Wilson Combat 47D vs. ETM 8-rd battle

[Mark_Mark]

Alright, I’m getting of age that .45 ACP 1911’s are going to be a thing in my life.

I love the profile of the thin 1911, and I know from 2011’s that magazine are important.

doing my research, I have narrowed down 8-rd mags 47D or ETM both by Wilson Combat

Question, Is the 47D as good as the ETM, ETM is about 50% more. $30 vs. $47.??? really looking for a a good stack of 8-rd mags

 

[Skylerbone]

I used to buy 47Ds but they’re really nothing special. The ETMs are a good step up, comparable to Tripp Research imo. Honestly though, I’ve yet to have a good 1911 fail with any magazine in good working order. In addition to the above I’ve used McCormick, Metalform, ACT, Kimber, Colt, and a few others.


From last week, using Metalform, Colt, a pair of 47Ds, and a pair of ETMs to test fire a new 1911.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I used to buy 47Ds but they’re really nothing special. The ETMs are a good step up, comparable to Tripp Research imo. Honestly though, I’ve yet to have a good 1911 fail with any magazine in good working order. In addition to the above I’ve used McCormick, Metalform, ACT, Kimber, Colt, and a few others.


From last week, using Metalform, Colt, a pair of 47Ds, and a pair of ETMs to test fire a new 1911.
View attachment 1079659

did you load it up full 8rd’s?

 

[Mark_Mark]

ETM with no holes and flat wire spring! sounds amazing

 

[JTQ]

Question, Is the 47D as good as the ETM,...

No

The guys that invented the 47/47D, Bill Wilson and Bill Rogers - note the "10 lbs in a 5 lb sack" comment about the 47D.



The full size 7 round 47 is a great mag. The 47D uses a lesser follower and lesser spring to squeeze an extra round in the same length tube, a tube designed to hold 7 rounds. If you've got to have an 8 rounder from Wilson Combat, get something from the ETM line-up.

 

[JTQ]

The Wilson ETM, Tripp CobraMag, Chip McCormick (CMC) RPM, CheckMate EXT, and a few others have longer tubes than the Wilson 47D, CMC PowerMag, etc.

If you have to have 8 rounds in one of the shorter mags, the CMC line-up is the way to go, since their Devel/Shooting Star follower is the most size efficient. If you don't have to have a short tube, get one of the longer tube models and get a better follower and spring.

 

[JTQ]

ETM with no holes and flat wire spring! sounds amazing

If you're choosing the Vickers model, you have a specific need from your magazines, and you know what that need is.

For normal use, anything from the ETM line-up will be a step up from the 47D, because the tube is longer, and the spring and follower are better.

This is a perfectly good mag, currently sale priced at $30.36 https://shopwilsoncombat.com/MAGAZI...LL-SIZE-8-ROUND-ETM-BASE-PAD/productinfo/500/

 

[Mark_Mark]

If you're choosing the Vickers model, you have a specific need from your magazines, and you know what that need is.

For normal use, anything from the ETM line-up will be a step up from the 47D, because the tube is longer, and the spring and follower are better.

This is a perfectly good mag, currently sale priced at $30.36 https://shopwilsoncombat.com/MAGAZI...LL-SIZE-8-ROUND-ETM-BASE-PAD/productinfo/500/

is this the one that’s a 47D with a ETM base pad?

 

[JTQ]

is this the one that’s a 47D with a ETM base pad?

I'm not familiar with such a model.

The link I gave above is from the ETM/500 Series line-up https://shopwilsoncombat.com/MAGAZI...LL-SIZE-8-ROUND-ETM-BASE-PAD/productinfo/500/

 

[md7]

Alright, I’m getting of age that .45 ACP 1911’s are going to be a thing in my life.

