1911 Magazine Change

cw308 · December 6, 2017, 09:38 AM

Looking at some video's on magazines . I have a Colt New Agent in 45ACP it is out of production but is just like the Colt Defender with trench sights . Haven't had any problems with the gun but a lot of people are using other magazines like ACT MAG . What do you use , would like some feed back . Chris

Charlie98 · December 6, 2017, 09:46 AM

I use Chip McCormick PowerMags in my 1911's. I've found them to be very reliable.

LBussy · December 6, 2017, 09:55 AM

A person can spend a lot of money on magazines. Thankfully, the 1911 is not a picky eater in most cases. I have used Check-Mate magazines for years with no issues:

http://www.checkmatemagazines.com/

I trust my life to them (use them in my carry rig).

Polinese · December 6, 2017, 11:02 AM

I've used nothing but mec-gar magazines in the few 1911's I have and have never had an issue that was magazine related (one 1911 has a particularly steep ramp that doesn't like HP)

k4swb · December 6, 2017, 11:33 AM

I have no problem with MetalForm mags.

RickB · December 6, 2017, 11:55 AM

I used nothing but Power Mags, both 8s and 10s, for many years.
Never really had any issues with them that would cause me to look elsewhere, but every new mag is an "improvement" on what went before, right?

For my compact gun, I want as much spring as possible, so don't use any +1 mags, and do want parallel feedlips.
I like "hybrid" feedlips for my full-sized guns, but the compact would occasionally double-feed or stovepipe a live round with hybrids.

ACT-MAGs were my first foray into non-McCormicks, and while I like them a lot, they functioned great and looked good, I had them when tube cracking was rampant, all of mine cracked, so I went another direction.
If the cracking issue has been fixed, they should be good mags, though they do (did) have slightly tapered feedlips, and that might be an issue based on my experience.

I've used single stack mags from McCormick, Metalform, Mec-Gar, Checkmate, ACT-MAG, Wilson, and probably a couple of others.
All are good quality, but there are enough difference in the specs that you might love one that somebody else hates, and vice versa.
The mag that works for you is the best mag.

BigJimP · December 6, 2017, 01:44 PM

Wilson Combat mags is all I use in my 1911's.../ I prefer their ETM base pads.

Rangerrich99 · December 6, 2017, 06:00 PM

Metalforms and Wilson Combat ETDs

**Aguila Blanca** · December 6, 2017, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CW308

Looking at some video's on magazines . I have a Colt New Agent in 45ACP it is out of production but is just like the Colt Defender with trench sights . Haven't had any problems with the gun but a lot of people are using other magazines like ACT MAG . What do you use , would like some feed back

Check-Mate. And Check-Mate is an OEM supplier of magazines to Colt. (Although I believe the short Defender/New Agent magazines are made for Colt by Metalform.)

Crankylove · December 6, 2017, 08:58 PM

Metalform and Wilson 47 series.

Had several Chip McCormick mags, and had nothing but problems. Didn’t like to feed correctly, and would lock the slide. Gave them all away, and the recipient had similar issues.

Have never had a mag related issue with the Metalform or Wilson’s, so that all I run now.

Kreyzhorse · December 6, 2017, 09:51 PM

Chip McCormick Shooting Stars and Power Mags work great for me.

MandolinMan · December 6, 2017, 10:01 PM

I have 8 round ACT, MecGar, and Wilson Combat mags that all work well for me.

KyJim · December 8, 2017, 09:47 AM

I have 1911 mags from Checkmate, Wilson, Tripp, ACT, MecGar, Metalform, and others. My default magazine of choice is Checkmate both because of quality and price. Top Gun Supply has a good selection at everyday good prices.

JDBerg · December 8, 2017, 11:16 AM

I have the Wilson 47D .45ACP magazines and the old style Wilson 9mm ETM magazines with the polymer follower, although I like the new 9mm ETM’s with the metal followers. And Tripp Cobra mags in any caliber are “IMHO” worth the expense

jr24 · December 8, 2017, 05:33 PM

I always use Wilsons for non range work. I've never had a problem with them and I like their followers for loading mags. I have a few of the 8 and 7 round Wilsons for my Ultra Carry that work well on the smaller frame.

For full size I have also had good experiences with Chip McCormick and Checkmate.

WVsig · December 8, 2017, 05:48 PM

For small 1911s like the New Agent I like Tripp.

80viking · December 8, 2017, 05:58 PM

One more for Shooting Star magazines. They are reliable and hold 8.

Nathan · December 8, 2017, 06:52 PM

Quote:

A person can spend a lot of money on magazines. Thankfully, the 1911 is not a picky eater in most cases. I have used Check-Mate magazines for years with no issues:

http://www.checkmatemagazines.com/

I trust my life to them (use them in my carry rig).

