First Thoughts on the Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
The 1911 platform is an American classic, and the Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin aims to deliver that legacy in a more compact and, theoretically, more accessible package. These magazines are designed to work with Commander-sized 1911s chambered in .45 ACP. The appeal lies in reliable feeding and durability at a reasonable price.
My search for these magazines stemmed from a quest for greater reliability in my carry setup. My initial magazines were finicky, leading to malfunctions during drills, an unacceptable risk for a firearm I rely on. The allure of the Taurus magazine was its promise of OEM-level quality.
The magazines arrived in simple packaging, nothing fancy, but secure. My first impression was favorable; the metal finish looked clean, and the magazines felt substantial without being overly heavy. The black finish seemed evenly applied and resistant to initial handling marks.
I own several 1911 magazines, including some from Wilson Combat and Mec-Gar. I chose to test the Taurus magazine as a more budget-friendly alternative to those premium brands. The promise of OEM compatibility specifically for a Taurus 1911 Commander also played a role.
Honestly, my first impression was a mix of cautious optimism and skepticism. The price point made me wonder about long-term durability. However, the positive online reviews and my familiarity with Taurus firearms gave me hope that these magazines would perform well.
Real-World Testing: Putting Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my local shooting range, a controlled environment perfect for evaluating magazine performance. I ran a variety of .45 ACP ammunition through the Taurus magazines, including FMJ, JHP, and some of my own reloads. The magazines were tested primarily in my Taurus 1911 Commander, but also in a Rock Island Armory Commander for compatibility assessment.
I tested the magazines in dry, sunny conditions. During initial drills, I focused on controlled pairs, rapid reloads, and malfunction clearing. The magazines seated firmly, and the rounds fed smoothly without any initial issues.
Using the Taurus magazines was surprisingly straightforward. I had no difficulties loading them to their full 8-round capacity, and they consistently locked the slide back after the last round. No additional tuning or adjustments were needed.
The biggest surprise was the consistent feeding. My original magazines had sporadic failures to feed. The Taurus magazines eliminated those stoppages during the first range session, a significant improvement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Taurus magazines have held up remarkably well. I’ve used them in multiple range sessions and even carried them as spares during a few training courses. They have been subjected to approximately 500 rounds each so far.
Durability has been impressive. The black finish shows some minor wear around the feed lips and magazine well contact points, but there is no corrosion or significant damage. The springs still feel strong and consistent.
Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session. I occasionally use a magazine brush to clean out any accumulated debris. The magazines have required no disassembly or repair.
The Taurus magazines have significantly outperformed my original factory magazines, which suffered from frequent failures to feed. Compared to my Wilson Combat magazines, they provide similar levels of reliability at a lower cost, although the Wilson Combat magazines feel slightly more robust. I’m happy.
Breaking Down the Features of Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin is designed specifically for Commander-size 1911 pistols chambered in .45 ACP. Its capacity is 8 rounds, a standard for single-stack 1911 magazines. The magazine body is constructed of metal with a black finish, providing corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance.
The use of metal ensures durability and reliable feeding, especially compared to polymer magazines. The 8-round capacity offers a balance between concealability and firepower for a carry pistol. The OEM origin designation suggests that the magazine is manufactured to Taurus’s specifications, ensuring optimal compatibility with Taurus 1911s.
Performance & Functionality
The Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin performs its job admirably, providing consistent and reliable feeding of .45 ACP ammunition. Accuracy isn’t directly affected by the magazine itself, but reliable feeding ensures consistent cycling and follow-up shots. Usability is excellent, with smooth loading and secure seating in the magazine well.
The primary strength lies in its reliability. I experienced zero failures to feed after hundreds of rounds. A potential weakness might be long-term spring degradation, which is common in all magazines but requires monitoring.
The magazine meets and exceeds my expectations for a budget-friendly 1911 magazine. It rivals the performance of more expensive options, making it a great value.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design is simple and functional. Build quality is solid, with no noticeable flaws in the metal construction or finish. The weight feels appropriate, providing a sense of quality without being burdensome.
The magazine is user-friendly, with no learning curve. It seats easily and ejects cleanly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin appears to be built for longevity. The metal construction and black finish should provide years of reliable service with proper maintenance. Time will tell on spring longevity, however.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and light lubrication of the spring and follower will help ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin does not come with any accessories beyond its standard packaging. Aftermarket base pads can be added to enhance grip during reloads or to increase capacity slightly, however.
The magazine is compatible with standard 1911 magazine pouches and carriers. Due to its OEM designation, it should also function seamlessly with aftermarket followers and springs designed for 1911 magazines, allowing for customization and performance tuning. It’s worth noting this OEM compatibility can give piece of mind.
Pros and Cons of Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Reliable feeding: Consistent performance with various .45 ACP ammunition types.
- Durable construction: Metal body and black finish offer long-lasting use.
- Affordable price: Excellent value compared to premium 1911 magazines.
- OEM compatibility: Designed for optimal function in Taurus 1911s.
- Easy to maintain: Simple cleaning and lubrication for continued reliability.
Cons
- Finish wear: The black finish can show wear around feed lips and contact points over time.
- Spring life: Long-term spring degradation is a potential concern, requiring monitoring.
Who Should Buy Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin?
The Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin is perfect for 1911 owners, especially those with Taurus Commander models, seeking reliable and affordable magazines. It is also ideal for recreational shooters and those looking for dependable spare magazines for training or competition. This is also a great option for those who prefer to stick with OEM parts.
Individuals who should skip this product might include those demanding absolute premium quality regardless of cost, preferring magazines from brands like Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick. Those seeking magazines with significantly higher capacity than 8 rounds should also explore other options.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch for convenient carry and quick reloads. Consider aftermarket base pads for improved grip and faster magazine changes.
Conclusion on Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
The Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin is a surprisingly capable and reliable magazine for .45 ACP 1911 Commander pistols. Its robust metal construction, consistent feeding, and affordable price make it an excellent value for both casual shooters and serious enthusiasts.
The price is definitely justified. These magazines provide performance comparable to much more expensive options.
I would absolutely recommend the Taurus 358001301 1911 Commander Taurus 45 ACP 8 Round Metal Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin to anyone seeking dependable 1911 magazines without breaking the bank. Upgrade your reliability; add these magazines to your kit and experience the peace of mind that comes with consistent performance!