Colt .45, best magazine??

[black bear 84]

I am new and I don't know my way around here, please forgive me if this question had come out before.
I bought a Colt Goverment in S. S. in the late 80's, I purchase another original Colt magazine stainless 7 round.
Now I would like to have a couple of the new 8 rounds magazines, preferably stainless.
Which is the one with the best track record??
Thank you for your help
black bear 84

[GCT00427]

black bear 84,

I think that you will find that the Wilson Combat 8 round mags are very popular. I have used them with very good luck. I did send one back once that failed to lock the slide back, which was replaced pronto. I have also used the new Novak mags and they are very good. Highly recommended by my friend Pete Single. Others have had good luck with the McCormick mags.

I also use the Colt's mags that came with my various pistols and have not had any bad experiences with them either.

There are several good choices. Give them a whirl.

Kind regards,

CHuck

[black bear 84]

Thank you Chuck,
Of all those magazines that perform good, is any of them the best!!!
I don't have any complaint with the one that came with the pistol and the extra one I bought (a Colt) other than I see and hear about the 8 rounders, 1 more up the pipe is a good thing for any pistol.
Magazines are always the week link, that is why I am asking for the best.
Thanks
black bear 84

[care-less]

Give Virgil Tripps mags a try; simply the best!

[S.B]

I've always thought that the answer to your inquiry is which bullet will be used in the new mags. It's my understanding that some mags work well with only round nose, full jacket bullets while others will work fine with semi wadcutters? Check with the manufactures and ask specific question and tell them what bullet you plan on using in the new mags.

[black bear 84]

S.B
You mean that I will have to use two diferents magazines? as I plan to practice with ball ammo, and I want to put Golden Sabres or Federal's Hidra Shock 230 grains for my Home defense ammo!!!
The one (a 7 rounder) that came with the pistol works great with ball and Hidra Shock
the only reason I want to change is because of the new 8 rounder's.
I'd like to test the pistol with the magazines I am going to use!
I though that the jams were more a function of the mouth of the chamber state, than to the magazine.
With all the new magazines in the market, should be one that is "perfect" we have had close to 100 years to perfection them!

[S.B]

I don't think so. The ball and Golden Sabres have much the same nose area configuration? If I understand this correctly, the way the mag lips are bent(the part that stands straight up) is what controls the type of bullets that work good with magazines? My reference was to using say, semi wad cutters and ball in the same mag. Although this may work, the wiz kiz who develope these things have studied this stuff more than I, and try to make them so they work perfectly, everytime.

[black bear 84]

I get it now, I have seen some magazines that present the nose of the bullet a little higher, probably to avoid hanging in the ramp. And once bought two cheap magazines that will not feed at all, the nose been too low.
Well, which one you recommend for the Hidra Shocks, 230 grains??
and thank you for clarifying things for me

[S.B]

???????? Talk to the manufacture. Email them would probably be the cheapest and quickest way? Ask very specific question when you do. Personally, I've used 8 rounder Chip McCormicks forever but, I use mainly 200 grain semi wadcutters?

[mitchjoe]

black bear 84:

I don't think you'll find a magazine that consistenly performs better than maintained GI mag's or the factory Colt 7-rounders. A number of reasons why, but that one extra round introduces a host of issues that required all the new designs to "fix".

I'm trying to think of any common situation where 7 well-placed .45 Golden Saber's could not get the job done! :D Nothing wrong w/ trying a few eights out though.

mitchjoe

[S.B]

The feed lips on original GI's were set for ball ammo only. I've never had a problem with any of the Devels or McCormicks I've used. The extra round things R&D hasn't been an issue for some time? By the way, I don't think Colt makes magazines?

[mitchjoe]

True enough, I think Metalform makes the majority of OEM mags for a number of manufacturers. I've never had a problem feeding GS or Hydrashok's using a GI mag in a properly throated pistol.

mitchjoe

[DFC45]

My new XSE came with two 8 round mags marked with Colt and the logo on the base plate. If another manufacturer made them I can't tell. Over the years, I've had good performance from their mags, as well as Novak. Ed Brown makes a very good mag, but Im not sure if they offer an 8 rounder. You know, they're somewhat of a traditionalist when it comes to that kind of stuff. The ones I have are all 7's. Check their web site.

[black bear 84]

mitchjoe,
I know what you mean, but "common situation" is the key word. There was once a time that only the presence of a Colt .45 will defuse any situation.
Unfortunately in the present times we could be comfronted with multiple assailants.
Where I am going to spend my retirement days, in the Florida keys, and sometimes living in my boat, is not uncommon to encounter jealous dope smuglers that could be thinking that you are fishing for "bales".

I plan to keep my Mini 14 with two 30 rounders taped together, near by. And I am now considering to get me 3 or 4 Shootings Stars 10 rounders .45 to keep stashed near by, too.
Well, that is it for "uncommon" situations.
thanks
bb 84

[DSgt31]

I use Wilson mags for my Govt Model and Officers. I have 7 rd. and 8 rd. mags for the Govt, and 6 and 7 rd. mags for the Officers. They all work flawlessly. You pay your money and take your choice. I have not had any problems at all with Wilson magazines, and I cannot say that for Colt mags.

DSgt 31 :cool:

"May God protect those who in peril of life, remember FRONT SIGHT."

[bhodi]

Chip McCormick mags work very well. They seem to be a favorite among local competitive shooters and the defensive pistol guys as well.

I've used the CMC Shooting Star and Power mags without any problems. I like Wilson's as well, but I have had a couple that would fail to lock the slide back; not necessarily the mag's fault... From my buddies' experiences, the Novak mags work well.

IMO, it seems these 3 are the top favorites. Beyond that, personal opinion and experience will be the deciding factor.

Experimenting will probably be the only way to find out for yourself. Good luck!

Range Officer
Tucson, AZ

[texagun]

???????? Talk to the manufacture. Email them would probably be the cheapest and quickest way? Ask very specific question when you do. Personally, I've used 8 rounder Chip McCormicks forever but, I use mainly 200 grain semi wadcutters?

Good luck getting any response to your email from Chip McCormick regarding magazines. I emailed them twice ( a week apart) asking the same question about a problem I was having with their followers and they never answered or responded. With that kind of "customer service," I doubt if I'll be buying any more of their magazines. Hopefully you will have better luck with getting them to respond. I would 2nd the recommendation on the Wilson 47D's...they have been trouble free in every gun I have tried them in and their Customer Service is excellent. Metalform also makes reliable mags and are highly recommended on most of the 1911 forums. I have used several of them with no problems.

[chuckshoun]

Good for you! That'll put a dip in their sales!

[black bear 84]

Well, I am getting a lot of responses here, seem that many like the Wilson's magazines.
I will be making a decision soon based on your input, guys.!!
I thank you all for your answers.
bb 84