Happy 1911
- Thread starter Brad
- Start date
Petrol & Powder
Well-Known Member
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.
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.
Charles Graff
Moderator Emeritus
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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RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
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.