IMO, the search for 1911 mags stops there....Best mags I've ever used.

otasan · December 21, 2017, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie_98

I use Chip McCormick PowerMags in my 1911's. I've found them to be very reliable.

Same here - power mags by Chip McCormick.

Brownstone322 · December 21, 2017, 10:51 PM

Metalform works for me just fine. I have some Mec-Gars on order right now, though. Scored them on clearance.

Mike38 · December 21, 2017, 11:02 PM

Another vote for MetalForm. I bought three of them 20+ years ago. Still using them. Needed nothing but an occasional cleaning. Original springs too.

HisSoldier · December 22, 2017, 09:32 PM

Checkmate mags have gotten many 1911's to run right for me.

**Aguila Blanca** · December 23, 2017, 09:14 AM

For all those who are suggesting Chip McCormick magazines ... did you overlook the fact that the OP has a Colt New Agent? That's a Defender-size pistol that needs magazines a half inch (and one round) shorter than full-size 1911 magas. Chip McCormick doesn't offer any Defender-size magazines, not in the Shooting Star line, not in the Powermag line, and not in the RPM line. So unless the OP is prepared to have his magazines extending a half inch beyond the magazine well of his pistol, CMC magazines aren't going to work.

cw308 · December 23, 2017, 09:52 AM

Aguila Blanca
Thanks for picking that up . I have practiced with the full size mags an the function fine in my NA , I prefer a flat base mag like the original for carry. I'm going to check the suggested brands , some magazines when compressed function smoother an my way of thinking , would cut down any feeding problems . I find that by seating my bullets .005 lower cuts down on any possible feed hang ups . Also I'm not loading hot . I only carry store bought 230 FMJ.

cw308 · December 23, 2017, 09:58 AM

For All that Answered my post.
I want to thank You for all your time & help . Enjoyed reading every post. My answer above my open up some more conversation , keep it coming . Chris

December 6, 2017, 09:38 AM	#1
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	1911 Magazine Change Looking at some video's on magazines . I have a Colt New Agent in 45ACP it is out of production but is just like the Colt Defender with trench sights . Haven't had any problems with the gun but a lot of people are using other magazines like ACT MAG . What do you use , would like some feed back . Chris Last edited by cw308; December 6, 2017 at 09:52 AM.

December 6, 2017, 09:46 AM	#2
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	I use Chip McCormick PowerMags in my 1911's. I've found them to be very reliable. __________________ _______________ "I have this pistol pointed at your heart!" "That is my least vulnerable spot."

December 6, 2017, 11:33 AM	#5
k4swb Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Posts: 389	I have no problem with MetalForm mags. __________________ My posts are things I have tried or experienced. You may or may not wish to emulate them so read them with this in mind. Compromise means that both sides give something, but they never give, they just take. I'm The NRA!

December 6, 2017, 11:55 AM	#6
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	I used nothing but Power Mags, both 8s and 10s, for many years. Never really had any issues with them that would cause me to look elsewhere, but every new mag is an "improvement" on what went before, right? For my compact gun, I want as much spring as possible, so don't use any +1 mags, and do want parallel feedlips. I like "hybrid" feedlips for my full-sized guns, but the compact would occasionally double-feed or stovepipe a live round with hybrids. ACT-MAGs were my first foray into non-McCormicks, and while I like them a lot, they functioned great and looked good, I had them when tube cracking was rampant, all of mine cracked, so I went another direction. If the cracking issue has been fixed, they should be good mags, though they do (did) have slightly tapered feedlips, and that might be an issue based on my experience. I've used single stack mags from McCormick, Metalform, Mec-Gar, Checkmate, ACT-MAG, Wilson, and probably a couple of others. All are good quality, but there are enough difference in the specs that you might love one that somebody else hates, and vice versa. The mag that works for you is the best mag. __________________ Runs off at the mouth about anything 1911 related on this site and half the time is flat out wrong.

December 6, 2017, 08:58 PM	#10
Crankylove Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2008 Location: 8B ID Posts: 1,753	Metalform and Wilson 47 series. Had several Chip McCormick mags, and had nothing but problems. Didn’t like to feed correctly, and would lock the slide. Gave them all away, and the recipient had similar issues. Have never had a mag related issue with the Metalform or Wilson’s, so that all I run now. __________________ The answer to 1984 is 1776

December 6, 2017, 09:55 AM	#3
LBussy Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2012 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 296	A person can spend a lot of money on magazines. Thankfully, the 1911 is not a picky eater in most cases. I have used Check-Mate magazines for years with no issues: http://www.checkmatemagazines.com/ I trust my life to them (use them in my carry rig).

