The Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
As a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I’ve handled countless 1911s. However, the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promised something different: classic 1911 ergonomics with a modern, high-capacity twist, chambered in the widely accessible 9mm. The allure of squeezing 17 rounds into that iconic frame sparked my curiosity and compelled me to dive deep into this aftermarket-origin magazine.
I’ve always been drawn to the 1911 platform’s inherent accuracy and natural pointability. I sought a magazine solution that would increase capacity without sacrificing the gun’s reliability, something that many aftermarket options often struggle to achieve. My hope was to find a magazine that allowed for extended range sessions and offered a more substantial defensive capability, while still working reliably in my Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 frame.
The Armscor magazine arrived in simple packaging, nothing fancy, which immediately set my expectations appropriately. Picking it up, the weight felt substantial, suggesting a robust construction. Initial inspection revealed a smooth finish and consistent dimensions, although the “Aftermarket Origin” designation gave me pause, and I started preparing for the possibility of needed adjustments or tuning.
Compared to standard 8-round 1911 magazines, this thing is a chonk! I was looking at magazines from Mec-Gar and Wilson Combat, well-respected names, but they didn’t offer a double-stack 9mm option specifically for the Rock Island Armory 1911 A2. That is what ultimately made the Armscor magazine the right choice.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed decent for the price, but the true test would be its performance on the range. Would it feed reliably? Would it lock back on empty? These were the questions swirling in my mind as I prepared for the first range session.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin magazine was at my local outdoor range. The weather was typical for a Pacific Northwest spring day: overcast with a slight drizzle. I loaded the magazine with 17 rounds of standard 115-grain FMJ ammunition, inserted it into my Rock Island Armory 1911 A2, and chambered a round.
The first few magazines ran flawlessly. The magazine seated securely, the rounds fed smoothly, and the slide locked back reliably after the last round. However, as I continued to shoot, I started experiencing occasional failures to feed. The round would nose-dive into the feed ramp, requiring me to manually cycle the slide to chamber a round.
I noted that these failures seemed to occur more frequently as the magazine got dirtier. The damp conditions likely exacerbated the issue, causing the internal components to bind slightly. It was annoying, but not entirely unexpected, given the aftermarket origin and the notoriously finicky nature of some 1911 magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin magazine has proven to be… temperamental. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through it, and the failure rate has remained consistent: roughly one failure to feed every two or three magazines.
The magazine shows no significant signs of wear and tear. The finish has held up well, and the feed lips are still intact. However, the internal spring tension seems to have weakened slightly, which may contribute to the feeding issues.
Cleaning the magazine is relatively straightforward. Disassembling it requires a punch or similar tool to depress the baseplate retainer, but the process is quick and easy. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain its functionality, especially in adverse conditions.
Compared to my experience with factory Rock Island Armory magazines, this aftermarket offering falls short in terms of reliability. The factory magazines have proven to be virtually flawless, while the Armscor magazine requires constant vigilance and occasional remedial action. While the higher capacity is appealing, the trade-off in reliability is a significant consideration.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm. This is crucial for compatibility with 9mm 1911 platforms.
- Capacity: 17 rounds. Significantly increases firepower compared to standard 1911 magazines.
- Origin: Aftermarket. This indicates it is not a factory magazine and may have varying levels of quality.
- Material: Likely steel body with a polymer baseplate. Steel construction promotes durability, while the polymer baseplate reduces weight.
- Compatibility: Designed for double-stack 1911 A2 frames chambered in 9mm. Confirms specific compatibility and highlights potential limitations.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s functionality and limitations. The 9mm caliber ensures compatibility with my firearm, while the 17-round capacity offers a substantial increase in firepower. The “Aftermarket Origin” designation serves as a warning that the magazine may not meet the same quality standards as a factory magazine.
Performance & Functionality
When it works, the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin magazine performs admirably. It offers smooth feeding and reliable lockback… sometimes. The increased capacity is undeniably advantageous, allowing for extended shooting sessions and a greater sense of security in defensive situations.
However, the reliability issues are a significant concern. The frequent failures to feed detract from the overall experience and can be frustrating, especially during dynamic shooting drills. The magazine’s performance falls short of expectations, particularly when compared to the flawless reliability of factory magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality is decent for an aftermarket product. The steel body feels solid and durable, and the polymer baseplate is well-fitted. The magazine is slightly heavier than standard 1911 magazines due to its increased capacity, but the difference is not significant.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, although loading 17 rounds can be a bit challenging, especially with stiff new springs. A magazine loader is highly recommended. There is no real learning curve, but constant awareness of potential feeding issues and knowledge of immediate action drills is a must.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The steel body is resistant to wear and tear, but the internal spring may eventually weaken over time. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain its functionality and prevent corrosion.
The magazine is easy to disassemble and clean. Replacement parts, such as springs and followers, may be difficult to find due to its aftermarket origin. This is not a magazine you would want to depend on if access to maintenance and spare parts are not readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin magazine comes with no accessories. There are no readily available customization options, such as different baseplates or followers.
Due to its specific design for double-stack 1911 A2 frames, compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited. Standard 1911 magazine pouches will not work with this double-stack magazine. You’ll need to find pouches specifically designed for double-stack 1911s, and these can be difficult to find or quite expensive.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity (17 rounds). Offers a substantial firepower advantage over standard 1911 magazines.
- Decent build quality for an aftermarket product. The steel body feels solid and durable.
- Relatively easy to disassemble and clean. Regular maintenance helps maintain functionality.
- Potentially a budget-friendly option for high-capacity 1911 magazines. If price is a primary concern, this may be an attractive option.
- Smooth feeding when functioning correctly. Provides a positive shooting experience when it works as intended.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding (frequent failures to feed). This is a major drawback that detracts from the overall experience.
- Aftermarket origin raises concerns about long-term durability. Replacement parts may be difficult to find.
- Requires specialized magazine pouches (standard 1911 pouches will not work). This adds to the overall cost and complexity.
Who Should Buy Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
This magazine might be perfect for recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. It could be a decent option for those who enjoy tinkering with their firearms and don’t mind troubleshooting feeding issues. It is also for those who have a 1911 A2 chambered in 9mm or .38 Super, and need a double-stack magazine.
Those who should skip this product include anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense or duty use. The unreliability of the magazine makes it unsuitable for situations where flawless performance is critical. Also, competitive shooters who demand consistent and reliable performance should look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a reliable magazine loader to ease the process of loading 17 rounds. Consider investing in extra-power magazine springs to potentially improve feeding reliability.
Conclusion on Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The Armscor Rock Island Armory 1911 A2 17Rd 9mm – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin magazine is a mixed bag. While it offers a significant increase in capacity, its unreliable feeding is a major drawback. The aftermarket origin raises concerns about long-term durability and the availability of replacement parts.
The value proposition is questionable. While the magazine may be cheaper than some other high-capacity 1911 options, the trade-off in reliability may not be worth it for many shooters. Ultimately, you get what you pay for.
Personally, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this magazine. While the increased capacity is appealing, the unreliability is simply too significant. I would advise investing in higher-quality magazines, even if they offer a lower capacity.
If you are absolutely set on a high-capacity 9mm 1911 magazine and are willing to accept the potential for malfunctions, the Armscor magazine might be worth considering. However, proceed with caution and be prepared to troubleshoot feeding issues. Consider it a project magazine, something to tinker with and try to optimize, rather than a reliable tool for serious use. Do your own research. And as always, practice safe shooting!