Understanding the .45 ACP and the 1911: A Foundation for Success
The iconic 1911. A pistol born from battlefield necessity, hardened in the crucible of the early 20th century, and refined into an enduring symbol of American ingenuity and craftsmanship. From the trenches of World War I to the hands of countless shooters across the globe, the 1911’s design, chambered for the powerful .45 Automatic Colt Pistol, has remained remarkably consistent. It’s a testament to a design that, when properly maintained and equipped, still provides exceptional stopping power and an unmatched feel in the hand. But even the best firearms are only as good as their weakest link, and in the world of the 1911, that link is the magazine. This article dives deep into the world of 1911 .45 ACP Mags, providing you with everything you need to know to choose the perfect magazines for your needs, ensuring your 1911 performs at its peak.
The .45 ACP cartridge, a product of John Browning’s genius, was born out of a need for a more potent handgun cartridge to address the deficiencies of previous service rounds. Its large diameter, combined with its heavy bullet weight, delivers significant energy on target, making it a formidable round for self-defense and tactical applications. The 1911, designed around this powerful round, was built to handle its recoil and provide a platform for accurate and reliable shooting.
The 1911’s design, based on a locked-breech, short-recoil operating system, is known for its crisp single-action trigger, inherent accuracy, and ergonomic design. Its manual safety and grip safety are hallmarks of the platform. The heart of the 1911’s feeding system, however, is the magazine well. The magazine well is the compartment within the grip frame designed to accept and retain the magazine, which holds the rounds. The magazine is inserted upwards into the well, held in place by a magazine catch, and then presents rounds to the chamber as the slide cycles.
Types of 1911 .45 ACP Magazines
To fully appreciate the world of 1911 .45 ACP mags, understanding the variety of magazine types available is crucial. The choice of magazine can influence capacity, concealability, and overall firearm performance.
Standard Capacity Options
The original 1911 design utilized a magazine capable of holding seven rounds. These classic, flush-fitting magazines are still a popular choice, favored for their slim profile, ease of concealment, and reliability when paired with a quality spring and follower. Many reputable manufacturers still produce these, ensuring compatibility with original specifications. These magazines are often preferred by those seeking to maintain a classic aesthetic, while still maintaining the potent .45 ACP round.
Extended Capacity Choices
For those seeking increased firepower, magazines with extended capacities are available. These can hold eight, nine, or even more rounds. Extended capacity magazines offer the distinct advantage of allowing more rounds on tap before needing to reload. The extra rounds can be a significant advantage in self-defense or competition scenarios.
However, there are potential drawbacks. Extended magazines typically extend beyond the magazine well, potentially increasing the overall length of the pistol and impacting its concealability. Depending on the magazine design, they can also impact the ergonomics of the grip. It is important to find magazines that are both reliable and comfortable with your grip.
Flush-Fit vs. Extended Base Pads
Another critical factor when selecting magazines is whether to use flush-fit magazines or those with extended base pads. Flush-fit magazines sit flush with the bottom of the magazine well, creating a sleek profile. They can make concealment easier, as there are no protruding parts.
Extended base pads, which attach to the bottom of the magazine, serve a different purpose. They can provide a more secure grip during magazine changes, and they can also help prevent over-insertion. Some shooters also use them to help them to hold a magazine in the weapon.
Magazine Materials and Construction
The materials used in the construction of 1911 .45 ACP mags greatly influence their durability, reliability, and overall performance.
Steel Magazines
Steel magazines are renowned for their robustness and strength. They are constructed from steel alloys and can endure significant wear and tear. The heavy weight also makes steel magazines resistant to the impact of dropping or high-force situations.
One potential drawback is that steel is susceptible to corrosion. This makes proper maintenance and care, including regular cleaning and oiling, vital to prevent rust.
Stainless Steel Options
Stainless steel offers a significant advantage over standard steel: it is highly resistant to corrosion. This characteristic makes them a preferred choice for shooters who live in humid environments or who frequently carry their 1911 in challenging conditions. Stainless steel magazines often have a smooth finish and are known for reliable feeding, and their durability makes them a long-term investment.
Aluminum Magazines
Aluminum magazines, particularly those made from aerospace-grade aluminum, are favored for their lightweight properties. Their lighter weight can reduce the overall weight of the firearm, making it potentially easier to carry.
Aluminum can be anodized or treated with various coatings to enhance surface hardness and durability, improving their resistance to wear and tear. However, aluminum magazines might not have the same impact resistance as steel or stainless steel.
Polymer Magazines
Polymer magazines are becoming increasingly popular due to their lightweight nature and resistance to corrosion. Modern polymers offer impressive strength and impact resistance, making them a viable choice for demanding situations. They also offer some flexibility which makes them tolerant of various stresses.
Properly designed polymer magazines can also provide excellent feeding characteristics. The main consideration is making sure that the magazine is constructed with quality polymer.
Follower Materials and Design
The magazine follower, the component that pushes rounds upwards, plays a critical role in feeding reliability. Followers are typically made from either plastic/polymer or steel. The design of the follower, along with the spring, influences the angle at which rounds are presented to the chamber. Different follower designs are intended to enhance feeding reliability and reduce malfunctions. Well-designed followers ensure consistent and reliable feeding of the .45 ACP rounds.
Key Features and Considerations
Beyond the materials, several other factors influence the performance of your 1911 .45 ACP mags. Understanding these is essential for selecting the right magazine.