December 6, 2017, 11:02 AM	#4
Polinese Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2010 Posts: 950	I've used nothing but mec-gar magazines in the few 1911's I have and have never had an issue that was magazine related (one 1911 has a particularly steep ramp that doesn't like HP)

December 6, 2017, 01:44 PM	#7
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Wilson Combat mags is all I use in my 1911's.../ I prefer their ETM base pads.

December 6, 2017, 06:00 PM	#8
Rangerrich99 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Location: Kinda near Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,254	Metalforms and Wilson Combat ETDs

December 6, 2017, 09:51 PM	#11
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Chip McCormick Shooting Stars and Power Mags work great for me. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

December 6, 2017, 10:01 PM	#12
MandolinMan Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2013 Posts: 339	I have 8 round ACT, MecGar, and Wilson Combat mags that all work well for me.

December 8, 2017, 09:47 AM	#13
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I have 1911 mags from Checkmate, Wilson, Tripp, ACT, MecGar, Metalform, and others. My default magazine of choice is Checkmate both because of quality and price. Top Gun Supply has a good selection at everyday good prices.

December 8, 2017, 11:16 AM	#14
JDBerg Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2015 Location: PA Posts: 1,835	I have the Wilson 47D .45ACP magazines and the old style Wilson 9mm ETM magazines with the polymer follower, although I like the new 9mm ETM’s with the metal followers. And Tripp Cobra mags in any caliber are “IMHO” worth the expense __________________ Words to Live By: Before You Pray - Believe; Before You Speak - Listen; Before You Spend - Earn; Before You Write - Think; Before You Quit - Try; Before You Die - Live

December 8, 2017, 05:33 PM	#15
jr24 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2011 Posts: 870	I always use Wilsons for non range work. I've never had a problem with them and I like their followers for loading mags. I have a few of the 8 and 7 round Wilsons for my Ultra Carry that work well on the smaller frame. For full size I have also had good experiences with Chip McCormick and Checkmate.

December 8, 2017, 05:48 PM	#16
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	For small 1911s like the New Agent I like Tripp. __________________ -The right to be left alone is the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by free people.-Louis Brandeis -Its a tool box... I don't care you put the tools in for the job that's all... -Sam from Ronin -It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

December 8, 2017, 05:58 PM	#17
80viking Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2009 Location: The Peoples Republic of Massac Posts: 333	One more for Shooting Star magazines. They are reliable and hold 8.

December 21, 2017, 10:51 PM	#20
Brownstone322 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2017 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 277	Metalform works for me just fine. I have some Mec-Gars on order right now, though. Scored them on clearance. __________________ "To me it doesn't matter if your hopes are dreams are shattered." -- Noel Gallagher

December 21, 2017, 11:02 PM	#21
Mike38 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2009 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 2,710	Another vote for MetalForm. I bought three of them 20+ years ago. Still using them. Needed nothing but an occasional cleaning. Original springs too.

December 22, 2017, 09:32 PM	#22
HisSoldier Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2007 Location: Oregoncoast Posts: 1,793	Checkmate mags have gotten many 1911's to run right for me. __________________ CNC produced 416 stainless triggers to replace the plastic triggers on Colt Mustangs, Mustang Plus II's, MK IV Government .380's and Sig P238's and P938's. Plus Colt Mustang hardened 416 guide rods, and Llama .32 and .380 recoil spring buttons, checkered nicely and blued.

December 23, 2017, 09:14 AM	#23
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,473	For all those who are suggesting Chip McCormick magazines ... did you overlook the fact that the OP has a Colt New Agent? That's a Defender-size pistol that needs magazines a half inch (and one round) shorter than full-size 1911 magas. Chip McCormick doesn't offer any Defender-size magazines, not in the Shooting Star line, not in the Powermag line, and not in the RPM line. So unless the OP is prepared to have his magazines extending a half inch beyond the magazine well of his pistol, CMC magazines aren't going to work.

December 23, 2017, 09:52 AM	#24
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Aguila Blanca Thanks for picking that up . I have practiced with the full size mags an the function fine in my NA , I prefer a flat base mag like the original for carry. I'm going to check the suggested brands , some magazines when compressed function smoother an my way of thinking , would cut down any feeding problems . I find that by seating my bullets .005 lower cuts down on any possible feed hang ups . Also I'm not loading hot . I only carry store bought 230 FMJ.

December 23, 2017, 09:58 AM	#25
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	For All that Answered my post. I want to thank You for all your time & help . Enjoyed reading every post. My answer above my open up some more conversation , keep it coming . Chris