1911 magazines

Venus Pax · Post by **Venus Pax** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 4:25 pm

I have a question for all 1911 enthusiasts about magazines.

I have a Commander length (4.25") 1911. If I get another one (full-size model, for example) will my current magazines still fit?

Also, if I happen to cross brands, will it use the same magazines? (I like the Chip McCormick.)

AEA · Post by **AEA** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 4:31 pm

Yes a full sized 1911 will take the same 8 round magazines you have for your commander length pistol. The Frame (and magazine well) is the same size.

I would recommend Wilson Combat Mags with plastic followers for ANY 1911.
I own Colts, Kimbers and Springers and I have NEVER even put a bullet into any of the mags that came with the guns. Those mags are still in the respective boxes. I ONLY use Wilson Combat. YMMV.......

The main reason I use Wilson is because a lot of the guns I have are Aluminum Framed and a Metal Follower will sometimes ding up the feed ramp. Best to not even put one with a metal follower in the gun!

Post by **carlson1** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 4:49 pm

AEA wrote:The main reason I use Wilson is because a lot of the guns I have are Aluminum Framed and a Metal Follower will sometimes ding up the feed ramp. Best to not even put one with a metal follower in thegun!

Good Information!

Post by **Skiprr** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 5:44 pm

BTW, Wilson came out with a new magazine a few weeks ago. I don't have any yet, but definitely want to try 'em out before too long.

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/index_new.htm

What you can't do is use magazines made for an Officer-sized 1911 in a Commander or full-size. The Officer's pistol takes a 7-round mag, and is too short to use in a Commander or Government frame.

AEA · Post by **AEA** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:01 pm

Those look very nice.......sounds like they put a lot of thought into these......
The elongated witness holes look much better.
I am quite happy with the ones I have at the moment. They serve me well. I have the very slim base plates on mine and really like them. Not sure if I would like that larger baseplate although I understand the purpose of it.

I will probably order these next time I need some and just change out the plates myself as I did before....very easy to change.

MrsFosforos · Post by **MrsFosforos** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:41 pm

i'm tagging on to this thread because I've been wanting to ask about this too. Do any of you have recommendations for a Colt Defender?

I've put a few hundred rounds through the factory mags without any malfunctions, but I'd like to pick up a couple of spares to have too.

I've read recommendations for using Wilson - and as I understand it the officer's model are compatible for a Defender. I just haven't gone out to find any yet.

AEA · Post by **AEA** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:46 pm

That is correct, the 7 Round Wilsons for Officer's ACP will fit your Defender.
I use them in a Kimber Ultra Carry II (3" 1911).
They are excellent mags and you will wonder how you EVER did without them!

mr surveyor · Post by **mr surveyor** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:49 pm

I currently have 7 Chip McCormic (7 round) mags for my Kimber Compact that I would gladly trade for a pair of new Wilson Combat mags

AEA · Post by **AEA** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:51 pm

Well.....I feel sorry for ya.....but that says it all right there!

Venus Pax · Post by **Venus Pax** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 8:15 pm

mr surveyor wrote:I currently have 7 Chip McCormic (7 round) mags for my Kimber Compact that I would gladly trade for a pair of new Wilson Combat mags

Do you have the chip mccormic mags with or without the bumper pads on the bottom?

mr surveyor · Post by **mr surveyor** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 9:34 pm

no pads...all stainless. Actually these are all the McCormick "Shooting Star" mags. I bought the gun a couple of years ago, used, from a dealer friend that got it in trade from a former LEO. It's a '97-'98 model Compact Stainless, in extremely good condition. None of the Kimber mags were with the gun, unless Kimber farmed out the mags to McCormick in '97-'98?

I would trade 3 for 1....gotta keep at least one on hand

KinnyLee · Post by **KinnyLee** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 9:38 pm

Champion and Government uses the same mags.

If you want some really good mags, you can take a gander at these guys.

http://www.trippresearch.com/osdoc/maginfo.html