First Thoughts on the Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin
The 1911 platform, chambered in the potent 10mm Auto, is a combination that commands respect. When you add the Wilson Combat name to that equation, expectations are understandably high. This review focuses on the Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin magazine, a critical component often overlooked until failures arise.
My journey to this particular magazine stemmed from a persistent issue: inconsistent feeding with my 10mm 1911 during rapid-fire drills. Factory magazines, even some aftermarket brands, failed to keep up, leading to frustrating stoppages. I needed a reliable magazine to match the performance potential of my 10mm 1911.
Upon receiving the Wilson Combat magazine, the immediate impression was one of solid construction. The stainless steel finish exuded quality, and the weight felt substantial, suggesting a robust build. It was immediately clear that it was a different beast altogether from the stock magazines that came with my Rock Island Armory 1911.
Compared to the Mec-Gar magazines I’ve used in the past, the Wilson Combat offered a noticeably stiffer spring and a smoother finish. I also considered magazines from Tripp Research, renowned for their CobraMags, but the Wilson Combat‘s readily available nature and positive user reviews steered me in its direction. My initial excitement was tempered with the hope that this magazine would finally solve my feeding issues, allowing me to focus on accuracy and speed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin magazine involved a series of drills designed to push its feeding reliability. I ran it through several rapid-fire exercises, simulating defensive shooting scenarios, at my local outdoor range. The weather was typical for a spring day: a bit of wind and some intermittent drizzle.
The immediate difference was noticeable: rounds fed smoothly and consistently, without any of the nose-diving issues I’d experienced previously. The increased spring tension seemed to keep the rounds properly aligned, even during rapid cycling of the slide. There were zero malfunctions through the first 100 rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Wilson Combat magazine has proven its reliability. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, across various bullet weights and profiles, without a single feeding failure. Minor scratches on the stainless finish are present from regular use, but there is no sign of functional degradation. Cleaning is a simple matter of wiping down the exterior and occasionally disassembling it to clean the spring and follower.
Compared to my earlier experiences with unreliable magazines, the Wilson Combat has dramatically improved the shooting experience with my 10mm 1911. It has instilled confidence, knowing that the magazine will function reliably under stress. It’s transformed my 1911 from a range toy into a potentially viable defensive weapon.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin magazine is designed for full-size (Government Model) 1911 pistols chambered in 10mm Auto. It features a 9-round capacity and a standard .350″ plastic base pad. The magazine is constructed from stainless steel with a silver finish, ensuring corrosion resistance and durability.
These specifications directly impact the magazine’s performance. The 9-round capacity provides increased firepower compared to traditional 8-round 1911 magazines. The stainless steel construction ensures long-term reliability, even under harsh conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin magazine performs exceptionally well. Its primary function – reliably feeding 10mm rounds into a 1911 – is executed flawlessly. The stiff spring tension ensures proper round alignment, preventing nose-diving and other common feeding issues.
The magazine’s strength lies in its reliability; however, the increased spring tension may make it slightly more difficult to load the final rounds. Overall, it far exceeds expectations, particularly given the known challenges of reliably feeding the 10mm round in a 1911 platform.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality is top-notch. The stainless steel construction feels robust and the smooth finish allows for easy insertion and extraction. The standard .350″ plastic base pad provides a secure grip when seating the magazine.
The magazine is very user-friendly. The 9-round capacity, while appreciated, does increase the overall length slightly, potentially impacting concealment for some users.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction suggests excellent longevity. Regular cleaning and proper storage should ensure years of reliable use. Disassembly is relatively straightforward, allowing for thorough cleaning and inspection.
Replacement parts, such as springs and followers, are readily available from Wilson Combat, further extending the magazine’s lifespan. This contrasts with some other manufacturers where replacement parts are difficult to source.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine itself doesn’t lend itself to much customization beyond replacing the base pad. Wilson Combat offers various base pads in different materials and profiles. Aftermarket followers may be available.
Because it is a standard 1911 magazine, it must fit into the magazine well of any 1911 pistol. It is a standard size and shape.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin
Pros
- Exceptional reliability: Eliminates common feeding issues.
- Increased capacity: Holds 9 rounds of 10mm Auto.
- Durable stainless steel construction: Ensures long-term use.
- Readily available replacement parts: Extends magazine lifespan.
- Smooth feeding: Stiffer spring prevents malfunctions.
Cons
- Slightly higher price point compared to some aftermarket options.
- Stiffer spring can make loading the final rounds slightly more difficult.
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin?
The Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin magazine is perfect for 10mm 1911 owners who demand absolute reliability from their firearms. It’s ideal for those who use their 10mm 1911 for self-defense, hunting, or competitive shooting.
Those prioritizing the absolute lowest price above all else might consider other options; however, the increased reliability and durability of the Wilson Combat magazine are worth the investment. A must-have accessory would be a magazine loader to assist with loading the final rounds, given the increased spring tension.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin
The Wilson Combat 1911 10mm 9 rd Stainless Finish – 10mm Caliber, 9 Rounds, Stainless/Silver, OEM Origin magazine is a worthwhile investment for any serious 10mm 1911 owner. The price is justified by the magazine’s exceptional reliability, durability, and increased capacity.
I would absolutely recommend this magazine to anyone seeking to improve the performance of their 10mm 1911. It transformed my previously unreliable 1911 into a firearm I can trust. If you are tired of magazine-related malfunctions, this is the solution.