I love the profile of the thin 1911, and I know from 2011’s that magazine are important.

doing my research, I have narrowed down 8-rd mags 47D or ETM both by Wilson Combat

Question, Is the 47D as good as the ETM, ETM is about 50% more. $30 vs. $47.??? really looking for a a good stack of 8-rd mags
View attachment 1079657 View attachment 1079658

Talk about shared experiences. I must be that age, too. 1911 bug bit me hard over the last few years.

Mine have worked well with 7 rounders from Springfield OEM, Metalform, Mecgar, and 8 round Wilson 47D mags. I’ve heard several knowledgeable folks say the ETM is a better 8 round mag vs the 47D.

Although I’ve had no issues, I’ll likely go with ETM’s or Tripp 8 rounders moving forward.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Talk about shared experiences. I must be that age, too. 1911 bug bit me hard over the last few years.

Mine have worked well with 7 rounders from Springfield OEM, Metalform, Mecgar, and 8 round Wilson 47D mags. I’ve heard several knowledgeable folks say the ETM is a better 8 round mag vs the 47D.

Although I’ve had no issues, I’ll likely go with ETM’s or Tripp 8 rounders moving forward.

oooh yeah! I have to look at Tripp 8!

I didn’t really appreciate the 1911 until I stripped it and understood how ingenious the design is. Trigger Bow, 1 flat spring that does 3 things, adjustable mag release (by means of cutting! lol) Everything is COOL about it and .45 ACP is a man STOPPER all day!

 

[md7]

oooh yeah! I have to look at Tripp 8!

I didn’t really appreciate the 1911 until I stripped it and understood how ingenious the design is. Trigger Bow, 1 flat spring that does 3 things, adjustable mag release (by means of cutting! lol) Everything is COOL about it and .45 ACP is a man STOPPER all day!

Yep. They really are cool!

Have my share of double stack 9’s, and appreciate them quite a bit. But a well running 1911 is just a real pleasure to shoot in my humble opinion. Wish I’d come around sooner, honestly.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Yep. They really are cool!

Have my share of double stack 9’s, and appreciate them quite a bit. But a well running 1911 is just a real pleasure to shoot in my humble opinion. Wish I’d come around sooner, honestly.

Same Boat Man! remember when those Remington R1’s we under $500! and I bought another Glock instead! lol!

Get some SDS 1911 as they are still dirt cheap! very good built quality

 

[Skylerbone]

When I bought my ETMs there was only one variety, and a number of base pads to chose from. I ordered steel to replace the included plastic oversized bases. This brought up another issue as illustrated below because several of my 1911s use EGW “Higher Magazine Catches”. They refused to latch and so a bit of filing was necessary.

Keep these issues in mind before plunking down your money and have a plan to address your new magazines should the need arise. Remember before stressing too much over the perfect 1911 magazines that old school Colt 7-rounders have worked for 100+ years, and that many of the new extended body 8-round magazines are near equal in performance to one another.

For reference.


Colt 8-round (top) and WC ETM 8-round (bottom).


WC 47D (top) and WC ETM, both 8-round.


47D (left) and ETM (right).


ACT 8-round (left) and ETM (right).


3 styles of WC base pads.


WC base pads.


Followers from (l to r) WC (2), ACT (middle), and Colt (2).


47D inserted.


ETM inserted.


ETM base pad filed to fit my S&W with EGW higher catch.

 

[Mark_Mark]

When I bought my ETMs there was only one variety, and a number of base pads to chose from. I ordered steel to replace the included plastic oversized bases. This brought up another issue as illustrated below because several of my 1911s use EGW “Higher Magazine Catches”. The refused to latch and so a bit of filing was necessary.

Keep these issues in mind before plunking down your money and have a plan to address your new magazines should the need arise. Remember before stressing too much over the perfect 1911 magazines that old school Colt 7-rounders have worked for 100+ years, and that many of the new extended body 8-round magazines are near equal in performance to one another.

For reference.


