Let’s Talk About Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine is a standard capacity magazine designed for the iconic Sig Sauer P220 pistol chambered in the potent .45 ACP cartridge. Manufactured by Armscor Precision Inc, these magazines are intended as reliable, factory-equivalent replacements, offering an 8-round capacity within a blued steel body. For shooters who demand consistent feeding and reliable performance from their P220, this magazine presents itself as a viable option.
My journey to this particular magazine started with a nagging concern about the reliability of my older P220 mags. Years of use had taken their toll, and I was experiencing occasional feeding issues during range sessions. I needed a cost-effective and dependable replacement, something that wouldn’t break the bank but would offer peace of mind when carrying or competing.
Unboxing the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine, my initial impression was that of solid, no-frills construction. The blued steel felt substantial in hand, and the overall finish appeared clean and consistent. It had a reassuring heft that suggested durability, important in a component that endures constant stress.
Compared to other aftermarket P220 magazines I considered, such as Mec-Gar or ProMag, the Armscor mag stood out due to its attractive price point and the reputation of Armscor for producing generally reliable firearms and accessories. While Mec-Gar is known for exceptional quality, their magazines also come with a higher price tag. ProMag, on the other hand, sometimes suffers from inconsistent quality control, something I wanted to avoid.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The magazine looked and felt solid, but the true test would be its performance at the range. I was eager to see if it lived up to its promise of reliability and consistent feeding.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first testing ground for the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine was a local outdoor shooting range. I brought along 2 of these magazines, and 2 of my older, original Sig Sauer magazines. The weather was typical for a late spring day: mild temperatures and a slight breeze, ideal conditions for shooting. I primarily used the magazines with standard 230-grain FMJ ammunition.
The initial experience was positive. The magazine loaded easily into my Sig Sauer P220, locking into place with a reassuring click. During the first few magazines through, the Armscor mags fed flawlessly, exhibiting no malfunctions. I didn’t experience any failures to feed, failures to eject, or double feeds, a welcome change from the issues I was having with my aging magazines.
However, after about 50 rounds through each of the Armscor magazines, I began to notice a slight hesitation in one of them. It wasn’t a complete failure to feed, but the slide seemed to require just a bit more force to strip the round and chamber it. This issue did not present in the other Armscor magazine I tested.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a couple of months, the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine continued to perform reasonably well, though the minor feeding issue in one of the magazines persisted intermittently. I estimate that I’ve put roughly 500 rounds through each magazine. The second Armscor magazine functioned flawlessly throughout this period.
Regarding durability, the blued finish has held up surprisingly well, showing only minimal wear around the magazine catch and feed lips. I regularly clean and lubricate my magazines after each range session, which likely contributes to their longevity.
Maintaining the Armscor magazines is straightforward. Disassembly is simple, allowing for thorough cleaning of the magazine body, spring, and follower. A quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s needed to keep the blued steel protected from rust.
Compared to my original Sig Sauer magazines, the Armscor magazine performs admirably. While the Sig Sauer magazines still exhibit superior smoothness and consistency, particularly with hollow-point ammunition, the Armscor magazine offers a reliable and cost-effective alternative for range use and general training. The fact that one of the two magazines experienced minor hiccups is a slight disappointment, but the other’s perfect performance balances it out somewhat.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine is designed to meet the specifications of the original Sig Sauer P220 magazine. Key specifications include:
- Caliber: .45 ACP – This denotes the cartridge the magazine is designed to feed.
- Magazine Capacity: 8 Rounds – This is the standard capacity for most .45 ACP P220 magazines.
- Material: Steel – Ensures durability and resistance to deformation under pressure.
- Finish: Blued – Provides a degree of corrosion resistance and a traditional aesthetic.
- Compatibility: SIG Sauer P220 – Specifically designed for this model.
These specifications are crucial to the overall performance and user experience. The .45 ACP caliber dictates the magazine’s physical dimensions and feed lip geometry. The 8-round capacity strikes a balance between firepower and manageability, as a higher capacity would likely require a longer magazine body, potentially impacting ergonomics. The steel construction ensures that the magazine can withstand the repeated stresses of loading, unloading, and firing. The blued finish, while primarily aesthetic, also offers a degree of protection against rust and corrosion.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the pistol’s chamber. In most cases, it performs this task admirably. Accuracy isn’t directly affected by the magazine itself, but a reliable magazine contributes to consistent cycling and reduces the likelihood of malfunctions that can disrupt a shooter’s concentration.
Strengths include its robust construction, reasonable price point, and generally reliable feeding. The primary weakness lies in the occasional inconsistencies in quality control, as evidenced by the slight feeding issue experienced with one of the test magazines. Overall, the magazine meets expectations for a standard-capacity replacement magazine, though it doesn’t necessarily exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine is functional and straightforward. The blued steel body feels solid in hand, and the magazine’s weight is appropriate for its size and construction. The magazine fits flush with the bottom of the P220 frame, maintaining the pistol’s original ergonomics. There is no significant learning curve associated with using the magazine; it operates just like the original Sig Sauer magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine suggests that it should last for many years with proper care. The blued finish, while not as durable as some modern coatings, provides adequate protection against corrosion.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed to keep the magazine functioning reliably. Disassembly is easy, allowing for thorough cleaning of all internal components.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine is a standard-capacity magazine and does not come with any accessories or customization options. Aftermarket base pads are available for P220 magazines, which could potentially be used with this magazine to improve grip or ease of extraction.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Reliable feeding in most cases, promoting consistent cycling.
- Durable steel construction ensures longevity.
- Affordable price point makes it a budget-friendly replacement option.
- Easy to disassemble and maintain.
- Provides a cost-effective alternative to more expensive factory magazines.
Cons
- Inconsistent quality control may lead to occasional feeding issues (as experienced with one of the test magazines).
- Blued finish is not as corrosion-resistant as modern coatings.
- Not as smooth or refined as original Sig Sauer magazines.
Who Should Buy Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine?
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious shooters looking for a reliable replacement magazine for their Sig Sauer P220.
- Range shooters who need additional magazines for practice and training.
- Individuals who want a backup magazine for their P220 for self-defense purposes.
Who should skip this product?
- Competitive shooters who demand absolute reliability and flawless feeding.
- Individuals who are willing to pay a premium for the highest quality magazines.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A magazine loader to ease the process of loading rounds, especially during extended range sessions.
Conclusion on Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine offers a solid value proposition for Sig Sauer P220 owners seeking a reliable and affordable replacement magazine. While not as refined as the original Sig Sauer magazines, the Armscor magazine performs its primary function – feeding ammunition – adequately.
The price is certainly justified, especially considering the cost of original factory magazines.
I would recommend the Armscor Precision Inc RIA MAG SIG Sauer P220, .45 ACP, 8 Round, Pistol Magazine to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and generally reliable replacement for their P220. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential for minor quality control issues. If you demand absolute perfection, stick with the original Sig Sauer magazines. For everyone else, give the Armscor magazine a try – you might be pleasantly surprised.
