First Impressions of Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine
The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine is a name that carries weight in the 1911 world. Wilson Combat is known for high-end, reliable components, and this magazine promises to be no different. With its aircraft-grade stainless steel construction, self-lubricating follower, and enhanced design, it aims to solve the common issues of 1911 magazine reliability.
I’ve always been chasing the “perfect” 1911 magazine; one that feeds flawlessly, locks back reliably, and stands up to the rigors of training and competition. My older 1911 magazines, while functional, sometimes exhibited feed issues and premature wear. I was seeking a magazine that offered superior reliability and durability for my primary 1911.
The initial impression was excellent. The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine felt substantial in hand, with a smooth finish and a well-constructed base pad. Compared to my older magazines from Chip McCormick and Kimber, the Wilson Combat offering felt noticeably more robust.
I was hoping this magazine would justify its price tag and elevate the performance of my 1911. The promise of improved feeding and a lifetime warranty instilled a sense of confidence. It certainly looked the part, but the real test would be at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor range. The weather was slightly overcast, but the conditions were otherwise favorable. I ran approximately 200 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition through it, consisting of both FMJ and hollow point rounds.
The magazine performed flawlessly. Every round fed smoothly and reliably, and the slide locked back every time. There was no need to baby the magazine or worry about failures to feed, which significantly enhanced the shooting experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine continues to impress. It has seen action in multiple range sessions, a practical shooting competition, and several dry-fire practice sessions. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.
The stainless steel tube still looks almost new, and the follower continues to move smoothly. The magazine has proven easy to clean and maintain, requiring only occasional wiping down and lubrication. It outperforms all of my previous 1911 magazine experiences; the consistent reliability gives me complete confidence in its performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine is built for the 1911 platform. It features an 8-round capacity in .45 ACP. The magazine body is constructed from aircraft-grade certified stainless steel for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
The magazine incorporates a fiber-fill nylon self-lubricating follower for smooth feeding. The tube walls measure .025 inches thick, the thickest in the industry, offering enhanced strength and resistance to cracking. The magazine utilizes a space-age stainless steel spring wire for extended spring life.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine performs its job exceptionally well. The feeding is consistently smooth and reliable, regardless of the ammunition type. The magazine locks the slide back reliably after the last round, and it seats and locks into the weapon with the slide down without issue.
The strength of the magazine tube virtually eliminates feed lip cracking, tube spread, and general fatigue. The proprietary multi-step tumbling and finishing process ensures silky smooth follower operation and easy insertion. While the price is higher than some competitors, the increased reliability and durability justify the investment.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine is top-notch. The stainless steel construction feels robust and inspires confidence. The magazine is comfortable to handle and easy to load.
There is no learning curve associated with using this magazine. Its design is intuitive and compatible with any standard 1911 pistol. The removable base pad makes disassembly and maintenance simple.
Durability & Maintenance
The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine is built to last. The aircraft-grade stainless steel and the strengthened tube design promise exceptional longevity. Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning and occasional lubrication are all that’s required to keep the magazine in optimal condition. Wilson Combat’s no-risk service policy offers additional peace of mind, as they will replace the magazine if it breaks from normal use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine comes with a removable base pad, allowing for easy maintenance and the option to use different base pads. Wilson Combat offers a variety of base pads, including those with different profiles and thicknesses. The magazine is compatible with most aftermarket 1911 accessories designed for standard-size magazines.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Unmatched reliability: Feeds flawlessly and consistently locks the slide back.
- Exceptional Durability: Constructed from aircraft-grade stainless steel with thick tube walls.
- Smooth Operation: The self-lubricating follower and refined finishing process ensure smooth feeding.
- Easy Maintenance: Removable base pad simplifies cleaning and inspection.
- Lifetime Warranty: Wilson Combat’s no-risk service policy provides peace of mind.
Cons
- Higher Price: More expensive than some other 1911 magazines on the market.
- Observation Slots Placement: Observation slots moved to the rear of the tube might not be preferred by everyone for quick round count estimation.
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for 1911 owners who demand the highest level of reliability and durability from their magazines. This is a great choice for competitive shooters, law enforcement professionals, and anyone who relies on their 1911 for self-defense. Anyone who values performance and longevity should consider this magazine.
Those who are on a tight budget or only use their 1911 for occasional range trips might find the price difficult to justify. If ultimate reliability is not a top priority, cheaper alternatives may suffice. A must-have accessory is a quality magazine pouch for carrying spare magazines.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine
The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine is a premium product that delivers on its promises. It provides unmatched reliability and durability. The higher price is justified by the superior performance and the peace of mind that comes with Wilson Combat’s reputation and warranty.
I would highly recommend this magazine to anyone looking to improve the performance of their 1911. Invest in the Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 8 Round Pistol Magazine and experience the difference that quality can make. Upgrade your 1911 experience today!