Good source for 1911 magazines?

M

Malone LaVeigh

New member
I know this has probably already been discussed here, but I didn't have any luck on the search engine. I'm looking for magazines for a GI WWII-era Springfield. I assume any mags for standard Colt and other 1911s will fit, but are there any others that fit? Any to avoid? Is mail order the way to go or seek out a dealer?

I'd appreciate any help.
 
Most "GI" mags on the market and at gun shows really aren't. The best mag to use is the Wilson, otherwise if you want something without a protruding basepad the Metalform ones are great. Get either from Brownells.
 
www.natchezss.com has the best prices on Wilson magazines other than the Brownells trade discount prices.They frequently go on sale at Natchez too.The Chip McCormick Power mags have also feed reliably in my 1911 as well.
 
.45 Magazines

In theory, all .45ACP magazines made for the Colt 1911 and clones are interchangeable. An Italian company, MecGar, makes factory magazines for .45 manufacturers. The Wilson is arguably the best magazine available but is more expensive than most. I have had very good luck with some 8-shot Metalforms, surplus GI 7-shot mags (these have the 11-digit GSA stock number stamped into the baseplate), Colt mags (probably made by someone else), Chip McCormick and Shooting Star mags, Pachmayr stainless mags, and others. You can get a 'lemon' with any brand.

Luck!
 
Thanks for the speedy replys, folks.

dsk, I have bookmarked your excellent site. I now know that the 1911 I inherited was built in 1914! And the barrel is the post-WWI replacement. :cool:

BUT I wonder: Should I shoot this firearm? I had it checked out by a local gunsmith, but I just noticed that it dry-fires when I push the slide back a la your safety test. I was pushing straight back on the muzzle, and I'm not sure if that constitutes the 1/4 inch that you specify.

I consider this mostly a collector's item, especially now that I know how old it is. It has a lot personal value to me because an uncle of mine carried it in the S Pacific during the Big One. (That's why I thought it was WWII era.) It has completely lost the bluing and all parts are pitted. Still, it seems mechanicly sound, and would be nice to take out to the range and shoot with my son. It's the only 1911 I have right now.

All: I located several at Natchezss (thanks, KPS). They have a choice of 7 & 8 round mags and an "OM" mag. The 7-round is on sale, and it's what I have now. What are the pros and cons of each?
 
Life Safety

Magazines upon which my life may depend shall be 7-rounders. I have the Metalform 8-rounders for qualifying & plinking & backup. My sidearm and duty mag pouch both carry 7-rounders that are utterly reliable. The natchez price on the Wilson is superb. Think I'll order several.
 
Thanks, TL. Couple more questions. Are the 8-round mags larger (that is, do they fit the same?) Also, I noticed some really inexpensive ones at this site (thanks, dinosaur.) How much difference do you think there is?
 
Malone, if the gun can fire with the slide retracted more than 1/8" or so then the disconnector is worn. Better fix it before shooting it. Considering that the gun is no longer mint, shooting it won't be an act of vandalism. However, go easy on the old girl and shoot it in moderation. New springs wouldn't be a bad idea either.
 
dsk, Thanks for the advice. Is the disconnector something I can replace myself, or should I take it to a professional? (Esp. given the a fact that the guy reputed to be the best around here just charged me $50 and told me it was OK.)
 
Malone

I use Wilson's 8rd magazines in my carry gun and they do not fit flush with the grip like GI mags do because they have a small bumper at the bottom of them.Wilson and CMC use followers that allow an 8th round to fit in the regular length magazine.Wilson also sells a spring and follower kit that allows you to convert GI mags to 8rds.
 
I suggest you replace all of the old lockwork with Ed Brown parts. You can replace all the parts yourself if you can read and follow directions. If you're a "real man" and don't need no stinkin' instructions, you can pay the nice gunsmith to fix it when you're done.;) :D
 
Thank you, one and all.

This forum is an incredible resource.

blades: Si, I can follow instructions. Do you know where I can get them? And what all do you mean when you say "lockwork?" I have been looking at the blow-ups and instruction at dsk's site. They're pretty good, and I think I could make a stab with them if I knew which partsx to replace. Is there more explicit instruction out there for specific parts?
 
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