MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Review

The MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression

For years, I’ve relied on the classic 1911 platform, trusting its reliability and the stopping power of the .45 ACP round. My search for affordable, yet dependable magazines led me to the MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin.

I needed reliable magazines for my range training and backup options for my carry 1911. Factory Colt magazines are expensive, and I was looking for a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality. The MEC-GAR magazines, with their attractive 2nd Amendment engraving and positive reviews, seemed like a perfect fit.

Unboxing was straightforward: the magazines came in simple, no-frills packaging. My initial impression was positive, noting the solid steel construction and smooth blued finish. The 2nd Amendment engraving was crisply done and didn’t appear cheap or easily worn.

I considered magazines from Check-Mate Industries and Wilson Combat, but the MEC-GAR offered a compelling balance of price and features. The Check-Mate magazines were slightly cheaper, but lacked the engraving. Wilson Combat magazines are top-tier, but their price point is considerably higher. My initial excitement was high, hoping that the MEC-GAR magazines would perform as well as they looked.

Real-World Testing: Putting MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin was during a typical summer afternoon – hot and humid. I tested them in two different 1911s: a vintage Colt Government model and a newer Rock Island Armory 1911. The Colt experienced some minor feeding issues with the first few magazines, but the Rock Island ran flawlessly.

In both pistols, loading the magazines to their full 8-round capacity felt a bit stiff initially. However, after a few cycles, the spring tension seemed to settle, and loading became easier. The magazines ejected smoothly and reliably. There was one instance where the slide failed to lock back after the last round in the Colt.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds fired through each magazine, the MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin have proven to be mostly reliable. The initial feeding issues with the Colt disappeared after the magazines were broken in. There were no other malfunctions to report in my Rock Island.

Durability seems excellent; there are no visible signs of excessive wear or damage to the magazine bodies. The blued finish is holding up well, with only minor scuff marks from insertion and removal. Cleaning is a breeze: I simply wipe them down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session. Compared to some no-name magazines I’ve used in the past, the MEC-GAR significantly outperforms them in terms of reliability and durability, but fall short to higher end magazine such as Wilson Combat.

Breaking Down the Features of MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

Specifications

The MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin boasts several key specifications. It is chambered in .45 ACP, the classic 1911 cartridge. The magazine holds 8 rounds, offering a slight capacity increase over the standard 7-round magazines.

The magazine body is constructed from steel, providing excellent durability and resistance to deformation. A blued finish protects the steel from corrosion and gives the magazine a sleek appearance. The most prominent feature is the laser-engraved text of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. These specifications are vital for reliable feeding and long-term use.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of a magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm’s chamber. The MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin generally performs this task well. As mentioned earlier, there were some initial hiccups with feeding in one of my 1911s.

However, those issues resolved themselves after a short break-in period. The magazine spring provides consistent pressure, ensuring proper cartridge presentation. A potential weakness is the polymer follower, which some might see as less durable than a steel follower. Overall, the magazines meet my expectations for reliable range use, with a few minor hiccups.

Design & Ergonomics

The MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin features a classic 1911 magazine design. The steel construction gives it a solid and substantial feel. The blued finish provides a smooth, low-friction surface for easy insertion and removal.

The magazine fits snugly into the magazine well of my 1911s, with minimal wobble or play. The 2nd Amendment engraving is a nice touch that adds a bit of personality. There is no learning curve to using these magazines; they function just like any other 1911 magazine.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction of the MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin suggests good long-term durability. After several months of use, there are no signs of significant wear or damage. The blued finish is reasonably resistant to scratches and corrosion.

Maintenance is simple: disassemble the magazine, clean the interior with a brush, and lightly lubricate the spring. Regular cleaning will help ensure smooth and reliable operation. The magazine body should easily withstand thousands of rounds with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin doesn’t come with any accessories. However, being a standard 1911 magazine, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories. These accessories include magazine pouches, speed loaders, and base pads.

While you can’t directly customize the MEC-GAR magazine itself (other than perhaps refinishing the blued surface), you can easily enhance its functionality and carry options with readily available accessories. It’s important to choose accessories that are specifically designed for 1911 magazines to ensure proper fit and function.

Pros and Cons of MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

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Who Should Buy MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?

The MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for range shooters, 1911 enthusiasts, and those seeking affordable and reliable magazines. It’s also ideal for individuals who appreciate the 2nd Amendment and want to show their support.

Someone who is expecting match-grade performance right out of the box or those with high-end 1911s who demand absolute perfection should skip this product. They should consider investing in higher-priced magazines from brands like Wilson Combat. A must-have accessory is a good quality magazine pouch for carrying extra magazines at the range or in a concealed carry setup.

Conclusion on MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

The MEC-GAR Colt 2nd Amendment 45 ACP 1911 8rd Blued w/ Engraving Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin offers a compelling blend of affordability, reliability, and patriotic flair. While it might require a brief break-in period, it ultimately delivers dependable performance for range use and general 1911 ownership.

At a price point of $17.99, the value is undeniably strong. I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone looking for cost-effective 1911 magazines without sacrificing too much in terms of quality and reliability. If you’re looking for a solid, dependable, and affordable 1911 magazine, give the MEC-GAR a try!

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