Anybody else only load 7 in an 8 round 1911 mag?

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Pops1085

New member
Hey all, I've bought some various mags for a new-to-me no name 1911 and I've been finding it very hard to load and insert the 8 rounders unless I only load 7 in them. After that it's smooth and easy. Probably going to stick to doing this for the easy and reliable reloads but I'd like to hear from you.

Yes, they do work fine if I lock the slide back and load them, but you can't count on being able to do that every time
 
I normally load one short at the range with most my auto's it's a practice that has served me well, when carrying I do same(I can hear the fire storm now)most mags. function better in that manner, I would rather insure reliability then worry about one short.
 
I'm not a proponent of downloading mags, I load all of my autos, handguns and long guns, to capacity +1 and don't have any problems. If a mag won't function when loaded to capacity I mark it and don't use it for carry. I have several different brands of 8rd 1911 mags but I prefer Wolff 8rd mags for carry and competition. I've never had a bit of trouble with them.
 
If the mags can't load and insert to capacity then there is something wrong with the mags. I load all of my name brand 1911 45acp mags to their capacity.
 
Yes, they do work fine if I lock the slide back and load them, but you can't count on being able to do that every time
Click to expand...

Why not? Is you slide stop not working?

1911 magazines aren't typically very stiff in terms of compression as they are only single stack. If you want 8 either lock the slide back or smack the mag with some authority when you seat it.
 
I don't care for flush-fit 8-round magazines. Any that I get, I convert to standard 7-rounders using GI followers from Check-Mate and (if necessary) springs from Wolff.
 
I don't go to the trouble of replacing the followers and springs, but I'm with Aguila. I only load 7.
 
I guess I should clarify, are you talking about flush fitting 8 rounders or 8 rounders that stick out the bottom a bit? Flush fitting 8 rounders would be pretty hard to insert. The ones that extend should seat properly.
 
Unless round #8 wouldn't fit or causes seating issues in the gun, I'd never carry just 7 in an 8rd mag. I've heard from guys that think they know something about how downloading a mag is good for it, but if it's designed as an 8rd, carry 8 in it. It's like saying carry only 16rds in a 17rd, like that's going to extend spring life exponentially. No, it just means you have one less round than you could have.

If it's tough to load, load it up with 8 and leave it setting for a while, it will loosen up slightly and make it easier.
 
I've used flush-fit 8-rounders from McCormick and Check-Mate, and extended-tube 8-rounders from ACT-Mag and Check-Mate, and have never really had any issues with any of them.
Loading the eighth round is a little harder with the flush-fit 8s than with 7s or the extended-tube 8s, but not so hard that it creates any issues.
The 10-round .38 Super and 9-round 10mm mags are another story; there's no way they will lock into my pistols when fully loaded.
 
While I don't download any of my mags, even 30rd AR mags, the last magazines that would benefit from downloading are single stack mags like a 1911 mag, they are under FAR less tension than double stack mags.

I agree with others though, not a fan of flush fit 8rd mags for 1911's.
 
Wierd

Weird thing about my Wilson 8 rounders in my Norinco 1911A1.

If I load 8 and cycle by hand to load the first round it always, always jams.

If I load 7 cycle a round by hand and then top off the mag to 8 I can empty the mag by firing without a problem.

Very weird.

Rmocarsky
 
SIG "8-round" follower

About 2000 or so, SIG. for the P220, .45, introduced an "8-rd" follower for its previously mfg'd 7 rd mags. These would be the blue, SIG made (I think) 7 rders prior 1999 or so. We bought some, installed them in the 7 rd mags, and yes indeed, they would now hold 8.

But function was erratic, and it was typically the 2nd round in any string of fire. We immediatly went back to 7+1, re installing the old followers. Not to long after that, the SIG MecGar mag, 8+1, stainless came out. These have worked fine.
 
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