Let’s Dive into Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine promises to boost the capacity of a classic platform. Featuring a blued steel body and a polymer base plate, this magazine aims to provide reliable feeding of .45 ACP rounds in your Rock Island Armory 1911. The increased capacity from the standard 7 or 8 rounds to 13 could be a significant advantage for range use or competition.
My quest for this magazine stemmed from a need for increased firepower in my 1911. Standard capacity magazines are fine, but I often find myself reloading frequently during range sessions. I was seeking a reliable magazine that would minimize reloading time and enhance my overall shooting experience.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The blued finish appeared even and durable, and the polymer base plate seemed securely attached. The weight felt appropriate for a high-capacity 1911 magazine.
Compared to other aftermarket 1911 magazines I’ve used, like those from Wilson Combat and Mec-Gar, the Armscor magazine seemed more robust than some of the cheaper options. I picked this one specifically to pair with my Rock Island Armory 1911, hoping for optimal compatibility and reliability. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to test its performance at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range in varying weather conditions. The day started with clear skies and moderate temperatures but later transitioned to light rain. I wanted to see how the magazine performed under different environmental conditions.
The Armscor magazine initially proved easy to load and seated positively in my Rock Island 1911. The first few magazines fed flawlessly, with no noticeable issues. However, after about 50 rounds, I experienced a few failures to feed, where the slide failed to fully chamber the next round.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and some dry-fire practice, the magazine’s reliability remained inconsistent. While it performed well for the most part, occasional failures to feed continued to occur, especially when the magazine was fully loaded. The blued finish showed minor wear marks from repeated insertion and removal, but nothing alarming.
Cleaning and maintaining the magazine was straightforward. Disassembly was simple, and the internal components were easily accessible for cleaning and lubrication. Compared to my experiences with other high-capacity 1911 magazines, the Armscor magazine’s reliability falls short of premium options, like Wilson Combat’s. However, given the price point, it performs acceptably.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for 1911 pistols chambered in .45 ACP. Its key specifications include a 13-round magazine capacity, which is a significant increase over standard 7 or 8-round magazines. The magazine body is constructed from blued steel, providing durability and resistance to corrosion.
The magazine features a polymer base plate, which is designed to be durable and impact-resistant. The use of metal ensures reliable feeding and longevity, while the polymer base plate provides a comfortable grip during magazine changes. The increased capacity translates to less frequent reloads, enhancing the shooter’s efficiency on the range or in competition.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is to reliably feed .45 ACP rounds into the 1911 pistol. In terms of strengths, the increased capacity is a definite advantage. Also, the build quality appears to be reasonably robust for its price point.
However, the magazine does have some weaknesses, as experienced during testing. The most significant issue is the occasional failures to feed, particularly when fully loaded. While the magazine generally performs adequately, it doesn’t quite meet the reliability standards of higher-end magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine features a functional design that is consistent with standard 1911 magazine dimensions. The blued steel construction provides a solid feel, and the polymer base plate is comfortable to grip. The weight is appropriate for a high-capacity magazine, contributing to a balanced feel in the pistol.
The magazine seats securely and releases smoothly from the magazine well of my Rock Island 1911. There’s no significant learning curve associated with using this magazine. It is as simple as inserting a standard capacity magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine appears to be reasonably durable, with the steel body offering good resistance to wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide a decent lifespan. Disassembly for cleaning is relatively easy.
The magazine can be disassembled using basic tools. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the internal components will help ensure smooth and reliable operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, the design adheres to standard 1911 magazine dimensions, making it compatible with a variety of aftermarket magazine pouches and carriers. It also interfaces properly with my Rock Island Armory 1911 pistol.
There are no inherent customization options for the magazine itself, beyond potentially replacing the base plate with an aftermarket option for enhanced grip or aesthetics. The Armscor magazine is compatible with any standard 1911 pistol designed to accept .45 ACP magazines.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Holds 13 rounds, reducing the need for frequent reloads.
- Solid Build Quality: Features a robust blued steel body.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple disassembly for cleaning and lubrication.
- Affordable Price: Offers a cost-effective solution for increasing magazine capacity.
- Compatible with RIA 1911s: Designed specifically for Rock Island Armory 1911 pistols.
Cons
- Failures to Feed: Occasional issues with the slide failing to fully chamber rounds, especially when fully loaded.
- Finish Wear: Blued finish may show wear marks with repeated use.
Who Should Buy Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters, range enthusiasts, and those looking for an affordable way to increase the capacity of their 1911 pistol. It is also a good fit for those who own a Rock Island Armory 1911, as it’s designed for optimal compatibility. It is also a good way to increase firepower for home defense, with the acceptance that it may not be perfect.
This product may not be ideal for those who prioritize absolute reliability above all else, such as competitive shooters or those who use their 1911 for self-defense. For these users, a premium magazine from a reputable brand like Wilson Combat or Mec-Gar might be a better option. A must-have accessory for this magazine is a quality magazine pouch or carrier for convenient and secure storage.
Conclusion on Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine offers an affordable way to increase the capacity of your 1911 pistol. While it does have some reliability issues, particularly with failures to feed, its solid build quality and ease of maintenance make it a decent option for recreational shooters. The price is justified for those seeking a budget-friendly high-capacity magazine.
I would recommend this magazine to anyone looking for a cost-effective way to enhance their range experience with a Rock Island Armory 1911. If you can tolerate occasional malfunctions, the increased capacity can be a worthwhile trade-off. Consider giving the Armscor magazine a try if you are on a budget.