Magazine Broke :(

[RevolvingGarbage]

I am not sure if this should go under Accessories, if so, mods please feel free to move it.

Anyway, on Monday I was unloading my 1911 and when I placed the magazine (a Colt stainless 8 rounder w/Shooting Star follower) base down on a table, I noticed it was standing crooked, like a miniature Leaning Tower of Pisa. I picked it up and it seems that the weld on one side of the mag has given way. I guess its not entirely surprising a 20 year old magazine loaded one round beyond the original design intended and that gets slammed home quite authoritatively almost every day might eventually fail.

I tried to call Colt a few times, but it seems they are out for the Holidays or something. Do you think there is a chance they will take care of this for no charge? Do they warranty magazines?

 

[esheato]

Not sure what Colt will say, but magazines are use items...when they don't work, you replace.

 

[rcmodel]

I had a WWII GI 1911 mag fall apart while shooting it a couple of years ago.
Same thing. The spot welds broke.

So yours should have lasted at least another 40 years or so!

Seriously, just move on and buy another mag.

Or put it in a padded envelop and mail it to Colt.
They will either replace it, or they won't.

Personally, I would not expect them too.
Isn't their fault you used it hard for 20 years.

rc

 

[mgmorden]

Magazines aren't disposable, but they are a part that needs to be replaced as a normal wear item over time. I wouldn't bother calling them. 20 years is plenty long enough that I'd say it worked fine.

Just get another one (or lots of them).

 

[wally]

I had this happen to me, it was a Colt magazine too. Although mine was a bit more exciting -- spilling the remaining rounds on the ground when it let loose while shooting.

Replace it and move on.

 

[forindooruseonly]

I picked it up and it seems that the weld on one side of the mag has given way. I guess its not entirely surprising a 20 year old magazine loaded one round beyond the original design intended and that gets slammed home quite authoritatively almost every day might eventually fail.

I tried to call Colt a few times, but it seems they are out for the Holidays or something. Do you think there is a chance they will take care of this for no charge? Do they warranty magazines?

I'd say it served you well. Put it to a dignified rest and go drop another twenty dollars on a new one. That's just a dollar a year!

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

To clarify:

I have not had it for 20 years, as me and the gun were made the same year

I got it about a year ago, and though I'm not sure what its previous owners did, I know every time I put that magazine in I give it a decent smack to seat it. I am assuming the gun shipped with both of the magazines I got with it, one seven rounder, one eight. Ive added one more Colt seven rounder and I'm borrowing one SA blued seven rounder from a friend.

In summary, I am certainly not lacking in magazines to keep in the gun, even being down one. If I have to buy a new one, I will. I will even buy another Colt mag as they seem to work the best in my gun.

 

[JTQ]

I think I'd just chuck it and move on.

However, Wilson Combat offers the following warrantee on their magazines.

No-Risk Service Policy - If It Breaks from Normal Use, We Replace It!

http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Wilson-...ize-7-Round-Standard-Base-Pad/productinfo/47/

I know guys are sending in mags to Wilson after 20 years and getting a replacement, but I don't think I'd even try and make a claim on a mag after that length of time. While Wilson mags are pretty expensive, compared to ammo and the pistol itself, they are a pretty cheap investment for many years of use.