits. With the comped EDC X9 2.0, I had to keep my times slower than 2.6 seconds to get all my hits. If we look a little deeper, and only compare the clean runs, we find that the EDC X9 2.0 (comped) pistol was 4\/10ths of a second\u2014almost 13 percent\u2014faster.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Forty-Five Drill Results:<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>ATTEMPT<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>EDC X9 (original)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>EDC X9 (original)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>EDC X9 2.0 (comped)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>EDC X9 2.0 (comped)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td\/>\n<td><strong>TIME<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>HITS<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>TIME<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>HITS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>1<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>3.28<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>2.99<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>3.03<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>2.79<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>3<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>3.07<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>2.58<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>4<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>2.79<\/td>\n<td>3<\/td>\n<td>2.62<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>5<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>2.92<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>2.65<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>6<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>2.89<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>2.40<\/td>\n<td>2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>7<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>3.14<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>2.59<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>8<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>3.15<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>2.55<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>9<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>2.96<\/td>\n<td>4<\/td>\n<td>2.63<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>10<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>3.07<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<td>2.65<\/td>\n<td>5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>AVERAGES TOTALS:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>3.03<\/td>\n<td>45 of 50<\/td>\n<td>2.65<\/td>\n<td>43 of 50<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Here you can see how much a compensator can help when you\u2019re trying to get multiple hits as fast as possible.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Step Back Drill, which you could also call the \u201chammers,\u201d \u201cdouble-taps\u201d and \u201ccontrolled pairs\u201d drill, is more dependent on accuracy than speed. In this drill, you start at 5 yards and draw and hit an 8-inch plate twice. You then \u201cstep back\u201d to 10, 15, 20 and 25 yards and repeat the two-shot string at each distance. You also time each segment separately, with the goal of getting 10 hits in less than 20 seconds.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3.jpg\" alt=\"step-back-drill-3\" class=\"wp-image-295420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3.jpg\" alt=\"step-back-drill-3\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-295420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/step-back-drill-3-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>There wasn\u2019t enough difference in the hits and misses to really matter, and though the compensator was less of an advantage, its benefit was still apparent. Average times with the EDC X9 2.0 were three-quarters of a second\u2014about 5 percent\u2014faster. Also, I had six clean runs with the comped pistol and only four with the original EDC X9.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-back-drill-results\"><strong>Step Back Drill Results:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>ATTEMPT<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>EDC X9 (original)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>EDC X9 (original)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>EDC X9 2.0 (comped)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>EDC X9 2.0 (comped)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td\/>\n<td><strong>TIME<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>HITS<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>TIME<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>HITS<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>1<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>15.22<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td>13.09<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>15.79<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>13.99<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>3<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>16.32<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>14.58<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>4<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>16.70<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>15.77<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>5<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>16.12<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<td>16.30<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>6<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>14.88<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>16.22<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>7<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>15.18<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>14.60<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>8<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>15.55<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<td>14.77<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>9<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>15.04<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>14.12<\/td>\n<td>8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>10<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>15.15<\/td>\n<td>9<\/td>\n<td>15.55<\/td>\n<td>10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>AVERAGES TOTALS:<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>15.60<\/td>\n<td>92 of 100<\/td>\n<td>14.90<\/td>\n<td>94 of 100<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Though a compensator offers its best advantage during fast-paced high-volume shooting, it\u2019s also beneficial when firing hammers, double-taps or controlled pairs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-verdict\"><strong>The Verdict<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>I think it\u2019s safe to say that the 3.25-inch comped EDC X9 will let you shoot just as accurately\u2014and measurably faster\u2014than you can with an original 4.0-inch EDC X9. I also think the grip panel upgrade on the 2.0 EDC X9 makes for a better and slightly more comfortable pistol in-hand.<\/p>\n<p>All that said, I\u2019m still not exactly sure how I feel about a compensator on a carry gun. It does add to the length and that gas blowing up your chest near your face is a bit disconcerting when you\u2019re shooting from the retention position.<\/p>\n<p>However, I\u2019m still convinced the EDC X9\u2014original or 2.0\u2014is the best self-defense handgun currently offered by any manufacturer. No doubt, the damned thing is expensive, and you\u2019ll have to decide if its base price of $3,307, and then the additional cost of the compensator, is worth it. That\u2019s a lot of money to spend for a pistol, but reliable, accurate and easy-to-shoot perfection doesn\u2019t come cheap\u2014never has, never will.<\/p>\n<p>Also, knowing you\u2019ve finally found <em>the gun<\/em> is very comforting. It means you can finally quit shopping and pontificating \u2026 and start concentrating on training.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gundigestservice.com\/customer\/subscribe.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>More Handgun Reviews:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-32\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<div style=\"border: 2px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #333; text-align: center;\">Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack<\/h2>\n<p>Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter<\/strong> and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Wilson Combat EDC X9 is the next step in the evolution of one of the best self-defense handguns ever created. We hit the range to test out Wilson Combat\u2019s compensated EDC X9 2.0. Not only is the 1911 pistol iconic, but it\u2019s also a timeless design that\u2019s more popular a century after Colt introduced [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gun-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1284"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1286,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284\/revisions\/1286"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}