1911: Mag Preference

[Linda]

We replaced our Colt and Kimber mags with Wilson Combat mags. Awesome quality, unlike the ones that came with the $1000+ guns.

 

[kcshooter]

never had a Wilson failure.....never......

I have, due to weak springs including 3 OCX's that failed one after another between 600 and 800 rounds. I've also had the misplaced dimple cause last round feed issues.
They aren't bad, but they aren't the end-all answer to 1911 magazines the advertising says they are. Most of mine run fine on them after the springs are replaced with Wolff springs though.

 

[zenner22]

I prefer ACT/Novak mags. They have run perfectly in all my 1911s.

 

[Walkalong]

Checkmate, Kimber Pro-Tac, Wilson, Chip McCormick....in no particular order....and of course, real Colt mags

 

[col_tapiocca]

I prefer 8 rds mags from STI with steel follower and polymer pad. IIRC those magazins are italian made.

The worst magazin I tried are 8 rds "American Magazine"

 

[nksmfamjp]

Interesting spread of results!

 

[GLOCK45GUY]

MetalForm mags are awsome.

 

[gwnorth]

Another vote for ACT (also makers of the Novak brand) mags. I have several 8rnd nickel ones (from topgunsupply.com) and they work very well.

 

[Ske1etor]

It took me a while to convert but I now use Wilson Combat 8 rounders exclusively in my carry gun.

 

[cjw3cma]

I've been told by old 1911 sages that they were made to hold 7 rounds and that's all you should ever load in a magazine - even if it's been "modified" to hold thata extra round.

True or not? All of my magazines are 7 rounders (1 Novak SS / 3 COLT Prancing Horse GI blue / 3 MecGar SS).

 

[lazyeye]

Chip McCormick 8 rd.
Never had issue with em.

 

[fastbolt]

Had to vote "other", even though one of my choices of recent years is listed, being the Tripp Research Cobramag.

I also prefer the ACT-Mag and a Metalform w/heavy spring and standard flat/dimpled follower. When I bought my XSE I pulled the shortened 8-rd spring and folded leaf-type follower Colt used and replaced them with the ones I like to use in the FBI-spec Metalform magazines.

I've used so many different magazines in my 1911's since the beginning of the 70's that I can't remember all of them. Had more feeding issues with a lot of them, even the ones that became big brand names, than I care to remember.

I've found what consistently works best in my various 1911's with a variety of ammunition and pretty much remain with them nowadays.

I also keep in mind that anybody can have occasional QC issues with a product, especially one that's essentially an 'assembly' (being made of components which may come from different vendors at times).

 

[FM12]

I have a S&W 1911 sku 108284...it works WELL with any mag you stick in it...ANY mag! I carry CMC standard, and the Novaks that are OEM, plus 2 Novaks I already had.

 

[AK103K]

I always had the best luck with the factory Colt mags or good GI mags. Those worked in ALL my 1911's without issue.

Wilsons are overpriced, and those big witness slots let all sorts of junk into the mags when they ride in a mag carrier. I was constantly having to unload and clean the mags in the carrier out.

 

[firestarter]

Im currently using the stock Colt and Springfield mags that came with the guns and bought extra Springfields. I see no reason to switch to the more expensive brands, they have not yet given me any problem (knock on wood).

 

[psp7304]

CMC Powermags rebuilt with Tripp Research spring and follower.