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56 G&A February 2020 | cArry lArGe everydAy
With the optional magwell installed, the
pistol includes two 18-round magazines.
Unlike the original edc X9, the
X9l uses a fitted bushing.
The trigger is serrated and adjustable for overtravel.
reaching it and the magazine release is comfortable.
Building the EDC X9L started with Wilson Combat’s X-frame,
which is CNC machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum. The
frame is what sets the EDC series apart, as it incorporates the
high-capacity dual-column magazine used by many 9mm handguns
while maintaining the ergonomic and familiar controls of
the M1911A1. Despite the capacity, the X-frame’s grip is actually
smaller in diameter than that of a single-column magazine 1911.
The X-frame doesn’t just hold more rounds than the singlestack,
there are other differences. For starters, there is no separate
mainspring housing and the grip safety has been deleted, which
simplifies the grip contour. The frontstrap and backstraps are
machined with an integral diamond pattern that provides plenty of
purchase without being abrasive to skin or clothing. Four independent
frame rails allow the slide to move with limited friction when
compared to the original M1911 format. Wilson calls them “reliability
enhanced frame rails.” Frames are available with or without
light rails on the dust cover. (G&A’s test model did not wear rails.)
The combination of a built-in magazine funnel and a magazine
that tapers to a single column is conducive to fast reloads.
The steel and polymer magazines are an adaptation of the unit
found on the Walther PPQ M2 and are produced by Mec-Gar
(mec-gar.com). The proprietary 15-round magazines use quarterinch
base pads and fit flush with the bottom of the grip frame,
while the 18-rounders extend just beyond the bottom with the
optional and removeable magazine funnel in-place. The funnel
arches upward on both sides of the frame allowing the shooter
the ability to strip a magazine from the gun in the event of a
malfunction. Specially designed G10 grips attach to the frame
using dovetails, so there are no screws, the result is a slim profile
despite the gun’s capacity. The frame is also cut high under the