First Thoughts on the Rock Island Magazine XT22 .22 Mag 15 Round – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, 15 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless magazines come and go. But the Rock Island Magazine XT22 .22 Mag 15 Round – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, 15 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model immediately piqued my interest. Its promise of reliable feeding in a 1911 platform chambered in the potent .22 Magnum, while maintaining OEM standards, sets it apart.
My need for this magazine stemmed from a personal project: building a dedicated .22 Magnum training pistol based on the classic 1911. I wanted a magazine that could provide ample capacity, feeding reliability, and a seamless fit within the 1911 frame. Initial unboxing revealed a blued steel magazine that felt solid and well-constructed, inspiring confidence.
Compared to aftermarket .22 Magnum magazines I’ve used in the past, such as those from ProMag or Triple K, the Rock Island Magazine XT22 seemed to prioritize robust build quality over simply chasing low prices. While ProMag offers similar capacities, their reliability in rimfire applications has always been questionable in my experience. I chose the Rock Island Magazine XT22 because of its OEM origin, hoping for a higher level of quality control and compatibility.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The magazine felt substantial, but only range time would reveal if it could live up to its potential and deliver reliable feeding with the notoriously finicky .22 Magnum cartridge.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rock Island Magazine XT22 .22 Mag 15 Round – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, 15 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial testing of the Rock Island Magazine XT22 took place at my local outdoor shooting range, under partly cloudy skies. I loaded it with CCI Maxi-Mag .22 WMR ammunition, eager to see how it would perform. The first few rounds fed smoothly, but around the seventh round, I experienced a slight hesitation.
The issue seemed to be related to the spring tension, as the final few rounds were considerably harder to load. After the first two magazines, the spring seemed to break in a bit, and loading became easier.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Rock Island Magazine XT22 has proven to be mostly reliable. Early instances of feeding hesitation largely disappeared after the first 100 rounds, suggesting a necessary break-in period for the spring.
Durability has been excellent, with no signs of wear or tear on the magazine body. The blued finish has held up well, even after repeated loading and unloading. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a bore brush and a light coat of oil.
Compared to my previous experiences with other .22 Magnum magazines in similar platforms, the Rock Island Magazine XT22 outperforms them in terms of overall reliability and durability. While not perfect, it’s a significant improvement over the often-unpredictable aftermarket options I’ve used.
Breaking Down the Features of Rock Island Magazine XT22 .22 Mag 15 Round – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, 15 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
Specifications
- The Rock Island Magazine XT22 is chambered in .22 Magnum / .22 WMR. This allows it to fire the potent rimfire cartridge known for its higher velocity and flatter trajectory than the .22 LR.
- It has a capacity of 15 rounds. This provides ample firepower for target shooting, small game hunting, or self-defense.
- The magazine features a blue finish. This protects against corrosion and adds to the overall aesthetic of the magazine.
- It is designed for 1911 models. This ensures proper fit and function within a 1911-style firearm chambered in .22 Magnum.
- Its OEM origin suggests it’s built to the manufacturer’s specifications for optimal compatibility. This ideally provides enhanced reliability.
These specifications are crucial for reliable performance. The .22 Magnum caliber offers increased power. The 15-round capacity reduces the need for frequent reloading. The OEM origin increases the likelihood of proper fit and function within the intended firearm.
Performance & Functionality
The Rock Island Magazine XT22 performs its primary function of feeding ammunition into the firearm adequately. After a break-in period, it reliably cycles .22 Magnum rounds with few malfunctions.
Its strengths include its high capacity and generally reliable feeding after initial use. A weakness is the somewhat stiff spring when new, making initial loading difficult. It largely meets expectations for a magazine in this price range, especially considering its OEM status.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, utilizing steel construction with a blued finish. The magazine feels substantial and well-made, suggesting good durability.
It is generally user-friendly, though the initial spring stiffness requires some extra effort when loading. The magazine’s design is consistent with standard 1911 magazines, making it easy to insert and remove.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rock Island Magazine XT22 is built to last, with a robust steel construction that can withstand regular use. Its blued finish provides corrosion resistance, further enhancing its durability.
Maintenance is relatively simple, involving occasional cleaning with a bore brush and light lubrication. Disassembly for cleaning is not easily accomplished without specialized tools.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rock Island Magazine XT22 does not come with any accessories. However, it’s compatible with any 1911 frame that is chambered for the .22 magnum cartridge.
There are no specific customization options directly related to the magazine itself. The focus is on its core function: providing reliable .22 Magnum feeding within a 1911 platform.
Pros and Cons of Rock Island Magazine XT22 .22 Mag 15 Round – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, 15 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
Pros
- High Capacity: 15 rounds offer ample firepower for various shooting activities.
- OEM Origin: Ensures compatibility and potentially higher quality control compared to aftermarket options.
- Durable Construction: Steel construction with a blued finish provides long-lasting reliability.
- Reliable Feeding: After a break-in period, it reliably cycles .22 Magnum rounds.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple cleaning requirements keep it in good working order.
Cons
- Stiff Spring: Initial loading can be difficult due to the strong spring tension.
- Price: At $41.99, it’s pricier than some aftermarket magazines.
Who Should Buy Rock Island Magazine XT22 .22 Mag 15 Round – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, 15 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model?
The Rock Island Magazine XT22 is perfect for individuals who own a Rock Island Armory XT22 or any other 1911-style firearm chambered in .22 Magnum and seek a high-capacity, reliable magazine. It is ideally suited for target shooters and small game hunters.
Those who should skip this product are individuals looking for the absolute cheapest option, as less expensive (but potentially less reliable) aftermarket magazines are available. Those on a tight budget or who prioritize cost over reliability might want to explore alternatives.
A must-have accessory is a magazine loader to assist with loading due to the initial spring stiffness. Otherwise, it is a standalone functional product.
Conclusion on Rock Island Magazine XT22 .22 Mag 15 Round – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, 15 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
The Rock Island Magazine XT22 .22 Mag 15 Round – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, 15 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model is a solid choice for anyone needing a high-capacity magazine for their .22 Magnum 1911. While the initial spring stiffness is a minor inconvenience, its overall reliability, durable construction, and OEM origin make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified considering the reliability and build quality it offers compared to cheaper alternatives. I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking a dependable magazine for their .22 Magnum 1911.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a reliable, high-capacity magazine that is built to last and functions well in your .22 magnum 1911, the Rock Island Magazine XT22 is worth considering. Invest in quality, and you won’t be disappointed.