Happy 1911

I agree about this thread.
...Bill hasn't been here for a while, I miss reading his advice on my topics
 
I’ve read this thread before and there is a treasure trove of information contained in this thread.

If there’s one component of a semi-auto pistol that will give you headaches, it is the magazine. Other than bad ammunition, nothing creates more potential for functioning issues than the magazine.

The 1911 is a bit of an outlier due to its age. It was originally designed to work with 230gr. FMJ and it did that amazing well. It was only when people started feeding 1911 pistols with SWC and Hollowpoints that alternative magazines were needed. So as the 1911 scene expanded to include semi-wadcutters, Short SWC’s, HP’s and other bullet styles, the magazines had to catch up. The shooters, gunsmiths and experimenters figured out what needed to happen, and they came up with some excellent solutions. However, as has been pointed out in this excellent thread, that resulted in several variations of magazine feed lips. This isn’t a problem for knowledgeable users of the platform.

I think the younger generations are a bit spoiled when it comes to magazines. If you grew up in a world of Glocks, SIGs and the like, you just buy factory magazines and call it a day. The development work has been done for you. It’s only when you step back into the older world that little things like different magazines for different bullet profiles appear on the scene.

A Big Thank You to all that contributed to this thread.
 
I have four MecGar (sp) mags that are pure trash. The lips are to wide to pass through the trigger stirrup without out force. Getting one out is just as bad. They will work in my Ruger LW commander, but neither Colt GM. I bought ten of the GI surplus mags from DCM when they were available. They are GI lip Checkmates, but also the body is to wide for easy insertion and removal on my Colt GM. Lip style is irrelevant if the mag bodies or lips are two wide for easy use.
 
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Never have any problem with my dozen WW2 magazines. Don't drop them on the ground playing games and keep them clean and they have lasted since my 1970's NRA Bullseye days.
 
The Colt magazines are not always made by "Colt". And even the one that are can be less than ideal. I had the floor plate detach from the magazine body on one while I was shooting. The magazine body remained locked in the gun but the baseplate, spring, follower and the remaining rounds all ejected out the bottom.
I found all the parts and tack welded the plate back on. It worked fine but I never trusted it again.

Checkmate supplied mags for a long time and they generally work well, if you have the correct style for the bullet you are shooting See post #102 & post #10.

I settled on Wilson 47D mags and have been happy with them BUT YMMV.

I've used just about every make out there and if I have one peice of advice it is to find what works for your gun and ammo combination and acquire as many of that type as you desire. Then, divest yourself of ALL the other types. Don't keep them "for practice" or as spares - just sell/trade/give away whatever. You will be far happier in the long run.
 
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i think they make them a touch short in the body sometimes and that knocks the base out of the little notches they try using to hold it on with.
the a-1 style auto ord mag. done the same thing except thankfully it wasn't in the gun at the time.
 
"I've used just about make out there and if I have one peice of advice it is to find what works for your gun and ammo combination and acquire as many of that type as you desire. Then, divest yourself of ALL the other types. Don't keep them "for practice" or as spares - just sell/trade/give away whatever. You will be far happier in the long run."

100% truth I put the dogs on Ebay at like 5$ each and get rid of them someone else problem, Kinda like I leave that stupid small primer 45 brass at the range for some newbie to get LOL.
 
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