First Thoughts on the Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
The 1911. It’s an icon, a legend, a firearm that has seen action in countless conflicts and graced the holsters of law enforcement and civilian shooters alike. But the heart of any semi-automatic firearm is its magazine, and a finicky magazine can turn even the most reliable pistol into a paperweight. That’s why the Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model has always piqued my interest. If you are an experienced 1911 user you know that Wilson Combat magazines are synonymous with reliability and quality.
For years, I’ve wrestled with 1911 magazines that failed to feed properly, caused premature slide lock, or simply wouldn’t seat correctly. My frustration peaked during a tactical pistol course when my “budget” magazines repeatedly jammed, hindering my performance and potentially putting me at a disadvantage. I needed a solution and was in need of a magazine that can keep up.
The Wilson Combat magazines arrived in simple, no-frills packaging. The stainless-steel finish of the magazine body gleamed under the light. Holding it in my hand, the heft felt substantial, indicative of the quality materials described in the product details.
Compared to the no-name magazines I had been using, the Wilson Combat magazine felt noticeably sturdier. The welds were cleaner, the finish was smoother, and the spring felt significantly stronger. I had considered other “premium” magazines from brands like Chip McCormick and Tripp Research. Ultimately, I chose Wilson Combat based on their long-standing reputation in the 1911 community and the sheer volume of positive reviews.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The magazine certainly looked the part, but the real test would be on the range. I hoped this Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine would finally put an end to my 1911 magazine woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was typical for early spring – damp and a bit chilly, with a light drizzle threatening to turn into a full-blown downpour. I was running drills focused on speed reloads and malfunction clearance.
The magazine seated positively with a reassuring click. During the first few magazines, I experienced zero failures to feed, zero failures to eject, and positive slide lock every single time. This was already a vast improvement over my previous range sessions.
The self-lubricating follower moved smoothly within the magazine body, and the rounds stripped cleanly and consistently. Even with my hands slightly slick from the damp conditions, the magazine was easy to grip and manipulate during reloads. After years of malfunctions with my 1911s, this was so satisfying to watch and experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine continues to perform flawlessly. I’ve used it in various conditions, from dry and dusty summer days to cold and wet winter afternoons.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear, apart from some minor scuff marks on the stainless-steel finish. The magazine body remains free from dents or deformation. The spring tension is still strong and consistent.
Cleaning the magazine is a simple process. The removable base pad makes disassembly quick and easy. I typically clean them after each range session with a solvent and a nylon brush.
Compared to my previous experiences with unreliable magazines, the Wilson Combat magazine has been a game-changer. It has instilled confidence in my 1911. The weapon is no longer a source of frustration, but rather a reliable tool.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
Specifications
The Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model boasts several key specifications that contribute to its reliability and performance:
- Caliber: .45 ACP. This is the standard caliber for 1911 pistols, and the magazine is specifically designed to handle this round effectively.
- Capacity: 8 Rounds. This is a common capacity for 1911 magazines and provides a good balance between capacity and concealability.
- Tube Walls: .027″ Thick Aircraft Grade 17-7 PH Stainless Steel. This is the thickest in the industry. It ensures exceptional durability and resistance to deformation.
- Heat Treatment: The tube is heat treated for maximum durability and service life. This process strengthens the stainless steel and makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
- Follower: Fiber-Fill Nylon Self-Lubricating Follower. This follower design provides smooth round feeding and reduces friction within the magazine tube.
- Spring: Maximum Tensile Strength Heavy-Duty Spring. This spring ensures consistent feeding and positive slide stop operation.
- Base Pad: Removable .350″ Plastic Base Pad. The removable base pad allows for easy maintenance and versatility with different base pad options.
These specifications are not just marketing jargon. They directly translate into improved performance and reliability. The thick stainless-steel walls prevent deformation, the heat treatment enhances durability, and the heavy-duty spring ensures consistent feeding.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine excels in its primary function: feeding rounds reliably into the chamber of a 1911 pistol. It does this consistently, without any hiccups or malfunctions.
- Accuracy: The magazine itself does not directly impact accuracy. However, reliable feeding contributes to consistent shot placement and reduces the likelihood of disruptions during firing.
- Reliability: This is where the Wilson Combat magazine truly shines. It feeds rounds smoothly and consistently. I have yet to experience a single malfunction attributable to the magazine.
- Usability: The magazine is easy to load, easy to seat, and easy to remove. The smooth follower and strong spring make loading relatively effortless.
- Comfort: The magazine body is comfortable to grip during reloads, even with wet or gloved hands.
While the Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine performs admirably, there is always room for improvement. A slightly wider base pad could potentially improve grip during reloads, particularly in high-stress situations.
The magazine meets and exceeds my expectations for a high-quality 1911 magazine. It performs flawlessly, is built to last, and instills confidence in my firearm.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine features a simple, functional design that prioritizes reliability and durability.
- Build Quality: The materials used are top-notch, and the construction is solid. The stainless-steel body is thick and well-finished.
- User-Friendly: The magazine is incredibly easy to use, even for novice shooters. There is no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine is built to withstand years of use and abuse. The thick stainless-steel body and heat-treated components ensure exceptional durability.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a solvent and a nylon brush is all that is required to keep the magazine in top condition. The removable base pad simplifies the cleaning process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine is compatible with a range of accessories, including different base pads and magazine pouches.
Wilson Combat offers a variety of base pads in different sizes and materials, allowing users to customize the magazine to their specific needs and preferences. The magazine is also compatible with most standard 1911 magazine pouches.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
Pros
- Unmatched reliability. Eliminates feeding issues.
- Exceptional durability. Built to last a lifetime.
- Smooth feeding. Ensures consistent cycling.
- Easy to maintain. Removable base pad simplifies cleaning.
- Lifetime no-risk service policy. Gives peace of mind.
Cons
- Price. More expensive than some competitors.
- Stainless finish shows scratches. Purely cosmetic.
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model?
- Perfect for: 1911 owners who prioritize reliability and are tired of dealing with finicky magazines, competitive shooters who demand consistent performance, law enforcement officers and military personnel who rely on their firearms for self-defense, and anyone who values quality and durability.
- Who should skip this product? Shooters on a very tight budget who are willing to accept a higher risk of malfunctions.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality magazine pouch for easy access and carrying, and perhaps a different base pad depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
The Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model is not just a magazine. It is an investment in reliability, performance, and peace of mind.
While the price may be higher than some of its competitors, the quality and performance justify the cost. This magazine is built to last, and it will deliver consistent results for years to come.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Wilson Combat 1911 Full Size Magazine to anyone who owns a 1911 and values reliability above all else. Stop wrestling with unreliable magazines and experience the difference that quality makes. Upgrade to Wilson Combat today!