[Shalako]

In looking for a new mainspring housing for my SA Loaded 1911A1, I've found some have an attached magwell feature. I want the 30lpi checkered flat MSH, but is the magwell extension worth it? This is for an all-around defense, target, tac, fun kind of gun.

Thanks!

[Tom C.]

I have a S&A magwell on the mainspring housing. It is mainspring housing is checkered and fits nicely. It matches the mag well in the frame nicely. It does require special grips which are cut squarely on the bottom, not beveled. They are available from Brownell's among others. I use mine for IPSC. It adds a little weight, and when I look at it, I see small streaks of brass from cases hitting it during loading. Some are far off enough that they would be blown reloads without the mag well funnel. For something less than flat out speed reloading, may not be necessary.

[Boats]

For concealed carry I'd argue no because they add to the profile of the weapon and in a CC situation you should never be in a position to need a speed reload.

For gaming or the range they are okay, except for IDPA I believe.

[RBull]

The magwell topic was discussed on Pistolsmith just recently - you may like to check out what some knowing people said on it:

http://www.pistolsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=15234

and another one:
http://www.pistolsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=15200

[Sean Smith]

For a practical weapon, I'd say no, unless you are openly carrying it (e.g. LEO, SWAT). For a competition gun, absolutely. There ARE some really nice pistolsmith magwell installations that cut the frame so the overall length is the same as stock... the only downside there is the cost and a slight increase in weight. And you might need basepads for your mags.

[C. H. Luke]

Be aware that one-piece MSH/wells are an expensive proposition
if you want it blended and funnel matched to the mouth of frame.
Then you may need to have new grips cut exactly to fit......
Tried it on a Kimber Compact I had. S&A cut a pair of their nice grips
to one of the owners own Kimber Compact. On my pistol there was an ugly gap at the bottom of the new grips & well top..........

[Ebbtide]

If you go with the MSH Magwell combo, get the two peice one. You can take the well off without bothering your MSH.

The add-on one peice makes you take a knife to your grips, and wears the finish under the panels and the bottom of the fram where the two parts meet.

I personally did not like either of the "add-on" magwell. For a carry peice it increases weight and size, and unless you work on the existing mag well to make it match up with the new, you will miss the functionality of the well.

On the two peice, the screw that holds it all together would come loose (although lock-tite would fix it, I did not want to make the change that permament).

Hope this helps,

ehenz

[Shalako]

Thanks a lot guys. All of this information has really helped. Sufice it to say I am over the magwell idea. The regular 30lpi flat SS MSH should be fine for my needs. (The stock serrated MSH lets the heel of my palm slip off when sweaty.) Brownell's has some nice offerings from Wilson and Ed Brown I've been looking at.

Thanks again.

[45R]

You know you want it :) :evil:

[10-Ring]

Of the guns I've handled w/ & w/o magwells, I prefer the ones that have them. I like the added functionality & asthetics they provide.

[NIB]

I knew that I wanted a 1911 with a magwell. Now that I have one I don't like magwells at all. :p

[SouthpawShootr]

I have a Smith and Alexander on my Officer's ACP. I like it. One day I'll get around to putting one on my 1991A1 Commander and Series 80 Government. They are a bit expensive, but I think they are well worth it. Saves you the trouble of: a- seeking out a decent pistolsmith that can bevel the mag well and b- loosing use of your gun while the 'smith has it. Mine just dropped right in without fitting, BUT you have to use the original mainspring (and retaining pin, if I'm not mistaken). Not really a bad thing, you just have to make sure the mainspring doesn't go flying off. You also must be able to partially disassemble your gun, so make sure you understand how everything goes together (and comes apart). If you can find somebody who had replaced a mainspring housing, it's nice to have them look over your shoulder while you're doing it.

[makarov]

Does anyone know if they are legal for sure in IDPA CDP class? Magwells that is....

[Kahr carrier]

I think the S&A magwells are 20Lpi checked.

[LeadPumper]

As is often the case, it depends on what you want to do with the 1911.

Some Magwells work better with some 1911s. Case in point, I have a Kimber Custom II with a 2 piece Wilson Speed Chute SS mag well and SS flat MSH. It is a dedicated range gun, so no worries about CCW. (besides, I'm in MD)

No grip modification, blending, or other smithing was required to fit the unit. Both pieces are held in by a common recessed grip pin. The pieces can be used together or individually.

Other than using magazine bumpers on my mags (which I already use and like), no modifications were necessary.]

I like it for what it is, but only use it on the range.

As always, YMMV.

-LeadPumper