[sm]

Magazines

I was out with one of my 1911's, this one runs with any mag and any bullet, some call that boring, I call it reliable.

Now part of of what I want to know is the "old timers" I say this with all due respect, those that know me understand what and how I use this term. You shooters still use 7 rd mags? How about the "GI" mag? Or have you succumbed to the new and improved 8 rds mags.

Younger bunch, tyros, whom have limited experience, range only , and even those younger that play the games and run and gun.

Just curious how this sorts out. Mainly Interested in Carry Mags. When the 1911 HAS to work everytime. What you bet your life on.

Funny, I shot a 1911 as old as myself, mags too. Put these mags in my gun and it ran 'em everytime. I also got nostalgic when all I used to do was count 7 + 1...publik skooling didn't get me to 8+ 1...took a bit to figure that out. The blueing on these old mags were -well-well worn, had to take apart from the top, dimple on follower...I miss these old gun/mags no frill pcs.

So what's in your magwell...when its life or death ?

[clubsoda22]

Wilson combat mags (These will never fail), loaded with aguila IQ. This stuff is brutal, aluminum bullets that fragment or penetrate depending on target density. Either fragments into 4 sharp pieces in soft tissues or collapses into a point. I've seen picture of these bullets penetrating 3/4" bulletproof glass followed by 12" of gelatin.

[Rob96]

Colt factory mags or Chip McCormick Power Mags.

[ruger357]

Wilson combat.

[Marko Kloos]

My 1911 magazines are mostly 8-round CMC Shooting Stars...never had a problem with them. Two of my mags are the factory-supplied Springfield 7-round magazine made by Metalform, and those have been working without issues as well. The CMC mags are 2/3 the price of a Wilson, and I'll keep buying CMC as long as my Springfield likes them.

[Kharn]

I think they're 8 round McCormicks (would have to check to be sure), but they're each loaded with 7 rounds of Winchester Whitebox Value Pack (college kid = no money for 400 rounds of hollow points to do function checks on my two 1911s, so I stick with ball).

Kharn

[45auto]

My 8 rounders have been great, Wilson, CMC and Mec-gar.

I did have to replace the springs on the Wilson when they start to malfunction. It's predictable though! First, they fail to lock the slide back, then after awhile the last shot(8th) will not feed... sometimes. Replace the springs and no problem. Same for the shooting star mags.

From what I READ, the 7 rounders will last a lot longer without replacing the springs.
The biggest difference for me is how much harder it is to seat the 8 rounder on a reload with one in the chamber. I could envision "problems" with that without constant practice. 7 rounders are a "breeze" to reload.

If I were to play "armchair commando" I'd have 9 shots in the gun and 7 round mags for backup.
On the range, 8 rounders because they are reliable and I shoot enough to see potential problems.

If I were to buy a mag that wasn't going to be shot much, meaning forget about it, I would buy a high quality 7 rounder with an extra power spring.

I don't know if downloading a high quality 8 rounder to 7, is the same reliabilty and durability as a "designed" 7 rounder?
Anyone know?

[themic]

primary: 8 rounder blue kimber (flat bottom, blue)
backup: 8 rounder stainless wilson (with that cute rubber bumper)
range only: 7 rounder colt (flat, blue)

[Dave T]

I got my first handgun 36 years ago so I might qualify as one of your "old timers". I'm also a retired LEO and have been carrying legally as a civilian for 9 years.

The answer to your question is one simple word: Wilson!

I have 8 round Wilsons in my full size guns and 7 round Wilsons in my short butt models. If your government size 1911 doesn't like the 8 round version, it will no doubt like the 7 round full size magazines. The answer is still Wilson (for you nit-pickers: Wilson/Rogers).

[MarineTech]

I use Wilson Combat mags in my carry 1911s.

[DMK]

Chip McCormick's 8 round "Shooting Stars" have never failed me.

For practice, I use a lot of those cheap 7 round GI mags, but I wouldn't bet my life on 'em.

[Sean Smith]

8-round Colt magazines with Wolff XP mag springs in my Delta Elite. The 9 round 10mm magazines I have tried were not dependable.

In .45 ACP guns I've always used the Wilson #47DC (8 round, stainless w/low profile black steel base pad). Never had any issues with them.

