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The magazine is critical to the function of a 1911, and all too many shooters induce problems in otherwise functional guns
by using faulty magazines.
For a basic magazine, I always recommend the Chip McCormick Power Mag 8 rd with the standard (.350") bumper. For 99% of your
shooting tasks, this will get the job done. It has a durable tube that holds its shape reasonably well, a strong spring that
resists a set when left loaded for extended periods, and good overall function. Its Devel style folded follower has some problems
with some guns where it will jump the slide stop. This is typically a very rare occurrence when the gun is set up correctly.
I have had hundreds of these pass through my hands, and they work well.
The Tripp Industries Cobra Mag, A8-MG, is another good candidate for an 8 round 1911 mag, and has all of the assets of the
Power Mag. The added bonus is a superior follower design that is very stable and reliable (it will lock back guns that might
not respond to other mags), and added tube length for a true 8 round spring column. The major issue I've had with these is
that early production tubes did not last very long and cracked at the rear of the feed lips. Tripp stood behind all of these
mags, and all of my cracked tubes were replaced under warranty. My current set of Tripp magazines has been loaded and in
constant service since early 2005 without any issues with the tubes.
If you want a nearly bulletproof 7 round magazine, you can install the Tripp Super 7 spring/follower kit inside a CMC Power
Mag tube with excellent results. I have had zero problems with this combination, and have received nothing but positive reports
from those fielding this setup. This is an expensive setup, but worthwhile for the serious gun toter. For the casual shooter,
the added benefits may not be realized.
The above 3 setups are the ONLY 1911 magazines that I currently recommend. Keep in mind that
my recommendations are based upon the requirements of the magazines being kept constantly loaded for a duty cycle of 3-6 months
and being able to withstand repeated drops onto hard surfaces during training. Almost any magazine will work satisfactorily
if you never leave them loaded and they are not dropped.
Lastly, 1911 magazines need to be considered an expendable asset, much like the GI aluminum M16 mag. I expect an average service
cycle of 12-24 months, and I will not hesitate to replace them the moment one fails to feed or drop free. Don't get married
to a set of mags, use them up and move on.
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