The-Fly
Member
I bought one CMC shooting star when i bought the gun, and it worked just fine today. With the 8 more from CDNN, we'll see how they all work out.
1911 8rd mags - suggestions?
- Thread starter The-Fly
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rbernie
Contributing Member
At one point, I had an assortment of about a dozen different 1911s made by Kimber, Springfield, and Colt (with one Para single-stack thrown in).
The only mags that were 100% in every pistol, shooting mostly Remington GS and Ranier 230gr HPs, were the Metalform 7rd ones with the dimpled followers.
YMMV.
The only mags that were 100% in every pistol, shooting mostly Remington GS and Ranier 230gr HPs, were the Metalform 7rd ones with the dimpled followers.
YMMV.
bernie,
You beat me to it. 7-rd and dimple. I got tired of last round failures, and was always worried about breaking my extractors.
Guys, JMB chose 7 rounds for a reason, and put a dimple on the followers for an even better reason; reliability and durability. Is an extra one or two rounds really that important?
You beat me to it. 7-rd and dimple. I got tired of last round failures, and was always worried about breaking my extractors.
Guys, JMB chose 7 rounds for a reason, and put a dimple on the followers for an even better reason; reliability and durability. Is an extra one or two rounds really that important?
redactor
Member
Old Dog
Member
While I've not yet picked up any of the Wolff's, every other product of theirs I've ever used has been excellent. I know many on the 1911Forum swear by 'em.
I use exclusively the Wilson Combat, both 7 and 8 rounders. I've had a few newly purchased CMC mags that seem to have caused the occasional FTF in my Colt's, SAs and Kimbers (so I'm inclined to believe it was a mag problem).
Strangely, my Metalform SA OEM mags that came with the several Springers I've picked up over the past 16 years or so all seem quite reliable. Can't say the same for the mags that came with my Kimbers.
I use exclusively the Wilson Combat, both 7 and 8 rounders. I've had a few newly purchased CMC mags that seem to have caused the occasional FTF in my Colt's, SAs and Kimbers (so I'm inclined to believe it was a mag problem).
Strangely, my Metalform SA OEM mags that came with the several Springers I've picked up over the past 16 years or so all seem quite reliable. Can't say the same for the mags that came with my Kimbers.
Let's not forget there is a distinction between Chip McCormick Shooting Stars and Powermags.
Shooting Stars are their standard mags and they work great.
Powermags have thicker reinforced feedlips and stronger springs to increase reliable feeding in any situation.
Shooting Stars are their standard mags and they work great.
Powermags have thicker reinforced feedlips and stronger springs to increase reliable feeding in any situation.
10-Ring
Member
I've had the best performance w/ the Wilson mags...I've tried a bunch but I've only kept the Wilsons 
Ask a guy who puts the BG down on round #8. I get tired of this "JMB chose ______" argument against modern progression. JMB also chose nearly-invisible sights, yet I don't see anyone bitching about 1911s with Trijicons. JMB chose 7 rounds because that's what will fit in a magazine seated flush with the grip frame. Nothing more scientific than that. If the 1911 frame was a half-inch longer I'd bet dollars to dimes he'd have given it an 8rd magazine. If you have a magwell or don't mind a mag sticking out of the frame a bit, there is absolutely no reason nt to have an 8rd magazine.
Wrong Conqueror,
Dimple...with a 7-rd reference
Why 7-RD:
Spring Fatigue
More on reliability
More 8-rd problems...
Ad nauseam, you can find this argument all over the place. If JMB could have put another round in the magazine without sacrificing reliability he would have.
I have had similar experiences. I ran across Tuner's notes years ago, but ignored him. I wanted to prove it to myself. I immediately went out and got some 8-rd mags. Kimbers and a Wilson, maybe two. Anyway they ran fine for the first 1000 rounds or so, but I started seeing problems. So, I chalked it up as lesson learned and only use 7-rd magazines now.
To answer your question regarding putting a bad guy down on round 8: If one practices his reloading skills the 7-rd limitation becomes a non-issue. If you really want to carry more than 7 and still want to stick to a 1911, consider a double stack. That's why I still keep a few BUL M5's around. But honestly I prefer the single stack, especially for self defense. Also, if it takes you eight rounds of 45 to put a goblin down you have some other serious issues that need to be addressed.
