Let’s Dive into Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP
The Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP magazine promises enhanced reliability and durability for your 1911, and as a long-time 1911 enthusiast, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. The Chip McCormick name carries weight in the 1911 world, often associated with quality and innovation. Would this magazine prove worthy of the legacy, offering a tangible improvement over standard magazines?
I was looking for a magazine that could consistently feed rounds without issue, especially during rapid-fire drills at the range. My older, cheaper magazines were starting to show their age, causing occasional malfunctions that disrupted my training. The promise of increased service life and smoother feeding made the Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP a compelling option.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt substantial and well-made. The stainless steel body exuded quality, and the smooth finish was a welcome change from the rougher texture of some of my existing magazines. The witness holes were clearly marked, making it easy to check the remaining round count at a glance.
Compared to my Wilson Combat 47D magazines and some generic GI-spec magazines, the Chip McCormick felt sturdier, especially around the feed lips. I chose the Chip McCormick because of the reported “railed power mag” design, which promised enhanced feed lip strength, an area where my GI-spec magazines had shown weakness over time. My hope was that it would provide greater reliability and longevity.
My first impression was definitely positive. The magazine felt like a premium product, and I was excited to see how it would perform at the range. I had high expectations given the Chip McCormick reputation, but I was also prepared to be critical if it didn’t deliver on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP at my local outdoor shooting range during a typical practice session. The weather was clear, but the range was a bit dusty, providing a real-world test of the magazine’s ability to function in less-than-ideal conditions. I ran a variety of .45 ACP ammunition through it, including FMJ rounds and some hollow points, to assess its feeding reliability with different bullet profiles.
The magazine performed flawlessly during the first session, feeding every round smoothly and consistently. I didn’t experience any jams or misfeeds, even when firing rapidly. The smooth finish made inserting and removing the magazine from my 1911 effortless.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP continues to perform admirably. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it, and it shows no signs of wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic scratches. The stainless steel body has held up well to repeated use and cleaning.
Maintenance is straightforward; I simply disassemble the magazine after each range session and clean the body and follower with a brush and solvent. Reassembly is quick and easy thanks to the removable base pad. Compared to my older magazines, the Chip McCormick requires less frequent cleaning and shows fewer signs of corrosion.
Breaking Down the Features of Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP
Specifications
The Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP is designed for all full-size (Government Model) 1911 handguns chambered in .45 ACP. It boasts an 8-round capacity, providing a good balance between capacity and concealability. The magazine body is constructed from heavy-duty corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
Numbered witness holes allow for easy visual confirmation of the remaining round count. The patented RPM follower is designed to be alloy frame safe, preventing damage to the feed ramp. The 18 coils of high tensile rocket wire spring ensure consistent and reliable feeding.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the overall reliability and durability of the magazine. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the RPM follower and rocket wire spring optimize feeding performance. The 8-round capacity is a sweet spot for many 1911 users, offering sufficient firepower without compromising concealability.
Performance & Functionality
The Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP excels in its primary function: reliably feeding .45 ACP rounds into a 1911. The dual wall feed rails are at least twice as strong as traditional feed lips. I experienced zero malfunctions attributed to the magazine during my testing. It exceeds my expectations.
The magazine’s only weakness might be its price point, as it is more expensive than some of the generic options. However, the enhanced reliability and durability arguably justify the higher cost.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s stainless steel construction gives it a solid and durable feel. The smooth finish allows for effortless insertion and removal from the pistol. The removable base pad simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
The magazine is user-friendly, with no learning curve required. It functions just like any other 1911 magazine, but with enhanced reliability and durability.
Durability & Maintenance
The heavy-duty stainless steel construction suggests that the Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP is built to last. I anticipate that it will provide years of reliable service with proper maintenance.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. The removable base pad makes cleaning the magazine body and follower easy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, magazine pouches designed for 1911 magazines are essential for carrying spare magazines.
The removable base pad can be replaced with aftermarket options if desired. There are no other readily apparent customization options.
Pros and Cons of Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP
Pros
- Exceptional Reliability: The magazine consistently feeds rounds without malfunctions, even during rapid fire.
- Enhanced Durability: The heavy-duty stainless steel construction ensures a long service life.
- Smooth Feeding: The patented RPM follower and rocket wire spring optimize feeding performance.
- Easy Maintenance: The removable base pad simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
- Improved Feed Lip Strength: The “railed power mag” design greatly enhances feed lip strength.
Cons
- Price: More expensive than generic 1911 magazines.
- Limited Customization: Few customization options are available beyond the base pad.
Who Should Buy Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP?
The Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP is perfect for competitive shooters who demand flawless reliability from their equipment. It is also ideal for law enforcement officers and anyone who relies on their 1911 for self-defense. Any 1911 owner who values reliability and durability will appreciate the Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP.
Those who are on a very tight budget and are willing to accept a higher risk of malfunctions might want to consider cheaper alternatives. Someone who only occasionally shoots their 1911 might not see the value in the higher price point.
Must-have accessories include a quality 1911 magazine pouch for carrying spare magazines. No specific modifications are necessary, as the magazine performs well in its stock configuration.
Conclusion on Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP
The Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP is a high-quality 1911 magazine that delivers on its promises of enhanced reliability and durability. While it is more expensive than some of the cheaper options on the market, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your magazine will function flawlessly is well worth the investment.
The price is justified by the superior materials, construction, and performance. The magazine is a significant upgrade over standard GI-spec magazines.
I would absolutely recommend the Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP to anyone who owns a 1911 and values reliability. If you are tired of dealing with malfunctions caused by inferior magazines, this is the perfect solution. Upgrade your 1911 today with the Chip McCormick Range Pro .45 ACP and experience the difference!