First Impressions of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine promises to solve a very specific problem: providing reliable, high-capacity feeding for a 1911 chambered in the bottleneck .22 TCM cartridge. As an avid shooter with a passion for unique calibers, the .22 TCM has always intrigued me with its high velocity and flat trajectory. My biggest hurdle, however, has consistently been magazine availability and reliability.
I needed a magazine that could consistently feed the bottlenecked .22 TCM round in my 1911 platform without the typical headaches associated with aftermarket or poorly designed magazines. The promise of a 17-round capacity from Armscor piqued my interest. This is a significant upgrade over the standard capacity magazines I’ve used.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid, with a reassuring heft from the steel construction. The blued finish looked clean and even, giving it a professional appearance. It certainly looks and feels robust enough to withstand regular use.
Compared to other 1911 magazines I’ve used, including those from Wilson Combat and Mec-Gar, this Armscor magazine feels purpose-built. The feed lips seem specifically designed for the .22 TCM’s unique geometry. I’ve had issues with generic 1911 magazines failing to properly feed the .22 TCM, so this difference is immediately noticeable.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to finally have a high-capacity option for my .22 TCM 1911, but I also knew that reliability is paramount. Only range testing would reveal whether the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine could live up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine to my local shooting range for its initial trial. I tested it in my Rock Island Armory 1911 TCM pistol, under relatively mild conditions (sunny, 70 degrees Fahrenheit). I wanted to see how well it performed with a variety of ammunition.
The first few magazines were loaded to full capacity (17 rounds) and cycled without any failures to feed or eject. I was immediately impressed by the smooth operation. The magazine seated positively in the magwell and dropped free cleanly when released.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, I can confidently say that the Armscor magazine has proven to be remarkably reliable. I estimate that I’ve put over 500 rounds of .22 TCM through it. It’s had only one minor hiccup, a single failure to feed, which I attribute more to a slightly dirty chamber than to the magazine itself.
The blued finish shows some minor wear at the contact points, particularly where the magazine inserts into the magwell. However, this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect functionality. Cleaning is straightforward, involving a simple wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session.
Compared to other .22 TCM magazines I’ve tried (most of which were either low capacity or prone to malfunctions), the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a clear winner. It has significantly improved the reliability and enjoyment of shooting my .22 TCM 1911.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Armscor Precision Inc. The Armscor name is synonymous with value and reliable firearms and accessories.
- Gun Make: Rock Island Armory. This magazine is specifically designed for Rock Island Armory 1911 platforms.
- Gun Model: Rock Island Armory M22 TCM. Direct fit and optimized performance are ensured for this model.
- Caliber: .22 TCM, 9mm Luger. This magazine can handle both the bottlenecked .22 TCM and the more common 9mm Luger, expanding its utility.
- Magazine Capacity: 17 Round. The high capacity dramatically increases firepower and reduces the need for frequent reloads.
- Color: Blued. The blued finish provides a classic look and a degree of corrosion resistance.
- Quantity: 1 Pack. Each purchase includes a single magazine.
- Fabric/Material: Steel. The steel construction ensures durability and longevity.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring compatibility and reliable performance. The steel construction and blued finish contribute to the magazine’s durability. Its 17-round capacity makes it ideal for range use or competition.
Performance & Functionality
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine performs exceptionally well in its intended role: reliably feeding .22 TCM ammunition into a 1911 platform. Accuracy is indirectly improved by consistent feeding, which minimizes disruptions during firing. Reliability has been excellent, with minimal malfunctions experienced during testing.
One of its strengths is its ability to handle the bottlenecked .22 TCM cartridge without issue. Many standard 1911 magazines struggle with this round, but the Armscor magazine’s feed lips are clearly designed to accommodate it. A minor weakness could be the blued finish, which can show wear over time.
It significantly exceeds my expectations for a magazine designed for a somewhat niche caliber. The high capacity and reliable feeding make it a valuable addition to my .22 TCM 1911.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is robust, with a durable steel body and a smooth blued finish. The weight is substantial but not excessive, contributing to the overall feeling of quality. The magazine seats securely in the magwell.
The design is simple and functional, with no unnecessary frills. There’s no significant learning curve. Anyone familiar with 1911 magazines will find this one easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine should last for many years with proper care. The steel construction is highly resistant to damage.
Maintenance is simple. Regularly wiping down the magazine with a lightly oiled cloth is sufficient to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Disassembly for more thorough cleaning is possible.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine itself doesn’t require any additional accessories. However, magazine pouches designed for standard 1911 magazines should work without issue.
While there are no direct customization options for the magazine, its compatibility with the Rock Island Armory 1911 platform means that the pistol itself can be customized with various grips, sights, and other accessories. The magazine will still function with these modifications. The magazine’s performance is intrinsically linked to the host firearm.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High capacity (17 rounds) significantly increases firepower.
- Reliable feeding of the .22 TCM cartridge, a known challenge for other magazines.
- Durable steel construction ensures longevity.
- Direct fit for Rock Island Armory M22 TCM 1911 pistols.
- Relatively affordable compared to other high-capacity 1911 magazines.
Cons
- Blued finish can show wear over time.
- Limited to .22 TCM and 9mm Luger chamberings (though that’s the intended use).
Who Should Buy Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine?
This magazine is perfect for owners of Rock Island Armory M22 TCM 1911 pistols who want to increase their magazine capacity and improve reliability. It is also excellent for competitive shooters who use the .22 TCM in practical shooting disciplines. If you have a 9mm conversion for your Rock Island Armory M22 TCM 1911, this magazine is perfect.
Someone who doesn’t own a .22 TCM or 9mm 1911, or someone who is looking for a magazine for a different platform, should skip this product. It is specifically designed for a niche caliber and firearm.
A must-have modification to consider is a higher quality recoil spring for your 1911. The increased magazine capacity may require some fine-tuning for optimal cycling.
Conclusion on Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a well-designed and reliable magazine that delivers on its promises. It offers a significant upgrade in capacity and performance for .22 TCM 1911 owners.
The price of $49.99 is justified by the magazine’s quality, reliability, and increased capacity. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who enjoys shooting the .22 TCM.
I would personally recommend this magazine to any Rock Island Armory M22 TCM owner looking for a high-capacity and reliable magazine. It has significantly improved my experience shooting the .22 TCM. Don’t settle for unreliable magazines. Upgrade to the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine and enjoy the benefits of consistent feeding and increased firepower!