Chip McCormick Powermags

Status
Not open for further replies.

merlinfire

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2010
Messages
793
Ok, so I had bought a used 1911 from my LGS. I took it apart ant put it back together, and everything seemed to work fine, except that the factory mag wasn't locking the slide back on empty every time. I don't know whether the slide stop was getting worn or if I screwed something up, but I followed the instructions exactly so I don't think so.

Anyway, I read on these forums that it could be a mag problem. So I went and ordered a couple of CMC powermags. I just got them today and looking at the magazines its clear that the protrusion meant to contact the slide stop is larger. Now it never fails to lock back!

I haven't gotten a chance to shoot out of them yet but so far I'm pretty happy with how these mags look, feel, and function on an empty gun. We'll see how it shoots but I expect it will be good.
 
I have been using CMC 8rd Powermags in all of my full size framed .45ACP 1911s for awhile now. They work and run flawlessly in them (I have a Sig GSR TTT, a S&W nickel finished 5" and a CZ DW CBOB). I am very impressed with these mags (both in their construction and performance).
 
You may want to replace the springs in your old mags with new ones from Wolff. Usually, you can resurrect old mags just by replacing the springs.

http://www.gunsprings.com/Semi-Auto Pistols/COLT/1911 GOV'T PISTOL/cID1/mID1/dID1#805

Chip McCormick mags have a very good reputation. The only concern is for those with aluminum framed pistols as the Devel follower used in the McCormick mags has a tendency to tip out of the mag and gouge the feed ramp on aluminum pistols. This is the reason McCormick developed the PowerMag Plus. If you have a steel pistol no worries.
 
CMCs make up the majority of my 1911 mags, and IMO they're as good as any.
Of the four CMC "shooting stars" I left fully loaded with 8 for right at a year (except a monthly unloading the good way), two of the four occasionally fail to lock the slide in my Colt and one occasionally fails in my Citadel.

Last June I started the same experiment with Power Mags, and have yet to see slide lock fail. ( I did only put two Power Mags in the mix though)

My experience has been that ALL compressed springs get weaker over time, whether they're "worked" or not.
Power Mags are certainly worth the extra couple of bucks to me.
 
+1 on Powermags. Have nothing but good experience with them. I had a chance to test out a couple of different mags and found the Powermags perform best in my AC Commander.

Let us know how it works out for you at the range.
 
JTQ, Yep I heard numerous people say the same thing on numerous boards. The only .45ACP 1911 that I own with an aluminum alloy frame is my Sig RCS compact and with it I exclusively run the Wilson Combat officer sized mags (the ones with the shorter floor plates). I really like the WC mags as well and it works out nicely with my alloy framed RCS, since WC uses polymer followers in their mags. I just wish WC mags were cheaper price wise.
 
For aluminum frame pistols you may want to try CheckMate magazines with their "bullnose" follower, referred to as the CheckMate Follower or CMF. They are a bit cheaper than the Wilsons, and should keep the follower off your aluminum feed ramp.

It is basically a Devel follower with a lower leg leading edge that keeps the follower in the tube better.

http://www.topgunsupply.com/check-mate-1911-magazines/

Tripp has a good picture of the follower on their site, called the "Flex Follower" or FLX (it is the same as the CheckMate follower).

http://www.trippresearch.com/store/store_1911.html
 
Yep, they make great mags. I've never had a failure with mine. For that matter, I've not had a failure with the Wilson mags that came with my 1911 either.
 
I only run Wilson Combat mags, but that's because no one sells McCormick mags around here. I bought mine when I got my Kimber... then proceeded to chuck the factory mags as far as I could. :D I've tested ACT mags, Wolffs, and some other assorted mags, and pound for pound, IMHO, none of them quite match up to the Wilsons.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top