Wilson Combat is proud to announce the return of one of its most iconic concealed carry pistols: the Sentinel, the smallest 1911 ever produced by Wilson Combat. Reintroduced to meet popular demand and now joined by the all-new Sentinel XL, the platform combines classic 1911 craftsmanship with modern manufacturing precision to deliver two distinct pistols purpose-built for deep concealment without compromising shootability or reliability.
Originally developed to provide serious defensive capability in the smallest practical 1911 platform, the Sentinel quickly earned a reputation among experienced carriers who wanted true 1911 performance in an ultra-compact form. With its abbreviated 3.6" slide and shortened grip frame — a full half-inch shorter than Wilson Combat's Compact — the pistol was engineered to disappear under light clothing while still delivering the accuracy, trigger quality, and confidence expected from a Wilson Combat handgun.
The relaunch honors that legacy while introducing a second configuration for carriers who want a little more sight radius and a lot less carry weight. The new Sentinel XL pairs the same sized sub-compact Sentinel grip frame with a 4" Compact-length slide and an aluminum frame that is 60% lighter than a comparable steel frame. The result is a pistol that wears smaller than the base Sentinel at 27.6 ounces empty — lighter than the 35.6-ounce steel Sentinel — while offering a longer sight radius, softer recoil, and faster follow-up shots. For shooters who want something beyond 9mm, the Sentinel XL is also available in .38 Super, a cartridge Bill Wilson has chambered in custom 1911s since the early days of Wilson Combat.
Both pistols are hand-fit in Berryville, Arkansas by experienced Wilson Combat pistolsmiths, backed by the company's 1.5-inch-at-25-yards accuracy guarantee, and feature premium components throughout including a match-grade stainless barrel, Bullet Proof® thumb safety, fiber optic front sight with serrated Battlesight rear, and a crisp 3.5–4.5 lb trigger pull.
THE SENTINEL FAMILY
Sentinel (9mm) — MSRP $4,085
The original. Carbon steel frame, 3.6" hand-fit cone barrel, 8+1 capacity, 35.6 oz empty. High-ride Bullet Proof® beavertail, Black G10 slim-line grips, contoured magwell. The smallest all-steel 1911 Wilson Combat has ever built.
Sentinel XL (9mm) — MSRP $4,535
The shootable sub-compact. Aluminum frame (60% lighter than steel), 4" Compact slide, 8+1 capacity, 27.6 oz empty. Concealment Bullet Proof® beavertail and hammer, Black Cherry ultra-thin grips, fluted barrel and chamber, 30 LPI slide-top serrations.
Sentinel XL (.38 Super) — MSRP $4,535
The same Sentinel XL platform, chambered in the flat-shooting, high-velocity .38 Super cartridge Bill Wilson has championed since 1977.
All three models are available to order now at wilsoncombat.com or by contacting a Wilson Combat sales representative at 800-955-4856. Each pistol is hand-fit to order; lead times vary by configuration and current demand.