[Soap]

I have Wilson mags for my 1911. I've heard first hand accounts of McCormick springs dying early while doing heavy training. Plus there are a bunch of 1911 mags out there that just don't work very well. I really don't understand how the USGI mags don't work well in most modern 1911s. A little silly don'tcha think?

[Mike Irwin]

I believe I'm using 8 round Shooting Star magazines.

[mpthole]

Interesting... I'm new to the whole 1911 thing and haven't gotten the chance to try out any other mags. But, I just ordered some mags from a company called Metalform (http://www.metalformmagazines.com/index.html). Supposedly they supply Colt, Kimber and Springfield Armory with their mags. I'm hoping they work out well. If not, guess I'll have to pick up some Wilson or Chip McCormick.

[Sean Smith]

The only real problem I've heard about Metalforms (and CMC) is that the mag bodies wear out eventually (after lots of hard use), compared to the Wilsons or CMC PowerMags, which have stronger/thicker mag tubes. Specifically, the feed lips take a pounding, and rarely the welds on the bottom will give out.

Modern 8 round mags in my experience run just fine, but lose spring tension faster because there is less spring to make room for the extra round.

[Mute]

CMC Shooting Star 8 round mags for my full size 1911s. 7 Round metalforms for my shorter 1911's.

Usually full mag + 1 chambered and two spare mags. Loaded and 1 spare mags are 230gr. Winchester Ranger-T. Other spare mag is 230gr. ball. That's what I typically have on hand.

[Delmar]

Have had a bit o trouble with the Shooting Star 8-round mags not applying the slide stop after the last round fired. Have 2 shooting star and 2 Colt 7 Round magazines which have stayed fully loaded for 13 years. The Colt mags still function in every way. Wanted to see for myself exactly what would happen if left in this condition.

Have two Colt 8 round mags and 2 new Shooting Star 8's, and I'm going to test them as well.

[rock jock]

I have seen all brands of 1911 mags cause failures at IDPA matches, including Chip McCormick, Colt, Metalforms, etc.. All brands, that is, except Wilson Combat. They are the only mags I use and would trust my life to.

[1911Tuner]

Metalform, 7-round carbon...conventional follower for carry.
GI magazines for cast lead or jacketed round nose for carry or
practice...Leave the dimple thank you. It has an important job.
Wilson 47D's don't have one, and sometimes the Wilsons do fail.
Good magazines...not good on the plastic followers sans dimple.
The problems start when the spring gets tired and/or the step
for the slidelock gets chewed up.

Colt...probably made by Metalform...Look on the base. See an "M"?
it's a Metalform. Same goes for Kimber and Springfield...McCormick
too.

The kicker is that you can call Metalform direct and get a huge price break
with an order of 10 or more. 7 or 8 round...Stainless or blue...
Welded base or removeable...With or without lanyard ring...Officer's
Model length or standard...Round or flat followers...10-rounders are
available, and you can even get magazines for your old Colt Woodsman.
Wolff +5% extra-power springs can be had for a nominal extra cost,
also available as components.

Find their website. If you call, ask for Ginny.

As you were. I'll be in the area all day.

Tuner

[Dorrin79]

I've got two of the McCormick 8-rounders.

Worked so far - I'll probably buy some more before long

[El Tejon]

Les Baer 7 rounders for carry.

Have 7 rd. Metalform for training.

[sm]

In my 1911 CCW right now is a 47D
I have a bunch of 47D, and The CMC PowerMags 8 rd.

Art, Stephen Camp, input please.

EL Tejon...I know you train and practice a bunch, I see your using 7 rd mags...please elaborate, I'd appreciate it.

1911Tuner, I bet these old mags were the carbon Metalforms , I'd have to look at some I have. This fella had done what I had for some of mine. Taken a pc of wood and made a very smooth thin base pad. I'm only 48, but for some reason I didn't start noticing base bads till fairly recent. We just made our own. We didn't worrry about taking apart because-well it came apart from topside anyway.

I have seen the CMC "split" but I also know I was a bit hard on these...use/drop anything enough and they just won't last.

Anyone else feel the old carbon 7 rd tube was stronger, less prone to get out of whack? Springs in these old mags seem pretty stout to me.

And anyone seen or used the mag avail from Clark's...7 rd with a rounded follower?