Reliability
The foremost concern for any 1911 owner is reliability. A reliable magazine feeds rounds smoothly and consistently, ensuring the pistol functions as intended. Reliability is dependent on many factors, including the magazine body, the follower, the spring, and the design of the feed lips. Choosing a reputable magazine brand and inspecting it for any defects or damage is the first step towards reliable operation.
Spring Strength
The magazine spring exerts pressure on the follower, pushing the rounds upwards toward the chamber. The spring’s strength is crucial for consistent feeding. Over time, magazine springs can weaken, losing their ability to push rounds up effectively.
Indications of a weakening spring include failure to feed, sluggish slide action, or failure of the slide to lock back after the last round is fired. Regular inspection and replacement of springs, especially when used frequently, are critical for maintaining reliability.
Follower Design
The follower design directly influences the angle at which rounds are presented to the chamber. Different designs offer varying degrees of reliability depending on the type of ammunition used and the overall setup of the 1911. Certain designs, such as those with a self-leveling feature, have been shown to improve reliability, reducing the likelihood of feeding malfunctions.
Feed Lip Design
The feed lips are the part of the magazine that holds the rounds in place and guides them into the chamber. Feed lip design plays a pivotal role in feeding reliability. It is critical to ensure that the magazine feed lips hold the rounds at the correct angle. Improperly designed or damaged feed lips can lead to failure to feed or failure to extract. Different designs are suited for different types of ammunition, and it’s important to choose feed lips that work with your specific loads.
Magazine Fit
A proper magazine fit is another critical consideration. The magazine must fit securely within the magazine well, neither too loose nor too tight. A loose fit can lead to feeding problems or the magazine dropping free during firing. Conversely, a tight fit can hinder magazine changes or even prevent the magazine from seating properly.
Finish and Coating
The finish or coating of a magazine provides protection against corrosion and wear. Coatings such as bluing, nitride finishes, and DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coatings improve the magazine’s durability and can reduce friction, leading to smoother feeding. These protective layers also enhance the magazine’s aesthetic appeal.
Top Magazine Brands and Recommendations
The marketplace offers a variety of manufacturers that are known for their quality magazines. Here are some of the top brands.
Chip McCormick
Chip McCormick magazines are popular for their reliability, durability, and high-quality construction. They are frequently chosen by those seeking aftermarket options.
Wilson Combat
Wilson Combat magazines are renowned for their exceptional quality, reliability, and consistent performance. They are a favorite among competition shooters and those prioritizing peak performance.
Check-Mate
Check-Mate has provided magazines to the military and law enforcement and has a strong reputation for producing reliable magazines. Their products are well-regarded for their durability and performance.
Kimber
Kimber often includes magazines with their firearms, and their magazines are generally reliable.
Maintenance and Care for 1911 .45 ACP Magazines
Regular maintenance ensures that your 1911 .45 ACP mags perform reliably over time.
Cleaning
Magazines should be cleaned regularly, especially after range sessions. Disassemble the magazine (if the design allows), wipe away any debris or residue from the magazine body, follower, and spring. Cleaning solvents designed for firearms can be used, but be careful not to damage the magazine’s finish.
Lubrication
Very light lubrication can benefit magazine operation. A drop or two of quality gun oil can be applied to the follower to ensure it moves smoothly. Avoid excessive lubrication, which can attract dirt and grime.
Spring Replacement
Magazine springs weaken over time, leading to reliability issues. Replacing springs periodically, depending on usage, is a critical part of magazine maintenance. If the spring is showing signs of weakness (failure to feed, slide not locking back), replace the spring.
Storage
Proper storage is essential to protect your magazines. Store them in a dry, climate-controlled environment to prevent corrosion. Avoid storing magazines loaded for extended periods, as this can potentially weaken the spring over time.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Even with the best magazines, malfunctions can occur. Understanding common problems and troubleshooting techniques is crucial.
Failure to Feed
Failure to feed is when the round does not chamber correctly. This can be due to a weak spring, a damaged follower, dirty feed lips, or issues with the ammunition itself. Inspect the magazine carefully, replace the spring if necessary, and ensure that the feed lips are in good condition.
Failure to Extract
If the spent casing does not eject, the extractor may be at fault, but sometimes magazine issues can be implicated. Make sure the spring and follower are in good condition, and that the feed lips are not preventing the casing from leaving the gun.
Magazine Dropping Free
This could be caused by a worn-out magazine catch, a damaged magazine catch, or an issue with the magazine itself. Check both the magazine and the magazine catch for damage and fit.
Magazine Malfunctions
Other magazine-related malfunctions may include failure to lock the slide back after the last round, or the magazine not seating properly. Investigate the components of the magazine and the magazine catch for damage, wear, and fit issues.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 1911 .45 ACP mags is not just about convenience; it’s about ensuring that your pistol performs reliably when you need it most. By understanding the different types of magazines, their construction materials, and the key features that contribute to performance, you can make informed decisions. Remember to prioritize reliability, spring strength, and overall magazine quality when making your selection.
Ultimately, the best magazine is the one that reliably feeds your chosen ammunition and consistently allows your 1911 to perform as it was designed. Take the time to test your magazines thoroughly with your specific pistol and ammunition. This crucial step allows you to verify their function before you trust your safety to them. By investing in quality magazines and performing regular maintenance, you’ll be well-prepared to harness the power of the iconic 1911.
