Double Stack 1911 Mags

[Bergeron]

I have a question that has been on my mind for a while now. I see a bunch of double stack 1911s out there, but I have no earthly idea of whose magazines interchange with whose.

I've heard that STI and SVI mags interchange, but what about Para-Ord, Caspian, Kimber, Springfield Armory, and any others I might be missing?

Please help to educate me!

 

[Jim Watson]

Apart from the minor technicality that if it has a double column magazine, it is not a real 1911...

I think the STI and SVI magazines are interchangeable.

Para Ordnance is at least somewhat different. STI makes "replacement tubes" for them that are not the same as the ones for their own guns.

Caspian is different from any other; their frame and magazine were designed as .38 Super and are not as roomy as the .45 based outfits. I have read that a large frame Tanfoglio magazine can be made to fit but don't know for sure.

Kimber uses Bul receivers and magazines or did at one time; I don't know what the current Kimber is or what a wide body S/A is comparable to.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

Guy at the shop tried a Para Ord double stack mag in a Rock River Arms, it fit in, but was a bear to pry it back out...

 

[BerettaNut92]

FWIW, Wilson's KZ45 magazines are proprietary.

 

[Correia]

Para mags are the same size as Kimber/Bul mags, however the mag catch hole is different. You can modify Paras to work by dremling the hole. However I have not tried it.

 

[Bergeron]

I ask this question mainly because I am considering a Para or a STI/SVI in .40 for use in competition shooting.

I understand that buying the magazine with the same name on it as the gun guarantees that it will fit, but sometimes you come across really good deals on pre-bans, and I really don't want to end up with magazines that were a great deal, but don't fit in the gun that I thought they would.

 

[Sean Smith]

http://brianenos.ibforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5217&hl=magazines

By the way, if you can affort to get an STI instead of a Para, do it.

 

[Bergeron]

Thanks for the link, lotsa good stuff that I was looking for.

While the STI does seem like a nicer pistol, I've shot a used P16-40 Para Limited that did pretty well, and I think that Todd Jarrrett is still using Paras in competition. Anyway.

 

[Sean O'Brian]

STI and Para Ord P14 compatable?

I seem to remeber (from some years back) these [i.e STI double stack and Para Ord P14] mags being interchangable? Anyone tried this with the more recent "STI 2011" models?

 

[Rich in VA]

Sean O'B,

No, they won't interchange. STI does make magazines that will fit a Para, and you can have STI mags converted to fit, also. Just weld up the mag catch slot and re-cut.

Sean Smith,

Ditto. I love my Para, but I think STI reloads faster. Limited gun is Para, Open gun is STI.

bergeron,

Todd shoots Para's 'cause Todd's sponsored by Para......... I've seen Todd shoot my daughter's STI, and I can tell you that having Para or STI or SV or Lincoln Logs on the side of the gun really wouldn't affect him all that much.....

I would go with the STI, if it were me. If you don't want to buy new, you can find some great used STI's out there, all tricked out, ready to race.

Rich in VA