Who makes the best 1911 magazines?

[progunner1957]

There are literally dozens of options regarding the 1911 autopistol and we 1911 connoisuers passionately debate which model and make of 1911 is "the best."

The magazine is the heart of any autopistol and seems to be somewhat overlooked by 1911 connoisuers. It is arguably the single most important accessory for the 1911; without reliable magazines, the 1911 is converted to a single shot pistol, or a very expensive paperweight.

So here's my question: Who makes "The Best" (most reliable) 1911 magazines? Conversely, Also, do you prefer the traditional 7 round magazine, or do you go for the 8 round magazines?

Please feel free to vote and share your personal experiences - let's see where this leads.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Ala Dan]

My Experience With 1911 Magazines

Greeting's:

"Best" is highly subjective in the gun world~! As there are a lot of
good handgun magazines out there. If you are look'in to purchase
some, my suggestion is too try to use different ones as much as possible.
I have Wilson 47's, and 47D's; as well as Springfield, Kimber, and Chip
McCormick CMC magazines. All of 'em work well, as I've not had any type
of a problem with any of them. Metalform also makes quality magazines;
however I've not had the pleasure of trying them.

FWIW, the three Baer magazines that came from the factory with my
my new LB Thunder Ranch Special 1911 have been flawless also~!

 

[Gary G23]

Wilson 47D

 

[JERRY]

Colt. get the factory mags in the brown paper wraps.

 

[progunner1957]

Who makes the best (most reliable) 1911 magazines?

I am doing some research on 1911 magazines. While there are literally dozens of 1911 autos available, there are fewer magazine chocies. We 1911 connoisuers will passionately debate the merits of various makes and models of the 1911 autopistols, yet we sometimes treat magazines as an afterthought.

The magazine is the heart of any autoloader, and is vitally important to reliable functioning of the gun. With unreliable (junk) magazines, the finest-hand crafted, hand-tuned 1911 will not live up to its potential. The results can be frustrating at the range; they can be fatal (and not to the enemy) on the battlefield or on the street.

This is a multiple choice poll - please indicate which you prefer, the standard 7 round magazine, or the 8 round design. Also, pick your favorite magazine manufacturer (one maker only, please). In addition to voting on these two questions, feel free to post your experiences with 1911 magazines - which ones work for you, which ones don't, etc.

All 1911 shooters can benefit from this collective pool of knowledge, so please contribute!

 

[osteodoc08]

There are many good ones out there. Personally, I've had good luck with Wilson Combat magazines.

 

[osteodoc08]

I've found that Wilson Combat magazines work well for me. I picked them up on sale at Midway about 2 years ago. Not many rounds through them, but I've never had a problem.

 

[Ala Dan]

Isn't this a knockoff of the original thread, started by the same poster~?

If so, I went into extreme detail to explain what has worked best for me!

Favorite Magazine Maker: Wilson Combat
Favorite Magazine: 47D's

Edited to say-------

Oh, I see now- you wanted to attach a poll. No harm, and no foul.
Good work, happy to have you aboard.

 

[progunner1957]

I tried to delete the first one, which obviously didn't work - sorry. This is the same basic thread but with a more complete poll. Sorry for the confusion, folks.

Moderators, please combine these two threads (and thanks).

 

[Dobe]

Wilson 8 rounders.

 

[longeyes]

So far I'd have to say Wilson 47Ds and McCormick Power Mags. I want to try Tripp Research.

 

[Whirlwind06]

A tie between Metalform and Colt factory 7 rounds flat follower with the dimple.

 

[KIMBER45TLE]

Mags

I use three different mags. Kimber, Springfield and Wilson 47D's. Never had a problem out of any of them but I prefer the Wilsons.

 

[Chuck R.]

I used to swear by Wilson 47Ds, but have since switched to Tripp Cobra Mags (8rd). Haven’t had a problem in either my Colt Gold Cup, or my Les Baer since. Right around 7500 rds, mostly 200 grn SWCs, though 8 mags so far.

They're designed to be 8 round mags, rather than modified 7 round, by having a longer body and a heavier spring.

Chuck

 

[kbheiner7]

Wilson Combat 47Ds are the gold standard of 1911 mags.

 

[10-Ring]

Let's see....
I have a few diff't mags, but only use my 8 round Wilsons

 

[Lennyjoe]

FYI, I prefer Wilson mags.

 

[Mad Magyar]

My vote went to Wilson Combat....But to be fair, have not tried the others..

 

[Atlas Shrug]

Years back I tried some Wilson Rogers 47s. I went with the 7 rounders for ultra reliability. However, one started to act up a bit by not locking the slide back on the last round, resulting in the slide stuck on the plastic follower.

I then tried several McCormick Power Mags. These worked flawlessly, but I didn't feel quite as good about the follower design.

Last year I ordered Tripp Research kits to retrofit both the Wilson and McCormick mags to the Tripp follower design.

All have worked perfectly thus far. You get the good shape and theory of the Wilson Rogers follower, but have metal in the places that the need exists, IMHO.

If I had nothing, I might start with pure Tripp Research mags. However, the kits that work on my existing mags was a great and economical solution. Unless something starts acting up, I'm done with my magazine experiments.

 

[Vitamin G]

To me, "best" means "100% reliability for as little money as possible"
And I mean 100% magazine reliability, minus any spring changes. Gun issues are another matter entirely.

For me, its Wilson combat. I heard great things about Tripp also, but they cost more than the wilson's.

 

[Rexrider]

Over the years I have settled on Wilson 47Ds. Especially if I want an eight round mag.

Seven rounders are not so finicky. I have a bunch of generic 7 rounders that have proven to work well.

Midway has Wilson 47D mags on sale frequently. They are on sale right now for 22.99 (just FYI).

 

[Technosavant]

Seven round: Metalform.
Eight round: Chip McCormick PowerMags.

While I carry 8 rounders, if they didn't play nice in my gun, I would have no problem with only 7.

 

[45auto]

I have found similiar performance with Wilson and CMC 8 round mags. Can't decide which is better.

Great performance with 10 round Mecgar mags and not so good with their 8 rounders. Smooth feeding mags.

I like the "idea" of the Tripp and Novak having longer tubes, more spring, etc and should probably try them. On the other hand, the Wilson and CMC work well and it takes quite a few rounds to test a single mag...most of the time.

Don't own any 7 round mags anymore.

 

[jacketch]

Have tried Wilson, Colt, Kimber, MecGar, McCormick, Metalform and Novak. The Colt, Kimber and MecGar all worked great until they had a major failure (eg. floorplate fell out). The McCormick and Metalform really last but were not 100% reliable in my guns. The Novak I haven't used enough to form a lasting impression yet.

My preference is Wilson 47D, for reliability and long life.

 

[schmeky]

Wilson in my Kimber has been excellent.