Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model Review

First Thoughts on the Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model

The 1911 platform is iconic, and its reliability often hinges on the quality of its magazines. That’s why, after years of trusting my Colt with its factory-supplied magazines, I decided to explore aftermarket options, landing on the Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model. This magazine promised enhanced reliability and durability, and given Chip McCormick‘s reputation, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

After countless range days where failure-to-feeds became increasingly common, I was searching for a magazine that could restore confidence in my 1911. The allure of a stainless steel magazine promising match-grade tolerances was too hard to resist.

The Chip McCormick magazine came in a simple, clear plastic packaging, revealing the gleaming stainless steel beneath. My initial impression was positive, the weight felt substantial, and the finish looked impeccable. Compared to some cheaper aftermarket magazines I’d seen, this one oozed quality, and the smooth welds indicated a careful manufacturing process. I chose this over Wilson Combat magazines initially because the price point was a bit more accessible for testing purposes, and I had heard good things about the Chip McCormick follower design. Upon first holding the magazine, the build quality instilled confidence, though only range time would determine if it truly outperformed my worn factory magazines.

Real-World Testing: Putting Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Chip McCormick magazine was at my local outdoor range, under clear skies and moderate temperatures. I loaded it with 230-grain FMJ rounds and inserted it into my Colt Government Model. Cycling the slide felt smooth, and the first few rounds fed without issue, giving me initial optimism.

However, after just a couple of magazines, I experienced a few failure-to-feeds and one instance where the slide failed to lock back after the last round. This was immediately concerning, as the primary reason for purchasing this magazine was improved reliability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continued use, involving approximately 500 rounds fired, the issues persisted, albeit intermittently. The magazine still occasionally failed to lock the slide back after the last round. Durability-wise, the stainless steel showed no signs of rust or significant wear, and the magazine body held up well to repeated use.

Cleaning was simple, involving a quick wipe-down and occasional disassembly for a more thorough scrub. The Chip McCormick magazine, unfortunately, didn’t significantly outperform my aging factory magazine, and at times, proved even less reliable in my specific 1911.

Breaking Down the Features of Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model

Specifications

• Caliber: .45 ACP – The Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine is designed explicitly for the .45 ACP cartridge, the classic caliber for 1911 pistols. This is crucial for reliable feeding and cycling of the action.
• Capacity: 8 Rounds – This is the standard capacity for most aftermarket 1911 magazines, providing a balance between firepower and concealability. It allows for ample rounds while maintaining the classic 1911 profile.
• Finish: Stainless Steel – The stainless steel construction offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability, ensuring a long service life even in harsh conditions. This is essential for maintaining functionality in various environments.
• Model: 1911 – Designed specifically for the 1911 platform, ensuring proper fit and function in all standard-sized 1911 pistols. This guarantees compatibility and reliable performance.
• Origin: Aftermarket – Manufactured by Chip McCormick as an aftermarket upgrade, promising match-grade tolerances and improved performance compared to some factory magazines. This highlights the emphasis on quality and reliability.

Performance & Functionality

The Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine generally fed rounds smoothly, but the occasional failure-to-feed and slide lock issues were concerning. While the stainless steel construction ensured durability, the inconsistent performance detracted from its overall functionality.

Its strengths lie in its robust construction and corrosion resistance, but the reliability issues need improvement. It only partially met my expectations, as I was hoping for consistent and flawless performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s design is clean and functional, constructed from durable stainless steel. The weight feels substantial, which is typical for stainless steel magazines.

The magazine is generally user-friendly, easily loading and inserting into the pistol, though the baseplate could be slightly more ergonomic for easier manipulation. There isn’t a significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction suggests a long lifespan, resistant to rust and corrosion. The magazine is straightforward to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.

It should last a long time with proper care. Disassembly and cleaning are simple, requiring minimal tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

This magazine doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It is compatible with most standard 1911 magazine pouches.

It can be used with various basepads for enhanced grip and faster reloads, though the core functionality remains the same.

Pros and Cons of Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model

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Who Should Buy Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model?

Perfect for: 1911 owners seeking a durable, stainless steel magazine for range practice, provided they are willing to test its reliability thoroughly in their specific firearm.

Who should skip this product? Those needing guaranteed, flawless reliability for self-defense or competition should explore other options with more consistent performance.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A reliable magazine pouch is essential. Testing with different ammunition types is recommended to identify potential compatibility issues.

Conclusion on Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model

The Chip McCormick SS Match Grade 1911 45ACP 8rd Magazine offers a robust stainless steel build and a sleek appearance. However, the inconsistent reliability, specifically the failure to lock back the slide and occasional feeding issues, hinders its overall value.

At $34.49, the price is reasonable for a stainless steel magazine. However, the inconsistent performance makes it hard to justify over more reliable, albeit potentially more expensive, alternatives.

I would cautiously recommend this magazine, emphasizing the need for thorough testing and a realistic expectation of potential reliability issues. It’s a decent option for range use, but not a top choice for critical applications where consistent performance is paramount.

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