1911 Magazines

[Hondo 60]

I'm in the process of buying an American Classic II 1911.
The down side is that it only comes with one magazine.

What's the word on Chip McCormick Shooting Star Magazines?

Are they any good?

They're only $14.49 at MidwayUSA (on sale - reg $16.99)

I've heard good things about 'em, but being so inexpensive kinda concerns me.

If they suck, what magazines do you recommend?

 

[bigfatdave]

CmC are good, so are Wilson

There are others, but that's what I use. Don't fret over a budget 1911 coming with one magazine, it may be a bit annoying but it keeps cost down and I'll bet that after a few range trips with the one in the box you'll be glad you only have one of it.

 

[JTQ]

Shooting Stars are the "economy" mag from Chip McCormick. The "Match Grade", PowerMag and PowerMag+ are the better mags in the McCormick line-up. It doesn't mean the Shooting Stars won't work perfectly well with your pistol. They no doubt, do for many people.

I've found 1911 magazines to be hit or miss. You need to find what works in your 1911 and then buy a bunch of them.

The top names are typically

Tripp CobraMags
http://www.trippresearch.com/store/store_1911.html

Wilson, either the 47, 47D, or the newer ETM
http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Magazines/departments/1/

Chip McCormick, the PowerMag is the top of the McCormick food chain.
http://www.cmcmags.com/Powermags.html

I've also had very good success with CheckMate
http://www.checkmatemagazines.com/cart/pc/home.asp

You can buy the CheckMate direct, but Top Gun Supply is another good option. They also carry Wilson's. In general, I've had better luck with 7 round magazines for full size 1911's. Not that the 8 rounders don't work, but the 7 rounders have shown fewer problems with my pistol.
http://www.topgunsupply.com/check-mate-full-size-1911-7rd-magazines/

There are lots of on-line retailers carrying 1911 mags from Brownell's to Midway, etc.

 

[Sean Smith]

I've had very good luck with the Checkmate "hybrid" 7 rounders with XP springs.

Blued: http://www.checkmatemagazines.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=11&idproduct=24
Stainless: http://www.checkmatemagazines.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=11&idproduct=26

I played with 8 round magazines for years, but now I pretty much stick to 7 rounders.

Before that I used the old Wilson 47 magazines and they were fine too.

 

[Olympus]

Better plan on buying more than one. American Classics have a reputation of having mag problems with the factory mag. Most of their guns won't feed the first round when the factory mag is loaded to full capacity. Ive got an AC and it went back to the warranty center the first day I owned it. They junked the factory mag and gave me two aftermarket mags. Just prepare yourself for this.


Sent by Brown's Custom Grips using Tapatalk!

 

[tangomike706]

In addition to others mentioned above , I have found the KIMPRO tac mags to be reliable .

 

[matrem]

CmC Shooting Stars are well worth the money.
If you're planning on leaving a mag or two loaded for an extended period, I'd recommend spending a few more dollars on a Power Mag or two.

 

[918v]

I like the Metalform mags that came with my Springer. They are sturdier than Wilson and have metal followers that don't get molested by the slide stop.

 

[TonyAngel]

Be sure to check out cdnninvestments.com for mags too. I have a bunch of the CMC shooting star and power mags and they all work very well. I like them better than the Wilsons.

 

[mbopp]

I bought 4 C-M Powermags based on their reputation and haven't been disappointed. But then again the 2 factory Springfield mags ran perfect too.

 

[xplag]

Just to throw in a budge option, centerfiresystems has 7 round 1911 magazines for $6.99.

I just ordered some myself so I can't tell you how good they are, but you really can't beat the price.

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

1+ on tha CmC Power mags. Altough my RIA 1911 tac is not picky with many mags, but for some reason it will not load hollow points with Wilson Combat mags.

 

[Hondo 60]

What about Colt brand magazines?

7 rd mags for $14.99

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=856687?cm_cat=Cart&cm_pla=ProductDesc

I like the clean-shaven look with no plastic hangin' off the bottom of the mag.

Unless I hear some booing, I think I'll order 1 CM Shooting Star & 1 Colt.

Your thoughts & opinions are very much welcomed on this as it's my first 1911

 

[TonyT]

I use the standard metalform magazines which are bargain priced at CDNN.

 

[71Commander]

As the difference between life and death is reliability, I use Wilson or Wilson with a Wilson thrown in.

Bottom line is they work.

 

[Hondo 60]

71Commander - I won't be using this for SD/HD, at least not until I know it's 100% reliable.
I have quite a few other handguns, rifles & shotguns for that.

 

[doc.lonestar]

I own an American Classic Commander and found the Novak/ACT mags to be very reliable and cost less. I also use Powermags which feed 100% of the time as well thru the same gun. I have approx 1.5k rounds thru her using just four mags (2 act and 2 powermags). Test the wilson 47d's but for the price I did not see an advantage. In my experience with the AC Commander they just like to run. I use jhp and fmj during the same range trips and it takes it all. Not looking to replace them anytime soon.

 

[rklessdriver]

COLT's magazines are subcontracted and currently made by Metalform (7rnd) or Chip McCormick (8rnd). They are good mags but the 8rnd mags can be VERY ammo sensitive and the springs don't last as long as the 7rnd mags. You can tell who made it for COLT by the subcontractor's stamp on the bottom (M or C)

Keep in mind that the 1911 was desgined around the 7rnd mag and if you buy a COLT marked mag - 7rnd is what I recommend you buy.

There are companies like Tripp and Wislon Combat that have 8rnd mags that are a completely different desgin with a longer mag tube so you don't compress the spring so much and wadcutter feed lips which can mess up the timing and control round feed of the M1911. Some guns flat work with them and some need additional work. You don't know until you try one.
Will

 

[Hondo 60]

This is all great information!

Thanks for all the posts.

 

[Hondo 60]

In the end, I decided to try elcheapo.
I went to Cheaper Than Dirt & bought two 7 rd mags.

If they don't work, I'm out $18 total (includes shipping too).
Then I'll spend a bit more & get Chip McCormick Power Mags.

But I'm gonna see if the cheap ones will work first.

Again this is NOT for SD/HD until it's 100% reliable.
I have other stuff to take care of that for now.