Metalform 1911 .45 Magazines

[LynnKCircle]

Got four 8-round Metalform magazines last Spring as part of a group buy from the C&R mailing list. At the range, bottom flew out of one magazine on first time it was used in the pistol.

Didn't think too much about it, figuring it was a fluke. The other three magazines seemed ok. Used one to carry and, after about a month, decided to shoot off the hp rounds in it to confirm feeding ok. Had a failure to feed after first round. When I pressed mag release button to clear the failure, the bottom again sprang out of the magazine, spraying the rest of the rounds on the shooting bench.

I sent all four back to Metalform and asked for replacements. So far the replacements have worked fine (one month). I've kept them fully loaded to see if any problems develop. This weekend at the range, the one loaded with my carry rounds fired off all nine rounds (eight in the mag, one up the spout) without a hiccup. On the other three mags, one failed to hold the slide open and one stovepiped on the last round (may have been my fault; I might have limp-wristed the last of a string of rapidly-fired rounds).

These seem ok, but it'll be a while before I fully trust them for CHL carry.

 

[mpthole]

Interesting. I picked up a bunch of Metalforms this past summer after I bought my first 1911. I got the 7-rounders with the welded floorplate. I've had absolutely 0 problems with any of them. I've been keeping a couple loaded to see how they'll do after a few months.

How was their customer service when you wanted to return them? My impression when placing my order was good.

I could be wrong, but it seems like when it comes to the 1911, there is always a certain amount of experimenting before the user/owner can have 100% faith in it. Maybe that goes for any firearm that is to be used as a carry/self-defense gun.

 

[LynnKCircle]

Metalform Magazines

I cannot fault Metalform's customer service. They first asked for a copy of the invoice and, when I explained it was a group buy and I didn't have the invoice, they didn't quibble but replaced the defective magazines anyways.

Like yours, these were the welded magazines, but for 8 rather than 7 rounds. I know one round shouldn't make any difference, but moving from a 16-round 9mm to a 1911-style semi-auto made me uncomfortable with anything less.

Yesterday every one of the replacement magazines fired fine. Two failed to hold the slide open after the last round. Now, my seven-round Kimber magazine, which came with the gun, has been 100% reliable. Could it be that there's just some little difference in the angle of the lips? I sure cannot see any.

Moreover, I also agree with you about the need to experiment with magazines -- and ammunition, too. My Taurus PT99 has been one of the most reliable semi-autos I've ever fired. Yet although the Promag aftermarket 18-round magazine has been perfectly reliable with most ammo, it simply would not feed Sellior and Belloit.

Although I would have thought a 230 grain HP would be closer to a 230 grain fmj bullet and feed fine, my Kimber seems far happier with 185 grain HPs.

I'm now carrying with the Metalform magazine loaded with the 185grain HP's - but I'm also carrying a backup in the form of an NAA .22 WMR Black Widow in my pocket. Everytime I go to the range I intend to fire off the rounds I've been carrying. If I maintain 100% reliability over three months, I won't carry the second gun.

And good shooting to you!

 

[geeman]

Metalforms are good, so far

I too got some in a group buy and they have been trouble free.
Garry