First Thoughts on the Wilson Combat 8 Round Stainless Magazine w/Low Profile Butt – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
The 1911 pistol is a legend, but even legends rely on good magazines. The Wilson Combat 8 Round Stainless Magazine w/Low Profile Butt – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model promises to be a top-tier feeding device for this iconic firearm. Wilson Combat is a name synonymous with quality in the 1911 world, so my expectations are high right out of the gate.
I was looking for a reliable magazine that wouldn’t extend excessively from the grip of my 1911. Factory magazines often leave something to be desired, and aftermarket options are a must for serious use. The low-profile butt of this magazine seemed like the ideal solution.
Unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the clean, stainless steel finish. The magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The low profile butt plate was unobtrusive and blended well with the overall aesthetics.
Compared to the factory magazine that came with my 1911 and a cheaper, no-name brand I had previously tried, the Wilson Combat magazine felt significantly more robust. I chose it over others because of Wilson Combat’s reputation and the specific design addressing my concern about magazine length. The other aftermarket mags I was looking at had much larger basepads that I felt would get in the way.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. Wilson Combat has a stellar reputation, and this magazine certainly looked the part. Now, it was time to see if it could deliver on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat 8 Round Stainless Magazine w/Low Profile Butt – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Wilson Combat magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild and dry. I put about 200 rounds of various .45 ACP ammunition through it.
The magazine loaded easily and seated firmly in my Springfield 1911. Feeding was smooth and consistent with every round. There were zero malfunctions in the first 200 rounds.
There wasn’t any need to adjust to it; it felt natural and worked flawlessly from the very first magazine. I didn’t experience any issues beyond standard reloads. I even handed the 1911 off to a buddy who was interested in trying out the magazine and he had the same flawless experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Wilson Combat magazine continues to perform admirably. I have now put well over 1000 rounds through it. The magazine has been used in several weekend training courses in both dry and wet conditions.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear on the magazine’s stainless steel finish. The spring tension remains strong, and the feed lips show no signs of deformation. Even after being dropped on hard packed dirt and gravel, the mag only showed minor cosmetic wear.
Maintenance is straightforward: a quick wipe-down with a cloth after each range session, and occasional cleaning with a solvent. This is more than I can say about other blued magazines that I have owned. Those other magazines required almost immediate attention to prevent rust. The Wilson Combat mags give you a bit more time.
Compared to the unreliable feeding I experienced with cheaper magazines, the Wilson Combat magazine is a night-and-day difference. It has become my go-to magazine for my 1911, giving me confidence that I will not have to worry about magazine related malfunctions.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat 8 Round Stainless Magazine w/Low Profile Butt – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
Specifications
- Caliber: .45 ACP. This is the standard caliber for 1911 pistols, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of firearms.
- Capacity: 8 Rounds. This provides a good balance between capacity and concealability.
- Finish: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel construction provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
- Model: 1911. Designed specifically for 1911 platform pistols.
- Origin: OEM. Wilson Combat magazines are produced to stringent quality control standards to ensure reliability.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and compatibility. The stainless steel construction, for example, is crucial for long-term performance and resistance to the elements. The OEM origin ensures consistency and adherence to Wilson Combat’s exacting standards.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat 8 Round Stainless Magazine w/Low Profile Butt – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model performs its job exceptionally well. Feeding is reliable, and the magazine seats securely. The follower design ensures consistent round presentation.
Its biggest strength is its reliability; it simply works. The low profile butt plate is also a nice feature. One minor potential improvement would be to offer a slightly more aggressive texture on the butt plate for easier gripping during reloads, but this is a very minor complaint.
The magazine far exceeded my expectations. I anticipated a good magazine, but its performance has been flawless.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s stainless steel construction gives it a solid and premium feel. The low profile butt plate is unobtrusive and integrates well with the 1911’s grip. The materials used are high quality and contribute to the overall sense of durability.
The magazine is user-friendly with no learning curve involved. It’s a simple “load and go” design. Even new shooters will find it intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction and robust design, this magazine is built to last. It shows minimal signs of wear even after extended use. The strong internal spring also means that this mag will likely last for years with consistent use.
Maintenance is simple: cleaning and lubrication are all that is required to keep it in top condition. It’s also worth noting that all Wilson Combat magazines are able to be fully disassembled for deep cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilson Combat magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it is a self-contained unit. It is compatible with standard 1911 magazine pouches. A shooter could also swap out the low profile base pad for a different base pad.
Wilson Combat offers a variety of base pads that can be used to customize the magazine’s grip and functionality. These types of aftermarket changes allow you to tune the mag to your specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat 8 Round Stainless Magazine w/Low Profile Butt – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
Pros
- Exceptional reliability: Feeds flawlessly.
- Durable stainless steel construction: Resists corrosion and wear.
- Low profile butt plate: Minimizes printing and maintains a sleek profile.
- Strong spring tension: Ensures consistent feeding.
- OEM Quality: Consistent quality thanks to Wilson Combat’s manufacturing standards.
Cons
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some other aftermarket magazines.
- Low profile might be too small for some who prefer an extended basepad.
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat 8 Round Stainless Magazine w/Low Profile Butt – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model?
This magazine is perfect for 1911 owners who demand reliability and durability. It is ideal for concealed carry practitioners seeking a low-profile option, competitive shooters, and anyone who depends on their 1911 for personal defense. If you rely on your 1911, this is a must-have upgrade.
If you are on a tight budget and prioritize quantity over quality, or if you prefer extended magazines for increased capacity, this might not be the best choice. Also, if you have feed ramp issues on your 1911, this mag will likely not solve the issue.
Must-have accessories are quality magazine pouches. If you intend to use the magazines for duty carry, you should invest in durable magazine carriers.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat 8 Round Stainless Magazine w/Low Profile Butt – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
The Wilson Combat 8 Round Stainless Magazine w/Low Profile Butt – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model is a top-tier accessory for any 1911 pistol. Its reliability, durability, and thoughtful design make it a worthwhile investment. At around $40, the price is justified by the peace of mind it provides.
I wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to anyone seeking to improve the performance of their 1911. Don’t settle for unreliable magazines; invest in quality and ensure your 1911 functions flawlessly. Upgrade your 1911 today!