Obviously one can use what he wants, just realize that you most likely will be sacrificing some reliability for one extra round. So you gotta ask yourself if you're okay with the trade off.
Oh, also. One more note, regarding "the dimple". I have heard of some manufacturers using differently shaped followers, curled edges, a ridge running down the center of the follower, etc. I've heard good things about them, though I have not personally tested any of them.
(P.S. I also prefer "nearly invisible" blade sights on a combat pistol)
Dimple...with a 7-rd reference
Why 7-RD:
Spring Fatigue
More on reliability
More 8-rd problems...
Ad nauseam, you can find this argument all over the place. If JMB could have put another round in the magazine without sacrificing reliability he would have.
I have had similar experiences. I ran across Tuner's notes years ago, but ignored him. I wanted to prove it to myself. I immediately went out and got some 8-rd mags. Kimbers and a Wilson, maybe two. Anyway they ran fine for the first 1000 rounds or so, but I started seeing problems. So, I chalked it up as lesson learned and only use 7-rd magazines now.
To answer your question regarding putting a bad guy down on round 8: If one practices his reloading skills the 7-rd limitation becomes a non-issue. If you really want to carry more than 7 and still want to stick to a 1911, consider a double stack. That's why I still keep a few BUL M5's around. But honestly I prefer the single stack, especially for self defense. Also, if it takes you eight rounds of 45 to put a goblin down you have some other serious issues that need to be addressed.
Obviously one can use what he wants, just realize that you most likely will be sacrificing some reliability for one extra round. So you gotta ask yourself if you're okay with the trade off.
Oh, also. One more note, regarding "the dimple". I have heard of some manufacturers using differently shaped followers, curled edges, a ridge running down the center of the follower, etc. I've heard good things about them, though I have not personally tested any of them.
(P.S. I also prefer "nearly invisible" blade sights on a combat pistol)
DMK
Member
I use Chip McCormick Shooting Stars for carry and range use. I've never had any problems at all.
rbernie
Contributing Member
Dang fine question - '100% functional', and 'working great' are too subjective to be meaningful.
I personally would not declare an ammo/mag/pistol combo to be reliable and worthy of recommendation until I had about 600 rounds thru the combination without issue. Issues are defined as FTF, FTE, last round feed problams, slides that don't lock back, and so forth. Anything that causes a stoppage, other than an empty mag, resets the count.
I personally would not declare an ammo/mag/pistol combo to be reliable and worthy of recommendation until I had about 600 rounds thru the combination without issue. Issues are defined as FTF, FTE, last round feed problams, slides that don't lock back, and so forth. Anything that causes a stoppage, other than an empty mag, resets the count.
Your post is just silly, most of the links you provide don't even address real issues. One of them talks about feedlip separation - that says "crappy magazines" to me in any capacity, not "problem unique to 8-round mags." Spring fatigue has more to do with metal selection than magazine capacity. Springs only wear out through repeat use (just as susceptible in 7rounders) or through exceeding the wire's elastic point (doesn't happen in well-designed magazines of any capacity). You act like it's impossible to make a magazine of over 7 rounds. The issue is jamming 8 rounds in a 7-round mag body by overcompressing the spring and using altered followers. But if you use an extended basepad or longer mag body to avoid overcompressing the spring (most good 8rd mags do this) then the only issue is finding a spring which will push the first round not too hard and the last round hard enough. That's easy with modern metallurgy, and doesn't require any timing changes.
There are plenty of 20, 30, and 40-round stick magazines out there for rifles; it's not hard to get a long tube to feed reliably without breaking. It just takes more engineering than sticking a new follower in a WWII surplus mag body, which is how most crappy companies approached 8rd mags for 30 years and gave them a bad reputation.
wally
Member
My first experience with 8-round 1911 mags was when the original 8-round Devel (shooting star) follower and spring conversions came out. Used them when I was shooting IPSC. No issues.
A few years ago the oldest one stopped locking the slide back, but continued to feed 100%, I managed to break the follower tab trying to bend it to get it locking back again.
