Let’s Dive into Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine
The Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine isn’t the sexiest piece of gear you’ll ever buy, but it might be one of the most critical for reliable 1911 performance. Wilson Combat is a name synonymous with quality in the 1911 world, and this kit aims to breathe new life into your full-size .45 ACP magazines, ensuring consistent feeding and preventing frustrating malfunctions. After a few years of hard use, magazine springs can weaken, leading to feeding issues.
I’d been experiencing inconsistent feeding with some of my older 1911 magazines, particularly during rapid-fire drills. Instead of tossing them out and buying new mags, I wanted a cost-effective solution to restore their functionality. The Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine seemed like the perfect fix.
The kit comes in a simple package, nothing fancy, but the components feel solid and well-made. The spring has a noticeably stronger feel than the worn-out springs I was replacing, and the follower appears to be of good quality polymer. At first glance, the Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine impressed me with its simplicity and promise of improved magazine performance.
I considered replacing the entire magazines with new ones from Wilson Combat or Tripp Research, but the cost added up quickly. I also looked at some cheaper spring kits online, but the reviews were hit-or-miss, and I didn’t want to risk further reliability issues. This kit offered a balance of quality and affordability, leveraging Wilson Combat’s reputation.
My initial reaction was hopeful. I was excited at the prospect of revitalizing my existing magazines without breaking the bank. If this kit lived up to the Wilson Combat name, it would save me money and extend the life of my valuable 1911 magazines.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine at my local shooting range, focusing on rapid-fire drills and magazine changes. The range provided a mix of controlled conditions and simulated stress, perfect for evaluating the kit’s impact on magazine reliability. I used a variety of .45 ACP ammunition, including ball, hollow point, and some of my own reloads.
The improved feeding was immediately noticeable. Gone were the occasional nose-dives and hesitations I had experienced with the old magazine springs. Even with the hotter reloads, the magazines fed smoothly and reliably, even in humid conditions.
The kit made a significant difference in ease of use. No more worrying about malfunctions during crucial moments. The magazines now functioned as reliably as my brand-new ones.
There were no unexpected issues. The installation was straightforward, and the improved performance was exactly what I had hoped for.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine continues to perform flawlessly. I estimate I’ve run several hundred rounds through each magazine with the new kits installed. The performance has remained consistent, with no degradation in feeding or reliability.
There are no signs of wear and tear on either the springs or the followers. They appear to be holding up very well to repeated use and compression. I field strip and clean my magazines after each range session, inspecting the springs and followers for any signs of damage.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth and a light coat of oil is all that’s required. The high-quality materials make cleaning easy, and I expect these kits to last for a long time.
Compared to my previous experience with failing magazine springs, the Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine is a night-and-day difference. The enhanced reliability and consistent feeding have boosted my confidence in my 1911’s performance. It significantly outperforms the original, worn-out components.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine
Specifications
The Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine is specifically designed for full-size 1911 .45 ACP magazines. It’s compatible with Wilson Combat magazines #47D, #47DE, #47DA, #47DAB, #47DC, #47DCB, #47DOX, and #47DOXB. The kit includes a high-quality magazine spring and a redesigned follower.
The stronger spring ensures consistent feeding and prevents nose-dives, a common issue with worn-out magazine springs. The redesigned follower is made from a durable polymer, optimizing cartridge presentation and reducing friction. These specifications directly impact the magazine’s ability to reliably feed rounds into the chamber, a critical factor for accurate and dependable shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine dramatically improves the functionality of aging 1911 magazines. The enhanced spring power ensures consistent feeding, while the improved follower design minimizes friction and prevents jams. The result is a significant increase in reliability and a smoother overall shooting experience.
The strengths of this kit are its ease of installation and noticeable improvement in magazine performance. The only potential weakness is that it only addresses the spring and follower; if the magazine body itself is damaged, it won’t solve those problems. However, for magazines with worn springs, this is a perfect solution.
The kit exceeds expectations. I was hoping for a modest improvement, but the Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine completely revitalized my older magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The kit’s design is simple and functional. The spring is constructed from high-quality steel, and the follower is made from a durable polymer. The materials feel robust and well-made, inspiring confidence in their longevity.
The installation is incredibly user-friendly. Even someone with limited experience in firearm maintenance can easily install these kits. The drop-in design eliminates the need for any specialized tools or modifications.
Durability & Maintenance
The Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine is designed for long-lasting performance. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of regular use. With proper maintenance, these kits should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s required to keep the kit functioning optimally. I simply disassemble the magazines after each range session, wipe down the components, and apply a light coat of gun oil.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine doesn’t require any additional accessories for installation or use. It is a standalone upgrade designed to enhance the performance of existing 1911 magazines. It works seamlessly with various base pads and magazine wells designed for full-size 1911s.
The compatibility with various base pads and magazine wells allows for some level of customization. Users can tailor their magazines to their specific preferences and shooting style. However, the kit itself doesn’t offer any inherent customization options beyond that.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine
Pros
- Significantly improves magazine reliability and feeding consistency.
- Cost-effective alternative to replacing entire magazines.
- Easy to install, even for beginners.
- High-quality materials ensure durability and longevity.
- Compatible with a wide range of full-size 1911 magazines.
Cons
- Only addresses spring and follower issues; won’t fix damaged magazine bodies.
- Specifically designed for full-size 1911 magazines; not compatible with other platforms.
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine?
The Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine is perfect for 1911 enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and anyone who relies on their 1911 for personal defense. It’s an essential upgrade for those looking to improve the reliability and performance of their existing magazines without investing in expensive replacements. Anyone experiencing feeding issues or simply wanting to maintain the optimal performance of their 1911 magazines will benefit from this kit.
Anyone with magazines that have damaged bodies or feed lips should skip this product; the kit will not fix those issues. Those looking for a complete magazine solution might prefer to purchase entirely new magazines instead.
A must-have accessory would be a magazine disassembly tool to make cleaning and maintenance even easier.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine
The Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine is a fantastic product that delivers on its promise of improved magazine reliability. Wilson Combat delivers again with their quality replacement parts. For a modest price, this kit can breathe new life into your aging 1911 magazines, ensuring consistent feeding and preventing frustrating malfunctions.
The price is definitely justified. The improved reliability and peace of mind are well worth the investment. Compared to the cost of replacing entire magazines, this kit is an absolute steal.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Wilson Combat Spring Follower Kit, Full-Size Magazine to any 1911 owner looking to enhance the performance of their magazines. Don’t let worn-out springs compromise the reliability of your firearm. Invest in this kit and experience the difference that quality components can make. Upgrade your magazines today and enjoy a smoother, more reliable shooting experience!