I need help - .45 info
 

I need assistance. a friend of mine is overseas and needs some mags for a 1911-series pistol. I want to get him some decent ones. As I am pretty unfamiliar with them (I am very happy with my CZ-85, thanks), I was wondering what mags I should look at. I have heard that Wilson Combat and Chip McCormick makes some good ones, but I am not sure.

Please email me at stuclark@hotmail.com ASAP, Subject MAGS.


Thanks,

Sire24657

I'm no weapons expert. However, I was going to ask what makes one magazine superior to another. I have probably answered my own question. I would think it would be the durability and resistance to corrosion of the material and the dependability of the spring. I would feel that any reputable mag made for the weapon would be good. Price just may be a factor.

I feel that maintenance may be more of a factor. For some reason people clean and maintain their weapons but totally neglect the magazine and ammunition.

STU-
I have had very good experiences with Wilson combat 8 rd mags and have never heard anything negative concerning them. However, Do NOT buy them direct from wilson if you want a better deal. They are cheaper if you buy them online somewhere else. You can usually find them for around $20-25 /piece. They are pricey for mags, but the gun will not go bang without a functioning and reliable mag. :D

I switched from Mec-Gars a year ago to CMC 8rd power mags. I've been very happy with their flawless performance. I found good prices here

I've been using Wilson mags for years and have experienced absolutely no problems with them. I would recommend them. I've also used the Wilson 20 round mags recently and have had no problems with them as well.

I would say get the mags with metal base plates unless he's got an extended mag well on his 1911, in which case has he may need the plasted extended base plate mags.

I received my Wilson 8 rounders with my 1911, so I can't tell you what they cost off hand. I defer to Sacamuelas' post on that one.

However, I did purchase my Wilson 20 rounders last year for $30 a piece. Though, that may have been a case of being at the right place at the right time.

McCormicks are also supposed to work well, but I've got no experience with them.

When he's ready to replace the mag springs, get him the ones made by Wolff.

I've used Wilson combat 8rd mags for years. I have alot of confidence in them.

Cmc
 

One opinion is as good as any I guess.......

I only use Chip Mcormick mags. The shooting star mags are good for training/practice but I dont use them for everyday carry. If you shoot a lot you'll want to get the mag extenders though, they make mag changes much easier.

What I'm carrying over here are the 10 round Chip Mcormick powermags. Stainless mags with stainless followers. They have performed well with minimal maintenance, and havent jammed up from dust/sand.

I just bought mine from www.sportsmansguide.com for less than $20.

mp

I've always heard that it's the tight tolerances around the lip of the magazine that determine if the magazine will feed reliably. No-name or Chinese-made mags just aren't made to as tight specs as original mags, and hence are prone to failure to feed. At least that's said to be the case with Beretta mags.

First, Thank you for your service!......... Second, bear with a FOG. K, you are running over there with a .45 1911. Your mag info was great. My question is this. due to that enviroment , the dust, sand.... could you do a short explanation as to your reason for that handgun/pistol ( damn, I'm still leery of calling a pistol or rifle anything other than a weapon) . ("This is my weapon, this is my gun) Sorry. :D
One reason I'm asking, is just 'cause I'm interested..... more important however, I know a guy here that may be deployed to Iraq. He asked me.... I don't know, I used what we had available, which was the Army issue 45. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

I realize this thread is ancient. I found something I believe is noteworthy. If any one dissagrees, then I apologize.

I have 2 Wilson Combat 8 rnd mags that have been on range duty for a while, due to failures to feed. Had some free time the other day so I sat down and took a close look at the problem.

Despite being clean and appearing functional on their own, my 1911 would not cycle reliably with the mags, even with ball ammo. I assumed that the mag spring being weak was the problem, now I'm not sure.

After comparing the 2 Wilson mags to various other factory 7 rnd mags, it appears that the magazine catch slot is cut into the Wilson mags roughly 0.12" closer to the feed lips that on my 7 round original styled mags. This is causing cartriges to sit at a impractical angle as they attempt to be chambered.

I plan on doing further research, but in the meantime, I'm open to any and all suggestions. (Don't say it, TS. ;))

Two thoughts:
1)they were manufactured incorrectly
2)the metal in the mag is soft and over time it has stretched the slot.

Most active shootist consider magazines to be consumables, with a limited life span. My money is on #2..

My suggestion:

Contact Wilson??

You accidentally wrote this in pink.... :rolleyes:

I'm stepping lightly. Don't wanna come across as a "Heckler and Koch Snob".

Wilson 47D's were the issued mags last time I carried a 1911 downrange. If your unit was authorized 1911's, most units switched to Glocks in that environment, (fine sand, etc).

Mandatory note of caution: Talk to your "bud". If he is asking for folks in the rear to send him magazines, then he is probably NOT authorized to carry a 1911. I'm not even aware of any contractors who have weapons authorization to carry a 1911. Most non-standard forearms on authorization docs are Glock 19's. if he's military - he's flrting with his career.