I shoot a mix of 7 and 8 round mags and just don't see any evidence of the 7 rounders being more reliable, including the 7 round "officers" mags over the standard 6 rounders.
--wally.
A few years ago the oldest one stopped locking the slide back, but continued to feed 100%, I managed to break the follower tab trying to bend it to get it locking back again.
I shoot a mix of 7 and 8 round mags and just don't see any evidence of the 7 rounders being more reliable, including the 7 round "officers" mags over the standard 6 rounders.
--wally.
My 8 round Powermags work fine, so do my 7 round mags. The Powermags are just really slick working and are smooth and I like them. If they were 7 rounders I wouldn't lose any sleep. I agree that if you practice your magazine changes than the extra round or two makes little difference. If you feel it does than I don't know why you would carry a 7-8 round 45 when there are other, higher capacity 45s or even higher capacity .40 and 9mms on the market.
Conqueror,
I agree, to a point. But I didn't realize we were talking about an extended magazine. I will not use those ever again. Most 8-rd mags I've seen are flush fit, including Wilson I had, at least it was almost flush. You mentioned owning some Wilson's, correct?
Just for clarification, are yours flush fit, or extended?
Also, I do have a problem extending the magazine past the magwell. I don't like them for a carry piece. They can catch on clothing, they tend to print more, they can also throw the balance off a bit (IMO), just to name a few items that come to mind.
On paper I can agree with you. You can compress a spring beyond it's design capability. Depends upon your definition of design capability though, doesn't it?
If all you care about is reliable function of 8 rounds and only test your design to 2000 rounds, well that spring would still be within spec if it functions to 2000 rounds before replacement. Anyone know if manufacturers will guarantee a round count for any of these 8-rd mags?
I would also be curious if you've ever worn out any springs? Last round feed problems can be infuriating.
Also:
Many (if not all, trying to think of one that isn't) of which are double stack...different animal.
Yes, agreed. It does take more than that. Including understanding why JMB did what he did. I've found most don't.
The 1911 started off as a tool of battle. I view it as such, and it is how I prefer to have mine configured.
----
Look, I don't think we really have a problem here. Most likely we have two different uses. I want mine to be rock solid, have the longevity of dirt, and it always goes bang. Tight tolerances and accuracy are secondary considerations. (And of course everyone thinks like I do )
I shoot a lot...(or used to, I've kind of slacked off the past couple years). So, I want reliable mags, that won't increase wear on gun parts. That's all.
Hence I want 7-rd mags, with a dimple, with flush floorplates, preferably metal.
So please realize when I'm talking the 1911 I'm not talking some range toy, or fun gun with an extended magwell, oversized mag release, comp, rail, etc. (Again, that's why I own a couple double-stacks)
I'm thinking a carry piece for use in a life threatening situation. If you're still okay with the 8-rd mags for such use, hey it's still a free country and that is your prerogative.
Okay, I'm done. (Unless there is something else you think I'm missing) I think I got my point across regarding potential reliability issues. There is no use for either of us to get upset over a small issue.
I agree, to a point. But I didn't realize we were talking about an extended magazine. I will not use those ever again. Most 8-rd mags I've seen are flush fit, including Wilson I had, at least it was almost flush. You mentioned owning some Wilson's, correct?
Just for clarification, are yours flush fit, or extended?
Also, I do have a problem extending the magazine past the magwell. I don't like them for a carry piece. They can catch on clothing, they tend to print more, they can also throw the balance off a bit (IMO), just to name a few items that come to mind.
On paper I can agree with you. You can compress a spring beyond it's design capability. Depends upon your definition of design capability though, doesn't it?
If all you care about is reliable function of 8 rounds and only test your design to 2000 rounds, well that spring would still be within spec if it functions to 2000 rounds before replacement. Anyone know if manufacturers will guarantee a round count for any of these 8-rd mags?
I would also be curious if you've ever worn out any springs? Last round feed problems can be infuriating.
Also:
Many (if not all, trying to think of one that isn't) of which are double stack...different animal.
Yes, agreed. It does take more than that. Including understanding why JMB did what he did. I've found most don't.
