First Impressions of Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine promises to be a reliable and high-capacity solution for Witness and Tanfoglio owners seeking an edge in competition or enhanced performance in general. Mec-Gar has a solid reputation for producing quality magazines, often contracted by firearm manufacturers themselves. My experience with finicky aftermarket magazines has led me to seek out brands with proven reliability.
I’ve struggled with feeding issues in my Tanfoglio Witness chambered in .45 ACP, especially during faster shooting strings in local IPSC matches. The factory magazines, while functional, only hold 10 rounds, putting me at a disadvantage against competitors with higher capacity options. I was looking for a magazine that could increase my round count and improve reliability. That’s why the Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine immediately grabbed my attention.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The black anti-friction finish was evenly applied and smooth to the touch. The polymer follower appeared robust, and the overall build quality inspired confidence.
Compared to the factory Tanfoglio magazine and a couple of cheaper aftermarket options I’ve tried, the Mec-Gar magazine felt significantly more substantial. The weld seams were cleaner, and the spring tension felt just right. I chose this over other high-capacity magazines because of Mec-Gar‘s reputation for quality and the positive reviews mentioning compatibility with the CZ 97B, which shares a similar magazine design.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to finally have a higher-capacity option, but I was also wary of potential feeding issues. Only real-world testing would reveal whether the Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine could truly deliver on its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The day was sunny and dry, with temperatures in the mid-70s. I primarily focused on rapid-fire drills and magazine changes to assess its performance under stress.
The magazine loaded easily, and the rounds seated firmly. The anti-friction coating made loading that 11th round less of a struggle compared to my factory magazines. During the initial testing, the Mec-Gar magazine performed flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including three local IPSC matches and numerous range sessions, the Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be incredibly reliable. I have experienced zero malfunctions, even with various brands of ammunition. The magazine shows no signs of significant wear and tear.
Cleaning the magazine is simple. I disassemble it after each range session to wipe down the interior and lubricate the spring lightly. Compared to my previous experiences with unreliable aftermarket magazines, the Mec-Gar magazine is a game-changer. It has boosted my confidence in my Tanfoglio Witness and improved my performance in competition.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine boasts impressive specifications designed for performance and reliability. It is chambered in .45 ACP and holds 11 rounds, increasing capacity over standard magazines. The magazine body is constructed from high-quality steel, finished with an anti-friction coating.
The follower is made of durable polymer. This contributes to smooth feeding and reduces the likelihood of malfunctions. Mec-Gar manufactures this magazine in Italy using sophisticated technologies. This magazine is designed for Tanfoglio Witness large frame pistols.
These specifications are crucial for reliable feeding and enhanced performance. The increased capacity provides a significant advantage in competition. The anti-friction coating ensures smooth operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine performs its job exceptionally well. It provides reliable feeding, consistent performance, and increased capacity. Its anti-friction coating greatly enhances performance.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its reliability and increased capacity. The only potential improvement could be the addition of witness holes to easily verify round count. It has exceeded my expectations, significantly improving my shooting experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine is well-designed and feels solid in hand. The steel construction and anti-friction finish give it a premium feel. There is virtually no learning curve.
It seats easily and releases smoothly from the magazine well. The spring tension feels perfectly tuned.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine is built to last. The high-quality steel construction and durable polymer follower suggest a long service life. It is easy to disassemble and clean with standard gun cleaning tools.
Regular cleaning and light lubrication will keep it performing optimally. The anti-friction coating resists corrosion and wear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine itself does not require any accessories or customization. It is a self-contained unit designed to function as a direct replacement for factory magazines. However, magazine pouches designed for 1911 or similar .45 ACP magazines are essential for practical use.
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine is compatible with most standard magazine pouches designed for .45 ACP magazines. There are no other customization options needed.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity (11 rounds) over standard magazines.
- Mec-Gar‘s reputation for unparalleled reliability.
- Anti-friction coating ensures smooth feeding and easy loading.
- Durable steel construction provides long-lasting performance.
- Simple disassembly for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- Price is higher than some aftermarket magazines, but the reliability justifies the cost.
- No witness holes to visually verify the round count, but practice will develop an accurate sense of remaining rounds.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters using Tanfoglio Witness or CZ 97B pistols in .45 ACP. It is also ideal for anyone seeking increased capacity and improved reliability in their .45 ACP firearm. This magazine is a must-have for those prioritizing performance and reliability.
Someone on a tight budget prioritizing cost above all else may want to consider cheaper, but potentially less reliable, options. Someone who isn’t prioritizing high capacity or competition won’t benefit as much from this upgrade. Must-have accessories would include quality magazine pouches for practical shooting applications.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine is an outstanding product that delivers on its promises. It offers increased capacity, reliable feeding, and durable construction. The anti-friction coating sets it apart from many other magazines.
The price of $49.99 is justified by the improved performance and peace of mind. It is absolutely worth the investment for anyone serious about their Tanfoglio Witness or CZ 97B. I wholeheartedly recommend the Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .45 ACP 11 Round Pistol Magazine to any shooter looking to enhance their firearm’s performance. Upgrade your magazine, upgrade your experience!