Understanding the Heart of the Beast: The 1911 and Its Magazines
The Birth of a Legend
The 1911: A name that resonates with history, reliability, and a certain timeless elegance. Born from the vision of John Browning and adopted by the US military over a century ago, it remains a beloved firearm for collectors, enthusiasts, and those seeking a dependable sidearm. But what if you could give this iconic pistol a modern edge? What if you could enhance its combat effectiveness by increasing its ammunition capacity? This comprehensive guide explores the fascinating world of high capacity magazines, providing insights into their advantages, types, considerations, and how to keep them running smoothly.
The Foundation
To fully appreciate the impact of high capacity magazines, it’s essential to first grasp the fundamental design of the 1911 and its original magazine system. The 1911’s enduring legacy is built upon its simple yet effective design. The original 1911, chambered in forty five automatic, set the standard for its time with its single-action operation, short recoil operating system, and its inherent reliability. It quickly earned a reputation for stopping power and accuracy that, despite significant advancements in firearm technology, persists to this day.
The Original Design
The original 1911 magazines were designed to hold seven or eight rounds, which served as a viable amount in a world where rate of fire was not as important compared to today. The design of the magazines themselves are relatively basic, consisting of the magazine body, a spring, a follower, and a baseplate. The magazine’s role is simple: to store the ammunition safely and to feed it reliably into the chamber of the pistol. This design is critical to the pistol’s functionality.
Why the Shift? The Allure of More Rounds
The Modern Advantage
So, why the evolution from the standard seven or eight rounds to magazines holding significantly more? The answer lies in the ever-changing demands of self-defense, competition, and military applications. The primary advantage of a high capacity magazine is simple: It lets you carry more rounds. That means fewer reloads, and, in a defensive situation, more opportunities to neutralize threats. In competitive shooting, it means less downtime spent swapping magazines.
Real World Implications
Consider the advantages this provides in practical scenarios: a defensive situation may call for a considerable number of rounds to neutralize a threat. It can take a moment to get the pistol reloaded, especially under stress. Fewer reloads can be the difference between safety and potentially being overwhelmed. In competitive shooting, the faster you can fire and the fewer times you need to stop to reload, the better your score becomes. More rounds mean less time fumbling with magazine changes, optimizing your performance.
Exploring the Different Styles: A Variety of Choices
Different Options for the 1911
The market for 1911 high capacity magazines is diverse, catering to different needs and preferences. Different designs cater to various needs in the market. Understanding these options will help you make an informed decision.
Standard Sized Options
Even within the framework of the 1911 design, there are a variety of magazines that offer an increase in capacity. You’ll find magazines that extend the overall length of the magazine, allowing for ten or more rounds. These magazines usually offer a bit of a price point compared to wider body options, making them accessible. The main drawback with these types of magazines is their need for a well-tuned pistol to feed reliably, meaning you’ll need to make sure that your slide, barrel and chamber all allow for easy extraction. Also, due to the extended length, there can be concealability issues, especially if you have a smaller frame.
The Wide Body Revolution
The most significant leap in 1911 high capacity magazines comes with double-stack designs. These magazines offer much larger capacities, often holding over ten rounds. The magazine itself is wider than the standard 1911 magazine, hence the term “wide body.” However, this design necessitates modifications to the frame of the pistol. Pistols designed for double-stack magazines typically have a wider grip to accommodate the larger magazine. This means the magazine will not interchange with a standard 1911 frame.
Magazine Materials: Steel, Aluminum, or Polymer?
Material Matters
The materials used in magazine construction have a significant impact on their durability, weight, and overall performance.
Steel Magazines
Steel magazines are known for their ruggedness and resistance to wear and tear. They are often highly reliable. However, they can be heavier than other options and potentially more prone to corrosion if not properly maintained. They are usually the most common type of magazine found in the market.
Aluminum Magazines
Aluminum magazines offer a good balance of weight and durability. They are typically lighter than steel magazines, making them preferable for some shooters. They are also less prone to corrosion, making them a low-maintenance choice. However, aluminum can be more susceptible to damage from impact.
Polymer Magazines
Polymer magazines are very lightweight and often offer great durability. They tend to be more resistant to impacts and corrosion. Some shooters find the polymer magazines provide a more comfortable grip. However, they may not always be as reliable as steel or aluminum magazines.
Choosing the Correct Magazine: A Checklist
The Decision Process
Selecting the right high capacity magazine is a crucial step. It requires carefully considering your needs and the specifics of your 1911 pistol.
Fit and Compatibility
The most important factor is compatibility. Ensure the magazine you choose is designed to work with your specific 1911 model. Consider whether you have a standard frame or a double-stack wide body. Also, factor in the caliber of your 1911, and the manufacturing tolerances of the pistol. Some magazines may not fit certain pistols. Always test the magazine thoroughly to confirm proper feeding and ejection.
Capacity versus Concealment
The trade-off between high capacity and concealability is an important consideration. Larger capacity magazines tend to extend the grip of the pistol, making them more difficult to conceal. Evaluate your needs.
Reliability and Build Quality
Reliability is paramount when choosing any magazine. Make sure to look at magazines made by well-respected companies. Read reviews, check the reputation of the brand, and consider the materials used in construction. A poorly made magazine may be cheaper upfront, but the problems it creates are not worth it.
Maintenance for Longevity
Keeping it Running
Proper maintenance is vital to ensure your high capacity magazines perform reliably for years to come.
Cleaning and Lubrication
Regular cleaning is key. Disassemble the magazine, remove the follower, and clean all components thoroughly. Use a quality gun cleaner to remove debris, dirt, and any build-up. Lightly lubricate the spring and the inside of the magazine body with a suitable gun oil. Avoid over-lubrication, which can attract debris.
Spring Care
The magazine spring is the heart of the magazine’s function. Inspect the spring for any signs of wear, deformation, or loss of tension. A weak spring can lead to feeding problems. Replace the spring regularly.
Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes, magazines can experience issues.
Failure to Feed: This may be caused by a weak spring, debris in the magazine, or an improperly seated follower. Ensure the spring is in good condition, clean the magazine thoroughly, and verify the follower is free to move.
Magazine Not Seating Properly: If the magazine won’t seat correctly, check for damage to the magazine catch or the magazine itself. Make sure the magazine is the proper size for your pistol.
Other Malfunctions: Investigate any other malfunctions promptly and systematically.
Legal Considerations: Know the Rules
Following the Law
Before purchasing and using any high capacity magazines, it’s imperative to understand your local laws and regulations. Many areas have restrictions on magazine capacity. It is your responsibility to know the laws and obey them. Ignorance is not a defense.
Conclusion: Enhancing a Legend
Final Thoughts
High capacity magazines can provide a meaningful upgrade to your 1911, enhancing its combat effectiveness and improving your shooting experience. They provide additional rounds in hand, which can be a significant advantage in many scenarios. Selecting the right magazine, knowing its properties, and performing proper maintenance will provide years of reliable service. Remember, the goal is to optimize a firearm that has already cemented itself in the history books and in the hearts of shooting enthusiasts.
