First Impressions of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The 1911 platform, a timeless design born over a century ago, continues to captivate shooters with its ergonomics and potential for accuracy. When Armscor Precision Inc introduced the Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine, it piqued my interest, promising a high-capacity .22LR option for 1911 enthusiasts. This magazine aims to provide more range time with fewer reloads in a familiar platform.
I was searching for a reliable, high-capacity magazine to pair with my Rock Island Armory 1911 chambered in .22 TCM. The factory-supplied magazines, while functional, felt limited in capacity. I desired a magazine that would enable me to extend my training sessions and reduce the frequency of reloads, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable shooting experience.
Upon unboxing, the magazine’s blued steel construction immediately conveyed a sense of durability. The weight felt substantial, lending confidence to its ability to withstand repeated use. The polymer basepad, while functional, seemed a bit basic compared to the otherwise all-metal construction.
Compared to standard 10-round 1911 .22LR magazines, the Armscor magazine’s 17-round capacity is a significant advantage. Other high-capacity .22LR 1911 magazines exist, often with similar construction, but this one was specifically designed for and marketed towards the Rock Island Armory platform. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; the promise of increased capacity needed to translate into reliable performance.
I was excited to see if this magazine would truly enhance my range experience. The potential for fewer reloads and extended shooting sessions was enticing, but only real-world testing would reveal its true value.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and dry, offering optimal conditions for testing the magazine’s performance. I focused on rapid-fire drills and controlled pairs to evaluate its reliability and feeding consistency.
During the initial use, I encountered a few failures to feed, particularly with the first few rounds from a fully loaded magazine. This occurred intermittently, but it did disrupt the flow of shooting. The magazine functioned smoothly after the first few rounds were chambered, however, with only an occasional hiccup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Armscor magazine’s performance improved noticeably. The initial failures to feed diminished significantly, suggesting a break-in period was necessary. The blued steel showed some minor wear marks, particularly around the feed lips, but no significant signs of damage or degradation.
I made sure to regularly clean the magazine after each range session using a bore snake and dry lubricant. Disassembly for cleaning was straightforward, and the components held up well to repeated handling. Compared to my experience with other .22LR magazines, the Armscor magazine proved to be reasonably durable and reliable after the initial break-in period.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for Rock Island Armory 1911 pistols chambered in .22 TCM and 9mm Luger. Its capacity is 17 rounds, a significant upgrade over standard capacity magazines. The magazine body is constructed from steel with a blued finish for corrosion resistance.
The specifications are crucial as they dictate the compatibility and performance of the magazine within the intended firearm. The high capacity translates to fewer reloads, enhancing the shooting experience. The steel construction ensures durability, while the blued finish provides a degree of protection against the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine performs reasonably well after a break-in period, delivering consistent feeding with most types of .22LR ammunition. The initial failures to feed were a point of concern, but this issue largely resolved itself with use. The magazine’s capacity allows for extended shooting sessions without constant interruptions for reloading.
The primary strength lies in its high capacity and overall reliability after the break-in. One area for improvement is the initial feeding consistency, which could benefit from refined spring tension or feed lip geometry. On the whole, the magazine meets expectations as a high-capacity option for Rock Island Armory 1911 pistols chambered in .22 TCM.
Design & Ergonomics
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine boasts a sturdy steel construction that contributes to its overall durability. The blued finish gives it a classic aesthetic that complements the 1911 design. While the polymer basepad feels somewhat basic, it serves its purpose adequately.
The magazine’s weight is substantial, reflecting its all-steel construction. The extended length compared to standard-capacity magazines does not significantly impact handling. The design is straightforward, and there’s no significant learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine should last for an extended period. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation. The magazine’s construction is robust enough to withstand the rigors of regular range use.
Disassembly for cleaning is relatively simple, allowing for thorough maintenance. Replacement parts, such as springs and basepads, are generally available from Armscor or aftermarket suppliers.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any accessories beyond the standard polymer basepad. Customization options are limited, but aftermarket basepads are available from some manufacturers. The magazine is designed to fit standard Rock Island Armory 1911 pistols chambered in .22 TCM and 9mm Luger without modification.
Compatibility with other brands is not guaranteed, so users should verify fitment before use. Upgrading the basepad to an aluminum version would add some weight and durability to the magazine.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity (17 rounds) compared to standard .22LR 1911 magazines.
- Durable steel construction with a blued finish.
- Reliable feeding after a break-in period.
- Relatively easy to disassemble and clean.
- Specifically designed for Rock Island Armory 1911 pistols chambered in .22 TCM.
Cons
- Initial failures to feed can occur, particularly with the first few rounds.
- Polymer basepad feels somewhat basic compared to the all-steel construction.
- May require a break-in period to achieve optimal reliability.
Who Should Buy Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for Rock Island Armory 1911 owners chambered in .22 TCM who desire a high-capacity magazine for extended range sessions. It’s also suitable for those seeking to reduce the frequency of reloads during training or recreational shooting. Competitive shooters might find the increased capacity advantageous for certain stages or drills.
Those who prioritize absolute reliability straight out of the box might want to consider other options or be prepared for a potential break-in period. Individuals who are not comfortable with basic firearm maintenance should also be aware that regular cleaning is necessary to ensure optimal performance. A magazine loader is a must-have accessory to ease loading the 17 rounds.
Conclusion on Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling value proposition for owners of Rock Island Armory 1911 pistols chambered in .22 TCM seeking increased capacity. While the initial failures to feed and basic basepad are minor drawbacks, the magazine’s durable construction and reliable feeding after a break-in period make it a worthwhile investment. At $55.99, the price is reasonable considering the benefits it provides.
I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone looking to enhance their range experience with a high-capacity .22LR option for their Rock Island Armory 1911. Upgrade your range time with the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 .22 TC 17 Round Pistol Magazine and enjoy fewer reloads and more trigger time!