First Impressions of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine
The 1911 platform in 10mm Auto is already a powerful combination, and the promise of 16 rounds onboard is a game-changer. The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine offers a significant capacity upgrade for your Rock Island Armory 1911A2, transforming it from a potent sidearm to a high-capacity powerhouse. This magazine piqued my interest because I’m always looking for ways to enhance the capabilities of my existing firearms, and increased capacity in a 10mm 1911 seemed like a perfect upgrade for both range use and potential defensive scenarios.
I was seeking a reliable magazine to enhance the capacity of my 10mm Rock Island 1911. Standard capacity magazines simply don’t offer enough rounds for certain applications. My initial impression was of a robust, blued steel magazine, heavier than the standard single-stack magazines, but also noticeably more substantial.
Compared to standard 8-round 1911 magazines from Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick, the Armscor magazine is significantly wider and taller. I chose it over other high-capacity 1911 magazines due to Armscor’s reputation for reliability with their 1911 firearms, hoping their magazines would be equally dependable. My first reaction was a mix of excitement and slight trepidation; excited about the increased capacity, but wondering if the wider magazine would impact the comfortable ergonomics of the 1911.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine primarily at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny and warm, ideal for a range day. The magazine performed well initially, loading smoothly and feeding rounds without issue for the first few cycles. However, as the magazine got dirty from carbon build-up, some feeding issues emerged.
The magazine was easy to load initially. It became harder to load the last few rounds as it neared its 16-round capacity. After about 50 rounds, I experienced a couple of failures to feed, where the slide failed to fully chamber a round.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Armscor magazine’s reliability became a concern. The blued finish showed some wear marks from insertion and removal. Cleaning the magazine after each range session is crucial to maintaining reliable feeding. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is relatively straightforward.
Compared to my experiences with Wilson Combat 1911 magazines, the Armscor magazine requires more frequent cleaning to maintain consistent performance. While the increased capacity is appealing, the trade-off is a slightly less forgiving magazine when it comes to dirt and fouling.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for Rock Island Armory 1911A2 pistols chambered in .40 S&W or 10mm Auto. It boasts a 16-round capacity, a significant increase over standard 1911 magazines. The magazine body is constructed from steel with a blued finish.
The magazine’s capacity dictates a wider magazine well in the pistol frame, impacting ergonomics. The steel construction ensures durability, while the blued finish provides some corrosion resistance.
Performance & Functionality
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine functions well when clean and properly lubricated. It reliably feeds rounds, offering a noticeable advantage in situations where a high round count is beneficial. However, as mentioned earlier, it is more susceptible to malfunctions when dirty.
The magazine’s primary strength is its increased capacity. Its main weakness is a slight tendency to experience feeding issues when not meticulously maintained. The magazine meets expectations for capacity but falls slightly short in terms of overall reliability compared to premium single-stack magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality is decent, with a sturdy steel construction. However, the blued finish scratches relatively easily. The wider magazine well required for the A2 frame can impact the ergonomics of the grip, making it less comfortable for some users compared to standard 1911 grips.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly. Disassembly for cleaning is not overly complex. The increased width of the grip may require some adjustment for shooters accustomed to the slimmer profile of a standard 1911.
Durability & Maintenance
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine, with its steel construction, should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning is essential. The blued finish may show wear over time, but this is largely cosmetic.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the magazine spring and follower are required. Parts replacement is not readily available, so proper care is crucial to extending the magazine’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine itself does not offer any customization options. No accessories are included beyond the standard magazine body, spring, and follower. Aftermarket base pads may be available to aid in magazine changes.
The magazine is designed to fit the Rock Island Armory 1911A2 frame, which limits compatibility with other 1911 frames designed for single-stack magazines. Users might explore aftermarket magazine pouches designed for double-stack 1911 magazines, though finding a perfect fit may require some experimentation.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity from standard 1911 magazines.
- Robust steel construction for durability.
- Relatively affordable compared to other high-capacity 1911 magazines.
- Easy to disassemble for simple cleaning and maintenance.
- Provides a higher round count for range training and potential defensive situations.
Cons
- Reduced reliability compared to single-stack magazines, especially when dirty.
- Blued finish is prone to scratching.
- Wider grip circumference may affect ergonomics for some users.
Who Should Buy Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for Rock Island Armory 1911A2 owners who prioritize increased capacity and are willing to commit to diligent maintenance. It is also well suited for competitive shooters looking for an edge in stages that require a high round count.
This product may not be suitable for users who demand absolute reliability above all else, or those who prefer the slimmer grip of a traditional 1911. It is also not ideal for concealed carry due to the increased grip size.
A must-have accessory is a reliable magazine pouch designed for double-stack 1911 magazines.
Conclusion on Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 A2 10mm Auto 16 Round Pistol Magazine is a compelling upgrade for Rock Island Armory 1911A2 owners seeking to enhance their firearm’s capacity. The trade-off for the increased capacity is a slight decrease in reliability and a wider grip circumference, which some users may find less comfortable.
At $46.39, the price is justified for the increased capacity, provided you understand the need for diligent maintenance. I would recommend this magazine to those willing to prioritize a higher round count and accept the associated trade-offs. If you value a higher capacity for your 10mm 1911, and you’re prepared to clean your magazines regularly, then add the Armscor 16-round magazine to your arsenal!