8 round mag in a Springfield 1911?

[0to60]

I'm thinking of getting a Springfield 1911 (either mil-spec or loaded) but I'd like more magazine capacity. There are myriad 8 round mags out there for 1911s, can I use them? What's different about them? Are they longer? Will they stick out from the bottom of the gun? I've seen some extended, single stack mags for 1911s, and the bigger ones (10+ rounds) stick out of the bottom of the gun. For me, guns have to be aesthetic, so that won't do.

I'm not really interested in a para ordinance or other hi-cap 1911; I'm looking for something as faithful to the original as possible (with the exception of the 7 round mag).

 

[earlthegoat2]

Wilson 47D is the standard by which all others are measured. I would go that route.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Wilsons are good, so is McCormick PowerMag. And I haven't had any problems with a Mec-Gar 8round mag either.

 

[docnyt]

The 8 rounders may be more prominent on a Commander size 1911 but I don't think they truly stick out, at least not like the 10 rounders.

 

[1KPerDay]

The 8 rounders may be more prominent on a Commander size 1911 but I don't think they truly stick out, at least not like the 10 rounders.

commanders and full-size 1911s have the same grip frame.

 

[mljdeckard]

I'm with earl, but I also have Kimber factory 8 rounders that have never failed me. And even if they fit flush, you get used to bumper pads really quick when you try them.

 

[TylerDurden]

I have a Mil-Spec about four years old now. Bought McCormick mags when I got the gun. About 1500 rounds through. Never had any issues.

 

[clamman]

My Kimber 8's work flawlessly.

 

[Sniper X]

8 round mags on a full size or commander frame 1911 do NOT stick out. Only the 10 rounders do. And that is about an inch. All 7 or 8 round 1911 mags will sit flat on the frame. As long as it is a commander or government full size frame, on a officers or other compact that uses a 6 round mag, they will work but stick out about a half inch. Shoot, a 10 round mag will work in a compact too but looks humorous.

 

[Winkman822]

I run Wilson Combat #47D 8 round magazines and, knock on wood, have NEVER had any issues with them in any 1911. The standard #47D does have an extended bumper, but you can get the #47DC with a low profile steel base pad or you can opt for the newer Wilson ETM wiht the low profile steel base pad. I haven't had any reason to go for the newer ETM as the #47D magazines that I presently run have not failed and as such I see no reason to get additional magazines.

FTR, Wilson's 1911 mags are so good that I run them in all of my 1911s whether full size or of the Officer's Compact variety.

 

[ForumSurfer]

Wilson 47D is the standard by which all others are measured. I would go that route.

That worked for me, so I just bought more of them. No need to try other brands if that brand was working.

 

[AK103K]

I always had the best luck with the Colt factory 8 rounders. They, like the surplus military mags, worked in all my 1911's.

Ive had Wilsons that worked in some guns and not reliably in others. Those big witness slots are a pain too, as they let all sorts of unwanted junk into the mags, and you have to constantly keep after them.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I have a shipload of McCormac 8-rounders, and they all function flawlessly in all three of my M1911s.

 

[Shipwreck]

I think Tripp Cobra mags are the best mags out there

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

 

[Uteridge]

Wilson 8 Rd mags are very dependable. I have a Dan Wesson CBOB that I carry and train with when I am not on duty and I have only had one FTF in over 8,000 rounds and that was with the maganzine that came with the gun. (says Dan Wesson but appears to be a McCormack.) This gun has been used in everything from a Gunsite course to backyard plinking and the Wilson Mags have never failed.

 

[Talin342]

Seven and eight round 1911 magazine are the same size externally. A slightly different interal configuration is used to squeeze an extra round in the magazine.

I have a Springfield GI.45 Champion (i.e. 4" barrel i.e. Commander-style) it has a full size grip frame. It came with one 7-round magazine, at the time of purchase I bought two 8-round mags. I checked them to make sure that they were the same size since I didn't want them sticking out either.

So no, you shouldn't have any issues running a 8-round magazine in a Springfield 1911 as long as it's a full size or champion frame.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Seven and eight round 1911 magazine are the same size externally. A slightly different interal configuration is used to squeeze an extra round in the magazine.

Only true of certain brands/models of 8rd mags, most of them are in fact longer in the tube.

My 8rd mags stick out less than 1/2" and that just makes it easier to insert and seat them. GI 7rd mags are completely flush and have to be seated more carefully. I prefer the 8's.

 

[jmr40]

Never seen an 8 round mag that protruded below the grip. Some 7 and 8 round mags have a bumper attached to the bottom of the mag to make insertion easier, but most of those can be removed to make the mag flush with the grip.

I have used McCormick and Wilson with equal success. I can't say anything bad about the Wilson's, but since the McCormicks have worked perfectly for about 1/2 the price that is what I'd suggest.

 

[DeepSouth]

The Wilson 47D and 47DC can't beat, the 47DC is almost flush. I might hang down 1/8 inch.

 

[Uteridge]

I carry a Wilson 47 DC in the gun with two extra 10 round Wilson's in a Mag pouch if I am wearing a jacket. If it is hot and I am just in a T shirt then I carry 47 DC's in my mag pouches since they are easier to conceal when moving around.

 

[samaloney2006]

I have some Wilson amd McCormick mags and they work just fine. I have to admit though that the bottom of the mag hanging out there looks terrible. However they make some pieces that slide onto the bottom of the mag and held in place with two small screws that when tightened go up into the hole and are hidden. really dresses it up.
and you can wrap your little finger around them for purchase (read no limp wristing). I found some at my local gunshop.But Brownells has them. Don't know about Midway USA

 

[Dstoerm]

The Wilson Combat 8 rounders are what you want, I believe.

8 rounds, and they do not hang out from a full size 1911 at all.

 

[silversport]

Good Luck...I have never found 8 round standard tube mags to be 100% for me in my 1911s (100lbs in a 50lbs sack )...I prefer the 7 rounders and round top follower MetalForms to Tripp Research CobraMags work for me...
Bill