Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued Review

First Thoughts on the Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued

The 1911 platform, a true icon of American firearms design, demands quality components for reliable function. The Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued promises to deliver just that: dependable performance in the venerable 38 Super caliber. Mec-Gar is a name synonymous with quality magazines, OEM-ing for many prominent firearm manufacturers and building a reputation for rugged dependability that I’ve come to rely on over my years as a firearms enthusiast.

I needed reliable magazines for my custom 1911 chambered in 38 Super for an upcoming steel challenge match; factory magazines are difficult to find and often overpriced. My initial interest in the Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued stemmed from my past success with Mec-Gar magazines in other platforms and calibers; they simply work. Out of the box, the blued finish is even, the spring feels strong, and the overall construction appears solid; it has a reassuring heft that instills confidence.

Compared to the no-name brand magazines I initially tried, the Mec-Gar offering is immediately superior; the welds are cleaner, the follower moves more smoothly, and the feed lips appear precisely formed. I chose the Mec-Gar magazine over cheaper alternatives, banking on Mec-Gar’s reputation for quality and reliability being worth the slightly higher price. I was excited to finally have magazines I could trust to feed reliably during fast-paced competition stages.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued at my local outdoor range during a practice session for an upcoming steel challenge match. The weather was typical for a summer afternoon, hot and humid with a light breeze. I ran through several drills, focusing on rapid target acquisition and transitions, and I was very pleased.

The Mec-Gar magazine performed flawlessly, feeding every round smoothly without any hiccups or malfunctions. Loading was straightforward, and the magazine seated positively in my 1911; I did not need a lot of slamming force for good lockup. No issues or surprises arose during the initial range session, which was a good sign of a reliable magazine.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds fired, the Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued continues to perform exceptionally well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear; the blued finish is holding up nicely, and the spring tension remains consistent. Cleaning is simple, involving a quick wipe-down with a cloth and a brush to remove any powder residue; nothing complicated.

Compared to other aftermarket 1911 magazines I’ve used, the Mec-Gar magazine has proven far more reliable and durable; some competitors are showing signs of feed lip cracking after a few matches. It has exceeded my expectations, providing consistent and dependable performance under rigorous conditions; I now have full confidence in its ability to function when it matters most.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued

Specifications

• The Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued is chambered in .38 Super caliber, a high-velocity round known for its flat trajectory and stopping power. The .38 Super cartridge is a good choice for competition and self-defense.
• It boasts a 9-round capacity, which is a nice increase over traditional 7- or 8-round 1911 magazines, providing more rounds on tap. The increased capacity can be an advantage in various shooting scenarios.
• The magazine features a blued steel construction, offering excellent durability and corrosion resistance. The blued finish provides a classic look.
• The standard model design ensures compatibility with most 1911 frames, providing a seamless fit and reliable function. Compatibility is always a plus when you are dealing with the 1911 platform.

Performance & Functionality

The Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued performs its job admirably, feeding rounds smoothly and consistently. Reliability is paramount in a magazine, and this one delivers; failures to feed are virtually non-existent. It is a high-quality mag that meets expectations, and in my book exceeds them.

One strength of the Mec-Gar magazine is its consistent feeding, reducing the risk of malfunctions; the metal follower provides smooth travel of each round. A potential area for improvement might be offering a version with a different finish for enhanced corrosion resistance in harsh environments. Even so, the blued finish is holding up nicely.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued is exceptional; the steel construction feels solid and durable in hand. The magazine has a comfortable weight and seats positively in the magazine well. There’s no learning curve required with this magazine; it’s intuitive and easy to use straight out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued is built to last, with a robust steel construction that can withstand the rigors of regular use. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. Cleaning is straightforward, ensuring consistent performance over time; occasional cleaning is enough.

Accessories and Customization Options

While the Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued doesn’t come with additional accessories, it is compatible with most standard 1911 magazine pouches. The magazine’s standard dimensions ensure compatibility with aftermarket base pads if desired; however, they are not really necessary. The Mec-Gar magazine is designed for optimal performance as-is.

Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued