Chip McCormick or other 8rd 1911 mags

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AethelstanAegen

AethelstanAegen

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I recently purchased my first 1911 (a Cimarron government model). It came with an 8rd magazine with the plastic extension. I'm not a fan of the magazines with the plastic extension (I guess I'm a traditionalist...I like the flush fitting mags).

I was thus looking for 7rd mags when I stumbled on the Chip McCormick Shooting Star Magazines. I was intrigued as they're 8rd mags but still flush fitting. They also seem to be well reviewed on MidwayUSA. Anyone have any experience with these or other flush fitting 8rd mags? I'm interested if anyone has had any trouble with the last round feeding (or any feeding problems).

Thanks in advance!
 
What you saw was not an extension, but a bumper pad to make it easier to get the magazine fully inserted. All 7 and 8 round magazines are the same length. Some come with the pad, some without. ( this includes 7 round magazines as well. ) Some come with the pad and you can add it if you want.

I have had great luck with the CMC mags and highly recommend them.
 
Do the powermags fit flush in the grip? It looks like they have the bumper pads (thanks for the clarification jmr40, I'm new to 1911s but really enjoying it so far). I was looking for something with the flat bottom. I noticed MidwayUSA has "Chip McCormick Match Grade Magazine" which for me are about $5 more than the Shooting Stars (I've been looking at Midway as I get the dealer prices due to my C&R). Are the Match Grades worth the extra $5?

If the non-bumper pad 8rd mags are unreliable, does anyone have a good recommendation for a 7rd mag with a flat bottom? I'll definitely keep the Powermags in mind, but I was hoping to avoid the bumper pad completely.

EDIT: I just realized, are the bumper pads on the powermag removable? If so, that might do the trick perfectly.

Thanks for the input so far!
 
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If the non-bumper pad 8rd mags are unreliable, does anyone have a good recommendation for a 7rd mag with a flat bottom?
Click to expand...

Nothing wrong with the flush mags. Work fine for range use IMO. I use them.
 
I have the CMC Powers in 8 and 10 round. Never a malfunction yet and they were bought used. That may be more of a reflection on Caspian or STI, though. :)
 
What you saw was not an extension, but a bumper pad to make it easier to get the magazine fully inserted
Click to expand...

There is a real good chance his came with an 8 round Mec-Gar mag which indeed does have a plastic floor plate that extends below the grip and can act like a bumper. But it is removable to clean the mag.

+1 to the CMC "Shooting Star" mags. Sure you can pay more, but they work in all my 1911s so I've never seen the need. Mags are pretty binary in function either they work or not.
 
My suggestion is to try each magazine with the gun.

I have some guns that run like a scalded cat on fire with Wilson's, and others do the same with Chip's mags. Also, just because one magazine by a maker works in a gun is no guarantee that they all will.

BikerRN
 
I have 6 Shooting Stars that were bought at different times that I run on 2 different 1911s, one an old GI Colt and another a parts gun I built. They run fine and I've never had a problem with them.
 
All 7 and 8 round magazines are the same length.
Click to expand...
This is not true.

Case in point, Wilson Combat. The model 47 is a seven round mag. The model 47D is an 8 round mag they are the same length. However, Wilson ETM magazines are 8 round mags that are longer.
http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Magazines/departments/1/

Tripp Research makes 7 round and 8 round magazines. They are different lengths regardless of the pad.
http://www.trippresearch.com/store/store_1911.html

Checkmate makes a 7 and 8 rounder that are the same length, but also makes an 8 rounder that is longer.
http://www.checkmatemagazines.com/cart/pc/home.asp

ACT-Mag (also known as Novak, Wolff, and come as factory with some pistols) are also longer than a 7 round mag.

There are others.


Both Checkmate and Tripp have 7 round mags without a base pad. As do many others. The Chip McCormick PowerMags are designed to work with the base pad on. I believe you open yourself up to problems using the mag without the pad since it is a removable base and not welded on.
 
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I tried the CMC 8-round mag a couple of years ago. It worked great until the first time it was accidentally dropped on it's feed lips, and then it was trash. A little more durability would make these excellent buys. As-is though...Nope. You get what you pay for. Wilson Combat for me now.
 
I'm pretty sure the Chip McCormics come with the bumper pads, but they are loose in the bag along with machine screws. The bottom of the mags ahve a pre drilled hole. You can mount the pads if you want, or leave them off.

I have not bought any mags in years and have 20-30 of different types. Some are 7 round GI mags, some are Wilson, CMC, as well as factory Colt, Kimber and and even a Mec-Gar or 2. all have been 100% reliable in the 4 1911's I currently own. I have owned other less reliable guns in the past, but they are long gone.

I like the flush fit mags to carry in the gun because they do help make it a tad shorter, but the magazines with the pads are better for spares. You will sometimes not get the flush fit mags seated all the way when reloading quickly. The mags with the pads are helpful
 
Thank you for the all the replies. Given everyone's recommendations, I think I'll buy a small cross section of the offerings (ie a Shooting Star, a power mag, maybe something from wilson, etc) and then just see what my 1911 likes best. I really appreciate all the input..I'm glad I've been able to add the 1911 to my collection and I really appreciate everyone's sound advice.
 
After purchasing my first 1911 (Kimber Classic Custom, first series), I purchased 5 CMC 8-round Shooting Star magazines.
Mine have fixed base plates and prevents cleaning in the traditional way, that's my only complaint. Other than that, they've proven 100% reliable from both my Kimber and my RIA.
 
CMC powermag 8 rounders would not work with my Dan Wesson Patriot EXP 1911. The slide hung on all four of them. I stuck with my Colt 7 round magazines which work flawlessly. I don't care for the bumper pads either.
 
You realize that you're buying commander length mags for a government model right? Don't do that. LOL

My experience with McCormicks and MecGar has been overwhelmingly positive, and yes, go with the bumper pad. Reloads are far more reliable.
 
Hk Dan said:
You realize that you're buying commander length mags for a government model right? Don't do that. LOL

My experience with McCormicks and MecGar has been overwhelmingly positive, and yes, go with the bumper pad. Reloads are far more reliable.
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Commander and Government sized guns use the same mags...Officers' sized guns on the other hand, use a shorter mag.

As for which brand of magazine, best choices are Wilson 47D, Wilson ETM or Tripp Research Cobra mags. My personal preferance is for Wilsons.
 
I feel the Wilson 47D are a little better, however I have some CMC powermags (they were on sale at one point for like $16ea at midway vs. about $25 ea for wilsons) and they haven't had a single problem in them either so unless you can get the wilsons for the same price as CMC they are a great choice.
 
DoubleTapDrew said:
I feel the Wilson 47D are a little better, however I have some CMC powermags (they were on sale at one point for like $16ea at midway vs. about $25 ea for wilsons) and they haven't had a single problem in them either so unless you can get the wilsons for the same price as CMC they are a great choice.
Click to expand...
I've got a couple of CMC Power Mags as well and they've been flawless on the function front, the only thing I don't like is the follower design...something about the non-skirted Devel follower just makes me feel uncomfortable, especially with an alloy framed gun.
 
My suggestion is to try each magazine with the gun.

I have some guns that run like a scalded cat on fire with Wilson's, and others do the same with Chip's mags. Also, just because one magazine by a maker works in a gun is no guarantee that they all will.

BikerRN

my experience exactly...I've not had good luck with 8 rounders so I stick to the 7s...
Bill
 
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