1911 Magazines

[Tierhog]

Are 1911 magazines interchangeable, will a Springfield work in a Colt? Will 1911A1 magazines work in a 1911? What’s the difference between 1911 and 1911A1's anyway?

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

All 1911 mags are interchangeable, but although full length mags will fit in an Officer's Model, the reverse is not the case. As for the difference between the 1911 and the A1, there are just a few. One is the little crescent shaped cut out on the frame near the trigger. Another is the grip safety, which is longer at the top on the A1. Another is that the trigger is shorter on the A1, and the sights more prominent.

 

[BluesBear]

To my knowledge all full size single column magazines for 1911 pattern pistols will interchange. (I have personally nevr seen one that wouldn't but I am sure there are some somewhere.)


Changes made to the 1911 to create the 1911A1;

Shorter Trigger
Longer Grip Safety Tang
Shortened/Narrowed Hammer Spur (there were some shortened wide spurs)
Arched Mainspring Housing
Crescent cuts behind the trigger guard
Larger Sights (still small by todays standards)

As the guns can due for rebuilding most were changed to 1911A1 standards with the exception of the crescent cuts on the frame.
There were MPs at Ft Knox KY still using pistols having 1911 frames during Operation Desert Storm. (I personally inspected 2)

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Oh yeah, I forgot the arched mainspring housing on the A1.

 

[gharsh]

This probably should go without saying, but a distinction should be made between single stack and double stack. Don't mean to state the obvious, but some may need to know. Double stack magazines will not fit into a single stack pistol. A single stack will fit into a double stack gun but will not function. Some may get a ParaOrdance and wonder why a Wilson won't work in their gun or vice versa.

Just trying to help.