Colt 1911 factory magazine comparison?

[Wags]

Earlier this year I acquired a 1973 manufactured Satin Nickel finished Colt Combat Commander in 9mm. The original owner also threw in 1 stainless and 1 blued factory Colt 9 shot magazines. The magazine buttplates were marked: COLT CAL 9MM LUGER. The magazine body back spine has a smooth brushed seamless no weld showing backside.

Today I received two brand new factory Stainless Colt 9mm 9 shot magazines. The baseplate read: COLT CAL 9MM LUGER. Also located on the left side baseplate is the Colt Pony logo, and the letter M in the upper right hand corner. The magazine body back spine has the welded seam showing and you can feel the seam. It's not a smooth brushed finish like the originals that came with the pistol.

I guess I'm asking what does the letter M stand for? It sure isn't Mec-Gar since I own many MG's and they are industry known as having a smooth brushed backside seem. The magazines are still quality and I'm very happy with my new purchase. But I'm curious why Colt changed the manufacturing processs and didn't remove this cosmetic blemish?

Any ideas? Thanks.

Wags

 

[kart racer]

mags

My guess would be they are metalform mags.

 

[BluesBear]

M on a Colt magazine does indeed mean it is a Metalform contract magazine.

Both companies use a welded seam in the center of the spine. Mec-Gar, as a rule, polishes the spine until the weld is very difficult to detect from the outside. I have Mec-Gar produced 1911 pattern magazines made for various mpanies and some do and some don't show the seam. This depends on the contract. Polishing costs more.


Since both are welded the same way it's strictly a cosmetic issue.

 

[HSMITH]

It costs money to grind the weld off. That is why it is still visible on the new magazines.

Metalform are some of the better magazines on the market, weld showing or not. You should get good service from them.