I did break a brand new 47D first time I used it...lets just say that was a special hardcast load for hogs...;) That follower split and so did the tube...gun was fine...the test went well...never bothered wilson...I have the base pad and sprng tho'

Load was decribed as "Punchy" :D

Giving thought to going back to carbon 7 rd myself.

[10-Ring]

Wilson combat mags all the way!

[1911Tuner]

re1973,

If you practice fast reloads and drop your spent magazines on the ground
a lot, you can put a piece of old carpet down to let'em fall on. I've been
dropping some of the same magazines on carpet for 25 years, and I
haven't lost one yet. If you're into the running stages, a piece at each
firing box will ease your mind and your wallet.

Shoot straight!
Tuner

[VHinch]

CMC Shooting Stars here as well.

[sm]

I've done that...umm...I miss the carpet, but I hit the target...:D

I've played the run and gun. Mainly I do training for SD and CCW ...still fast reloads tho.

As I said , really thinking about going back to what I learned on and used for so long.

I want reliable that's a priority. I'm not having a problem with what I'm using...just getting to a point (moreso) "less is more", "keep it simple".

What's the level between CIT and curmudgeon...I think I'm there!!:p

[gasp-been shooting K frames more of late too]

[1911Tuner]

:D Done that, too...
Get a bigger piece of carpet.

[OF]

7-rnd Wilsons w/ the low-profile base pads for carry.

10-rnd Wilsons for games.

- Gabe

[Pumpkinheaver]

8 round shooting stars here.

[El Tejon]

re1973, elaborate? You want El Tejon to talk MORE? Hmmm, that's very odd as most want El Tejon to shut the heck up. This one time, at gun camp . . . And this other time . . .

re, I use 7 rounders to train with as that is what I carry. I carry 7 rounders as wise man in Tejas saith, they as more reliable as a rule. Wise man soon to be in Oreygun, has seen a lot of guns and a lot of mags. He doesn't know much about shooting or fighting, but the 7 rounders are more reliable.

Of course, other noted trainers agree. Other trainers disagree.

I carry 7 rounders, they wear out less. I have made my choice and paid my money. I use them and lose the one round for enhanced probability of reliability. Life is a double edged sword, brasshopper (so, carry a spear).:p

[sm]

El Tejon, thanks. I respect your wisdom.

I started out with 7 rdrs...then I strayed from the flock. I've always believed in the muliples of same platform. (1911's, K frames...). Dunno, not like me to follow the fad...more of rebel...anti-conformist...maybe just weird.

I'm not even Catholic-Preacherman-Forgive me father I have sinned...

Thanks El T

[Pendragon]

My Valtro digests JHPs, FMJ, LSWCs (preferred) and even Truncate Cone rounds out of the cheapie Mec-Gar mags.

[Zach S]

7 round wilsons in the para (OM), 8 round chips in the colt (GM). GI mags for range use only. Theyve never hung up on me, but I've heard a few stories of the bottoms popping off after a while. With the 7 or 8 dollar price tag, it wouldnt surprise me.

[foghornl]

So far, the 2 supplied mags with my Springfield Champion have run without a hitch. When it is time for new mags, springs & stuff, well probably Wilson Combat.

[Ky Larry]

8rnd CMC Power Mags loaded with Winchester 230 gr JHP's. One in the gun and 2 spares for 25 rnd's total. I also have the factory 7 rnd mag that came with my Kimber. Speaking of which, does it strike anyone else as chintzy that Kimber's only come with one mag? For what Kimbers cost, they could throw in an extra mag.

P.S. Tuner- what brand mag did the government issue?

[1911Tuner]

Larry, I don't have a clue. They were supplied by different contractors
under strict standards as to materials, dimensions, spring rates, and
even the dimple on the followers had to be located and shaped properly
for GI issue. dsk can tell you more about the contractors' codes on the
baseplates of those magazines. I do know that they were/are very
good magazines. Strong and tough with thick, hard followers that
took a lickin' and kept on tickin'.

Beware of recent issue "Contract" magazines that look good, but
are flimsy and soft. They are matte black with a pseudo phosphate
coating, but they have the more recent early-release style feed lips.
Those are truly junk.

Later,
Tuner

[Tamara]

Wilson 47D's loaded with 185gr +P Golden Sabers in my carry guns.