The 1911 started off as a tool of battle. I view it as such, and it is how I prefer to have mine configured.
----
Look, I don't think we really have a problem here. Most likely we have two different uses. I want mine to be rock solid, have the longevity of dirt, and it always goes bang. Tight tolerances and accuracy are secondary considerations. (And of course everyone thinks like I do
) I shoot a lot...(or used to, I've kind of slacked off the past couple years). So, I want reliable mags, that won't increase wear on gun parts. That's all.
Hence I want 7-rd mags, with a dimple, with flush floorplates, preferably metal.
So please realize when I'm talking the 1911 I'm not talking some range toy, or fun gun with an extended magwell, oversized mag release, comp, rail, etc. (Again, that's why I own a couple double-stacks)
I'm thinking a carry piece for use in a life threatening situation. If you're still okay with the 8-rd mags for such use, hey it's still a free country and that is your prerogative.
Okay, I'm done. (Unless there is something else you think I'm missing) I think I got my point across regarding potential reliability issues. There is no use for either of us to get upset over a small issue.
What I don't like is the insinuation that a guy who uses 8rd mags must not care about longevity or reliability. Wilson, McCormick, etc. have sold tens if not hundreds of thousands of 8rd mags over the years. Their rate of dissatisfaction is low. I think you are in the small and vocal minority who think 8rd mags can't be reliable over long periods of use.
The-Fly
Member
I got my mags from CDNN, and tested them yesterday.
Good news: they seem to feed the gun fine.
Bad news: These seem a bit different then the single CMC mag I picked up at the gun store, and the CDNN mag's do NOT drop free. For general range use, thats no biggie, but it does rule them out for pistol match use.
I'm probably going to keep my eye's out for some 47D's and if I can get some for the low $20's, i might buy 6-8 for match use.
Good news: they seem to feed the gun fine.
Bad news: These seem a bit different then the single CMC mag I picked up at the gun store, and the CDNN mag's do NOT drop free. For general range use, thats no biggie, but it does rule them out for pistol match use.
I'm probably going to keep my eye's out for some 47D's and if I can get some for the low $20's, i might buy 6-8 for match use.
rbernie
Contributing Member
Well, I think this misses the mark a bit. I suspect that the majority of the 8round mags are either sold to gamers who are unlikely to complain about the occasional issue, or to casual shooters who are unlikely to put enough lead downrange to really stress their equipment.
A better approach to determining the viability of 8round magazines for serious work would be to canvass those folk that take a 1911-pattern pistol into harms way and determine what THEY carry, and why.
Most carry 7rd magazines because that's what they're issued. Some have a choice, and still carry 7rd magazines.
Bailey Guns
Member
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Kimber TacMag 8-rounders. Own and use several and after many thousands of rounds I've not had an issue. Best 1911 mags on the market IMHO. Prior to that it was Wilson Combat 8-rounders. They worked well, too, but after a while tend not to lock the slide open on the last round in a couple of different guns.
Personally, I think the 8-round unreliability factor in quality mags is no longer an issue. Hasn't been for me for the last 10 or 12 years anyway.
Personally, I think the 8-round unreliability factor in quality mags is no longer an issue. Hasn't been for me for the last 10 or 12 years anyway.
I use Wilson 8-rounders in my fullsize, and Wilson 7-rounders in my 3" exclusively. Still have several CMC Power Mags around, but on-duty it's Wilson's. Same for the other guys in my agency with 1911s. And we're not issued them. Many choose to go with an authorized alternate duty pistol at thier own expense.
I don't think Wilson's reputation can be questioned. I've never met anyone face-to-face who has a bad thing to say about them.
I had a problem once with CMCs not locking the slide back. I found it was the extended slide lock I had:banghead:. Put the original back on and haven't had a problem. Still prefer the Wilsons over the CMC though, mainly due to the one piece follower.
I don't think Wilson's reputation can be questioned. I've never met anyone face-to-face who has a bad thing to say about them.
I had a problem once with CMCs not locking the slide back. I found it was the extended slide lock I had:banghead:. Put the original back on and haven't had a problem. Still prefer the Wilsons over the CMC though, mainly due to the one piece follower.
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