What Makes EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine Stand Out?
The EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine enters a crowded market of pistol magazines, but it promises a blend of capacity and durability for the popular Girsan Witness 2311 platform. Made by Check-Mate, a respected name in magazine manufacturing, and distributed by EAA, this magazine aims to provide reliable feeding and long-lasting performance. Its 17-round capacity and stainless steel construction immediately set it apart, making it worthy of a closer look for both range enthusiasts and those seeking a dependable option for self-defense.
My journey to finding this magazine began when I picked up a Girsan Witness 2311. While the pistol itself is fantastic, I always believe in having a few extra magazines on hand, especially for range days and competition. I needed a reliable magazine with a high capacity that wouldn’t break the bank, but would still offer the performance and longevity I expect from my gear.
Upon unboxing the EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. The stainless steel construction gives it a reassuring weight, and the black finish appears to be evenly applied and durable. The polymer floor plate feels robust, and overall the magazine exudes an air of quality that surpassed my initial expectations, especially considering its price point.
Compared to other magazines I’ve used – specifically, the Mec-Gar magazines for my Beretta 92 and the factory Glock magazines – the EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine seemed more robust than the Glock mags, and on par with the Mec-Gar in terms of build quality, but offered a higher capacity. I chose the EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine over other aftermarket options because of Check-Mate’s reputation for quality and reliability and its compatibility with both 9mm and .38 Super. This flexibility is valuable for someone who shoots both calibers.
My first impression was definitely excitement mixed with a bit of cautious optimism. The build quality was impressive, and I was eager to see how it performed at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. I tested it with both 9mm and .38 Super ammunition to assess its performance with different loads and recoil characteristics. The weather was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The magazine performed admirably under these conditions, exhibiting smooth and consistent feeding with both types of ammunition. I did not experience any failures to feed or double feeds. The magazine was easy to load, and seated securely in the magazine well of my Girsan Witness 2311.
Initially, I found the magazine slightly stiffer to insert when fully loaded compared to the factory magazine, but this improved after a few cycles. There were no other noticeable issues or surprises during the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use – roughly 500 rounds fired with this magazine – the EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine has held up incredibly well. I’ve taken it through multiple range sessions, and even used it in a local steel challenge match. The magazine has proven to be exceptionally reliable.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear, primarily slight scratches on the finish from inserting and removing it from the pistol. The spring tension remains strong, and there’s no noticeable degradation in feeding performance. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; I simply disassemble it, wipe down the components with a clean cloth, and apply a light coat of gun oil to the spring and follower.
Compared to some cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, the EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine far outperforms them in terms of durability and reliability. It has become my go-to magazine for both practice and competition.
Breaking Down the Features of EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: EAA (Distributed by) / Check-Mate (Manufactured by). This magazine is designed and distributed by EAA, but actually manufactured by Check-Mate, a company with a solid reputation in the magazine industry.
- Gun Make: GIRSAN. The magazine is specifically designed to fit Girsan pistols, particularly the Witness 2311.
- Gun Model: Girsan Witness 2311. This magazine is designed to work seamlessly with the Girsan Witness 2311 pistol.
- Caliber: 9mm Luger, .38 Super. The magazine is versatile, accommodating both 9mm Luger and .38 Super calibers, offering flexibility for shooters who own firearms in both calibers.
- Magazine Capacity: 17 Round. The 17-round capacity offers a significant advantage, especially for competitive shooting and personal defense.
- Color: Black. The black finish provides a sleek and tactical appearance.
- Fabric/Material: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and corrosion resistance, extending the lifespan of the magazine.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the reliability and longevity of the magazine. The stainless steel construction is crucial for resisting corrosion and wear, while the 17-round capacity provides a significant tactical advantage.
Performance & Functionality
The EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine excels in its primary function: reliably feeding ammunition into the pistol. Accuracy is, of course, determined by the pistol and the shooter, but a consistent magazine is crucial for eliminating malfunctions that can affect accuracy. The magazine loads easily, locks positively into the magazine well, and releases smoothly.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its reliability and high capacity. Its biggest weakness is that it can be a bit stiff to load initially. Overall, the magazine meets and exceeds expectations for a high-capacity magazine in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design is simple and functional, with a focus on reliability and durability. The stainless steel construction gives it a solid feel, and the black finish provides a non-reflective surface. It adds a touch of professionalism. The weight is appropriate for a magazine of this capacity, and it doesn’t feel overly bulky.
The magazine is generally user-friendly, although the stiffness of the spring when new can make it slightly difficult to load to full capacity initially. The removable polymer floor plate makes disassembly for cleaning a breeze.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction and robust design, the EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine is expected to last for many years with proper care. The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance, and replacement parts, such as springs and followers, are readily available if needed. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine comes as a standalone unit, without additional accessories. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself, but it is compatible with aftermarket magazine pouches and loaders designed for 2011-style pistols.
Pros and Cons of EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High Capacity: The 17-round capacity provides a significant advantage for competitive shooting and personal defense.
- Durable Construction: The stainless steel body ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion.
- Reliable Feeding: The magazine consistently feeds ammunition without malfunctions, enhancing shooting performance.
- Easy Maintenance: The removable polymer floor plate allows for easy disassembly and cleaning.
- Versatile Caliber Compatibility: Compatible with both 9mm Luger and .38 Super.
Cons
- Stiff Spring: The spring can be initially stiff, making it slightly difficult to load to full capacity when new.
- Finish Wear: The black finish may show signs of wear with frequent use, though this is purely cosmetic.
Who Should Buy EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine?
The EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters who need a high-capacity, reliable magazine for their Girsan Witness 2311. It’s also an excellent choice for individuals seeking a dependable magazine for self-defense or home protection. The magazine’s compatibility with both 9mm and .38 Super makes it a versatile option for those who own firearms in both calibers.
Those who should skip this product are shooters who prefer lower-capacity magazines for concealed carry purposes, or those who are extremely sensitive to initial stiffness in magazine springs.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine loader to ease the loading process, especially when the magazine is new.
Conclusion on EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine
In summary, the EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine is a well-built, reliable, and high-capacity magazine that offers excellent value for the money. The price is absolutely justified, considering the quality of construction and its performance.
I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone who owns a Girsan Witness 2311 and is looking for a dependable and high-capacity option. If you are looking for a magazine that will stand up to the rigors of competition or provide reliable feeding in a self-defense situation, the EAA Check-Mate Witness 2311 9mm/38 Super 17 Rounds Pistol Magazine is an excellent choice. Invest in your peace of mind – get yours today and experience the difference a quality magazine can make!