[Rival]

Metalform 7-rounders are really working for me. I wanted to get some Wilson 8-rounders, but... I just really like this original 7-round mag design.

[SouthpawShootr]

Wilson 47D with either 230 Hydrashock or 230 Starfire (I think it's 230, can't find the damn box). Kimber TLE II came with 1 factory mag - bad feed lips. Also had good experience with Colt factory mags. Chip McCormick? :barf: , although I hear the Powermags are decent.

[GlocksRock]

I have a couple of 8 round McCormick mags.

[Zach S]

Beware of recent issue "Contract" magazines that look good, but
are flimsy and soft. They are matte black with a pseudo phosphate
coating, but they have the more recent early-release style feed lips.
Those are truly junk. These? http://ammoman.com/45MAGS.HTM Theyve been pretty reliable so far, but they are only range mags.

[Rusher]

I have a SA 1911A1 loaded.....I have several cheapy no-name 7 rounders, 4 Chip McCormick 8 rounders and 2 Chip McCormick 10 power mags....all function with outa hitch.....any problems I do incur are operator error:D :D

[sm]

Well what I'm hearing is there no relationship to age/experience/training.
I thought perhaps there might be. I guess its the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" dealie-again. Its not that I don't have mags, or anything, since I use "Irwin's" method of keeping firearm stuff together I looked today.

Ok -I have 22 47Ds loaded up, mix of 185 gr STHP and 185 gr+P Golden Saber . The 47's (7rds) I have 4 loaded with SXT's I found the 5th one in the cupboard :scrutiny:

CMC PowerMag--[8rd] I have 15 loaded with a mix of 230 and 200 gr loads.
Shooting Star ( 7 rd) I have 5 loaded with some 200 gr

Kimber mags: two 7 rds have White box 230 JHP the, two 8rd are loaded with Fiochhi 230 FMJ.

My collection of GI style 7rd mags are a mix, and not loaded up. I have some Clark's 7 rds and some others I forget what else somewhere around here. I have 5 boxes of Fiocchi FMJ that grew legs and walked I guess.

So I'm not hurting for mags, just still need two more and giving thought to going back where I started.

[1911Tuner]

Zach...Those at Ammoman are the real deal. Good magazines. Some
may need a fresh spring for best reliability, but that's about it. The ones
that I've seen have been on ebay...The seller is in Alaska.
Caveat Emptor.

Tuner

[Zach S]

OK, thanks Tuner. Just thought I'd ask since they have the short feed lips.

[TheFrontRange]

I have Wilson Combats for my Kimber, a mix of 7- and 8-rounders. I'm interested in trying out the 7-rounders from both Chip McCormick and Wolff sometime soon, too.

[1911Tuner]

OK, thanks Tuner. Just thought I'd ask since they have the short feed lips.

Zach...if they have the short lips, be suspicious. Genuine GI magazines
have the long,tapered late-release feed lips. I had heard that
Ammoman had the real deals. Sorry.

TUner

[Sven]

Wilson 7 and 8 rounders, with the plastic pad. Love them. Never a hitch.

[Jmurman]

8 round wilson combat and 185 gr gold dots

[boing]

Wilson in my Kimber Compact (new fangled, with the modern "extra round" capacity ;))

My old Springfield is happy with no-name USGI-type mags built from spare parts. Doesn't like Wilsons.

I don't trust anything I haven't run myself.

[Dr.Rob]

I have 2 7 shot Colt magazines and 3 Chip McCormick 8 shot shooting stars. I left the bumper pads off mine. I had a "Randall" 1911 magazine that absolutely does NOT work in my Colts. (think I still have it if anyone wants to make me an offer) I usually use the Colt mags in my Commander, the shooting stars in my Seecamp-Franken-Colt.

Dad's 1918 Government model still has a 2-tone Colt magazine, and it works.

I use 230 gr UMC ball ammo for gun games, handloaded 200 gr swc's for plinking and 230gr Federal hydra shocks for a defensive load.

'Course I have been know to play with 185 gr hornady HP's and a bunch of AA#5, ditto for a 200gr fmj flat point on 9 grains of AA#5 (yee-haw!) Ah, the joys of reloading.

I think dad has only shot ball ammo out of his.

[varoadking]

Wilson combat mags