Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model Review

The Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model Made a Bold First Impression

The 1911 platform is a timeless classic, and magazines are the lifeblood of any semi-automatic firearm. That’s why I was excited, yet cautiously optimistic, to get my hands on the Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model. Knowing Rock Island Armory’s reputation for producing affordable and reliable firearms, I was eager to see if their magazines lived up to the same standard.

My need for this particular magazine arose from a desire to maximize the versatility of my 1911 platform. I own a Rock Island Armory 1911 chambered in 9mm and was intrigued by the possibility of using a higher capacity magazine. The promise of 17 rounds in a 1911-compatible magazine was too good to pass up.

Upon receiving the Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model, my initial impression was positive. The magazine felt solid in hand, with a reassuring weight and a clean, blued finish. The base pad, made of polymer, appeared durable and offered a good grip.

I considered other high-capacity 1911 magazines from brands like Mec-Gar and Wilson Combat, but ultimately chose the Rock Island Armory magazine for its promise of OEM compatibility and its attractive price point. I was hoping for a seamless fit and reliable feeding. My first impression was one of cautious optimism, mixed with the excitement of potentially upgrading my 1911’s capacity.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model took place at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was dry and sunny, perfect conditions for testing magazine performance. I loaded the magazine with 17 rounds of 9mm FMJ ammunition and inserted it into my Rock Island Armory 1911.

The initial insertion was a bit stiff, requiring a firmer push than my standard 8-round magazines. However, it locked into place securely. I proceeded to fire all 17 rounds, and to my relief, the magazine fed flawlessly, with no jams or misfeeds. Ejection was consistent and reliable.

One initial issue arose: reloading was slower than with standard magazines due to the extended length and the slightly thicker base pad. This required a change in my grip and a more deliberate action to seat the magazine correctly. Despite this, the initial performance was promising, hinting at good reliability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition, the Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model has proven to be mostly reliable. While it performed well initially, I did experience a few feeding issues after about 300 rounds, specifically with the last two rounds failing to chamber correctly. This occurred intermittently, suggesting a possible issue with the magazine spring.

The blued finish has held up well, showing only minor wear marks from insertion and removal. The polymer base pad remains intact and functional. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, requiring only disassembly and a quick wipe down.

Compared to my standard 8-round magazines, the Rock Island Armory magazine offers significantly higher capacity, but sacrifices some ease of use and absolute reliability. While the standard mags offer consistent and flawless performance, the high-capacity magazine demands more attention and care to ensure smooth operation. Ultimately, this magazine is great for target practice, but I’d hesitate to rely on it in a defensive scenario without further testing and tuning.

Breaking Down the Features of Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model

Specifications

The Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model boasts the following specifications:

• Caliber: 9mm/.22TCM.
• Capacity: 17 Rounds.
• Finish: Blue.
• Model: 2011 Tactical.
• Origin: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
• Compatibility: 1911 Model.

The 9mm/.22TCM caliber designation indicates that this magazine is designed to function with both 9mm and .22 TCM (Tuason Craig Micromag) ammunition. However, my testing focused solely on 9mm rounds. The 17-round capacity dramatically increases the firepower of a standard 1911.

The blued finish provides a degree of corrosion resistance and a classic aesthetic. Being an OEM magazine suggests it’s specifically designed and manufactured to Rock Island Armory’s standards, ensuring compatibility. Designed for the 2011 Tactical model, it promises enhanced performance for users of that platform.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model is to reliably feed ammunition into a 1911-style pistol. In terms of usability, the magazine is relatively easy to load, though the high spring tension makes loading the last few rounds a bit challenging. I recommend using a magazine loader to ease the process.

The magazine’s main strength is its high capacity, offering more rounds between reloads, which is advantageous in various shooting scenarios. However, the intermittent feeding issues I experienced are a clear weakness. The failures to feed were infrequent but concerning.

Overall, the magazine mostly meets expectations for range use, but falls slightly short of the reliability I would demand for defensive purposes. Further testing and tuning, possibly involving a spring replacement, may be necessary to achieve optimal performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model is decent for its price point. The steel body feels robust, and the blued finish is evenly applied. The polymer base pad is functional and provides a comfortable grip during magazine changes.

The increased length of the magazine, required to accommodate the 17-round capacity, does affect the ergonomics slightly. The magazine extends further out of the grip, which may be uncomfortable for some users. However, the increased weight, when fully loaded, helps to dampen recoil to a small degree.

There’s a moderate learning curve to effectively using this magazine. The insertion requires more force than standard magazines, and reloading speed is slightly reduced due to the extended length. A user needs to practice smooth, deliberate magazine changes to ensure reliable operation.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, the Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model appears to be reasonably durable. The steel body is resistant to bending or damage, and the blued finish offers adequate protection against corrosion. However, the occasional feeding issues suggest that the magazine spring may be a potential point of failure over time.

Maintenance is relatively simple. Disassembling the magazine requires a punch or similar tool to depress the base pad retainer. Once disassembled, the components can be easily cleaned with standard gun cleaning solvents. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prolong the magazine’s lifespan and ensure reliable operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model comes as a complete unit with a polymer base pad. There aren’t really any customization options specific to this magazine itself, other than perhaps replacing the spring with a higher-quality aftermarket spring.

The magazine is designed to be compatible with standard 1911 magazine pouches, although the increased length may make it a tight fit in some pouches. It also functions in conjunction with any 1911 accessories relating to grips, slides or optics that don’t impede the magazine well. While it doesn’t directly interface with these parts, the magazine is compatible with the platform as a whole.

Pros and Cons of Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model

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Who Should Buy Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model?

The Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model is perfect for:

• Recreational shooters and target practice enthusiasts seeking a higher capacity option for extended range sessions.
• Competitive shooters looking for an edge in matches where magazine capacity is a factor.
• Owners of Rock Island Armory 1911s wanting an OEM magazine to ensure a proper fit.

Who should skip this product?

• Individuals prioritizing absolute reliability for self-defense: The occasional feeding issues make it less suitable for critical situations.
• Those with smaller hands or a preference for compact firearms: The extended length can be uncomfortable and difficult to conceal.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• Magazine loader: Essential for easy and efficient loading, especially with the high spring tension.
• Aftermarket magazine spring: A higher-quality spring might improve reliability and feeding consistency.

Conclusion on Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model

The Rock Island Armory Magazine .22 TCM/9mm 17 Round w/Base Pad – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model offers a compelling combination of increased capacity and affordability for 1911 owners. While it’s not without its flaws, particularly the occasional feeding issues, its benefits outweigh the drawbacks for certain users.

The $35.49 price point is definitely justified, especially considering the high capacity it offers. For range use and recreational shooting, it’s a valuable upgrade. However, those who require unwavering reliability for self-defense should proceed with caution and thoroughly test the magazine before relying on it in critical situations.

Would I personally recommend it? Yes, with reservations. If you’re a casual shooter looking for a high-capacity magazine for your Rock Island Armory 1911, and you’re willing to accept the possibility of occasional feeding issues, then this magazine is a good value. However, if reliability is your top priority, you may want to consider investing in a higher-end magazine from a different manufacturer.

Consider adding this magazine to your arsenal for increased firepower, but always remember to prioritize safety and test your equipment thoroughly. Go get some range time, and see for yourself!

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