Colt 8-round (top) and WC ETM 8-round (bottom).
View attachment 1079845

WC 47D (top) and WC ETM, both 8-round.
View attachment 1079846

47D (left) and ETM (right).
View attachment 1079847

ACT 8-round (left) and ETM (right).
View attachment 1079848

3 styles of WC base pads.
View attachment 1079849

WC base pads.
View attachment 1079850

Followers from (l to r) WC (2), ACT (middle), and Colt (2).
View attachment 1079851

47D inserted.
View attachment 1079855

ETM inserted.
View attachment 1079856

ETM base pad filed to fit my S&W with EGW higher catch.
View attachment 1079857

thanks man! what’s that gun you got there?

I’m ordering some ETM #500, good price right now. And 2 ETM #700. One way to find out if it works. Just try it.

 

[Skylerbone]

thanks man! what’s that gun you got there?

I’m ordering some ETM #500, good price right now. And 2 ETM #700. One way to find out if it works. Just try it.

Smith & Wesson E-Series, or what’s left of it. Frame, slide, MSH, GS, and front sight are original with everything else being replaced.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Smith & Wesson E-Series, or what’s left of it. Frame, slide, MSH, and front sight are original with everything else being replaced.



View attachment 1079893

that looks GOOD! I’m getting into smithing 1911. Starting cheap but I’ll get there. I like all the parts and jigs Brownille sells

 

[JR24]

Have 47d, ETM and ETM with the low profile base plate.

All have worked 100% and for a range gun I don’t really see any issue with going for the cheaper 47d (or, frankly, metalform for even cheaper).

For carry I had bought the low profile 8 round and while they work, the fit is tight and inserting the mag on a closed slide tends to dent the rims of my ammo, annoying but the advantage in concealment is notable.

Keep an eye on Wilson’s shop around holidays, they often run sales that can really bring that price down. I think my last set of ETMs were 30% off around Christmas.

 

[JTQ]

Keep an eye on Wilson’s shop around holidays, they often run sales that can really bring that price down. I think my last set of ETMs were 30% off around Christmas.

Perhaps like right now...

This is a perfectly good mag, currently sale priced at $30.36 https://shopwilsoncombat.com/MAGAZI...LL-SIZE-8-ROUND-ETM-BASE-PAD/productinfo/500/

 

[nofendertom]

Have used Wilson 47d mags in comp for 12yrs---never had a mag related problem---still use a couple of them.
The 6 or 7 Colt mags I had worked fine, no problems but most of them cracked in one corner of the cutout at the top rear of the mag, spreading the lips.
That was when I switched to the Wilson mags with the rounded cutout.

 

[JR24]

Perhaps like right now...

That’s what I get for skimming the thread. Still stands, checking Wilson’s shop periodically for the sales is typically a wise choice.

 

[gun'sRgood]

I hope you don't mind this being off topic but that's got to be the prettiest .45 1911 I've ever seen! I was thinking that whenever Kimber got around to getting it's Eclipse going, that was going immediately to Mrs. Santa. Now? Holy Batman! We'll be at the NRA in TX in a few days. Willson usually has a really nice booth. I can hardly wait to feel, hold, pet and yearn for one of those. Then I'll revisit this thread to see what you go figured out. Thanks for the thread and moreover, thanks for the pics!

 

[Mark_Mark]

I hope you don't mind this being off topic but that's got to be the prettiest .45 1911 I've ever seen! I was thinking that whenever Kimber got around to getting it's Eclipse going, that was going immediately to Mrs. Santa. Now? Holy Batman! We'll be at the NRA in TX in a few days. Willson usually has a really nice booth. I can hardly wait to feel, hold, pet and yearn for one of those. Then I'll revisit this thread to see what you go figured out. Thanks for the thread and moreover, thanks for the pics!

off topic too but, I don’t like Kimber because of my dyslexia… to me it reads “Kimberly” no offense Kimber people!

 

[Fishbed77]

I’ve used Wilson 47Ds and Chip McCormick Power Mags / Shooting Stars for years and never had a problem with any of them.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Same here. 47 D’s in my 1911’s for years now with zero issues.