Since I just picked up a stainless Mil Spec Springfield 1911 I'm interested in getting some extra magazines. I'm looking for suggestions. I see that the factory mags are available at Bud's under $14 where they have the Mccormick match grade for $22 of Powermag for $23. What do you guys like? Thanks for any and all advice!
1911 Magazines
- Thread starter cherzog
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Chevelle SS
Member
I use Kimber magazines myself, but Wilson Combat mags are probably the best although I haven't bought any yet.
dusty14u
Member
I prefer the McCormick Shooting Star mags for my 1911's. They have worked well and fed reliably. I would highly recommend them.
For a peerless 7 round magazine, I'd highly recommend the Metalform magazines with the round top follower.
The 8 round choices are a bit more convoluted. I think the best would be the Tripp follower installed in a McCormick PowerMag body...but that would be pricey.
I've settled on the McCommick PowerMag for my use...I haven't found the Tripp CobraMag worth the difference in price.
If you decide to go with Wilson, I'd highly recommend you go with the newer ETM over the older 47D. The two that I am testing have been much more consistent in function
The 8 round choices are a bit more convoluted. I think the best would be the Tripp follower installed in a McCormick PowerMag body...but that would be pricey.
I've settled on the McCommick PowerMag for my use...I haven't found the Tripp CobraMag worth the difference in price.
If you decide to go with Wilson, I'd highly recommend you go with the newer ETM over the older 47D. The two that I am testing have been much more consistent in function
Skylerbone
Member
Unless you find a blow-out deal try one before committing to a particular brand. If the OEM mags work for you I believe they're on sale at SA's site for 30% off. It never hurts to try as many as possible, excepting obvious junk, to test the functional range of your particular pistol. It's beneficial to label them and add a page in your log book to keep track of rounds and failures.
CM Powermags, Tripp Cobra mags, Colt 7-round and Metalform are all popular choices and a good bunch to start with.
CM Powermags, Tripp Cobra mags, Colt 7-round and Metalform are all popular choices and a good bunch to start with.
bikerdoc
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joecil
Member
I had a Springfield Loaded and got one 7 round mag with it. I went out and bought a bunch that had at least 2 and some 3 of every mag listed. They all worked fine in the Springfield however the McCormack and Kimber where in my opinion the best of the bunch.
Vern Humphrey
Member
I have a shipload of McCormick Shooting Star mags and none have ever failed me.
JTQ
Member
I think the CMC mags you listed may be a typo. CMC or Chip McCormick doesn't make a GI mag. It is possible you meant CheckMate Industries, which would be CMI. They do make a mag that is available from Top Gun Supply as linked by Walkalong.
For 230 RN bullets, just about anything has worked in my M1911s.
Other bullets not so reliable. There are different lip and follower profiles that perform better with different shaped bullets.
Alot of my M1911 magazine experimenting has been finding a combination that works well with 38/45 Clerke. The ones that don't work well in the 38/45 Clerke get roled over to the standard 45 ACP M1911s.
I have had good luck with Check Mate, Wilson, and McCormick in the 45 ACP guns.
Other bullets not so reliable. There are different lip and follower profiles that perform better with different shaped bullets.
Alot of my M1911 magazine experimenting has been finding a combination that works well with 38/45 Clerke. The ones that don't work well in the 38/45 Clerke get roled over to the standard 45 ACP M1911s.
I have had good luck with Check Mate, Wilson, and McCormick in the 45 ACP guns.
It really depends on what you are going to use the gun for.
If it is just going to be a range gun, Chip McCormicks work great, but, are a PITA to clean.
If you plan to play any games with it like IDPA, or USPSA, where you will be dropping them in sand, mud, ect. The Tripp Cobra mags are the easiest to clean, and, are good magazines, but, also about the most expensive. The Wilson ETMs are good, but not quite as easy to take apart for cleaning as the Tripps.
I've read on other forums that guys have been having issues with the Checkmates cracking, and the company not standing behind them.
If it is just going to be a range gun, Chip McCormicks work great, but, are a PITA to clean.
If you plan to play any games with it like IDPA, or USPSA, where you will be dropping them in sand, mud, ect. The Tripp Cobra mags are the easiest to clean, and, are good magazines, but, also about the most expensive. The Wilson ETMs are good, but not quite as easy to take apart for cleaning as the Tripps.
I've read on other forums that guys have been having issues with the Checkmates cracking, and the company not standing behind them.
Big Nugget
Member
I'm another here who like Mec-Gar. I use them in my SIG 1911, CZ SP-01 Phantom & Ruger MKIIs.
The power mag has a stronger body and stronger spring as far as I can tell. Perhaps there are more differences. I have both and both have worked very well for me. I just think the Check-Mate with the dimpled follower (Either Flat or C-M skirted) with GI or Hybrid feed lips is an outstanding mag, so I recommend them. (The flat follower looks like the Chip McCormick design, and it is a good one, but are said to be able to sometimes go forward and ding aluminum frame ramps.)(I prefer the Check-Mate skirted follower. It cannot go forward and hit the frame, and seems to resist letting the round tilt down a bit better.)
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I use Kimber (4), Wilson Combat ETM (10), Ed Brown (3) and CHECK-MATE magazines (4) and they all work very well. I've changed out the plastic followers and springs from 2/10 WC ETMs and replaced them with dimpled CHECK-MATE followers and springs to see if they work well ... they work GREAT. The one downside of the ETM magazines is that dust and grit get stuck between the plastic follower and magazine tube which can cause problems if you shoot USPSA matches. If you're regularly dropping your mags into the dust/dirt you will be better served with steel followers since they won't drag in the mag tube the way plastic followers do/can.
Does CM = Chip McCormick and C-M = CHECK-MATE? I've seen people recommend CM mags and have wondered if they mean Chip McCormick.
Does CM = Chip McCormick and C-M = CHECK-MATE? I've seen people recommend CM mags and have wondered if they mean Chip McCormick.
The magazines that come with Ed Brown guns are made by Metalform
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