Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact Review

Let’s Dive into Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact

The Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact is a 7-round .45 ACP 1911 magazine designed for compact 1911 pistols. Manufactured by Chip McCormick, these magazines promise enhanced reliability and durability for your 1911. With features like a stainless steel body, numbered witness holes, and a patented RPM follower, it aims to improve feeding and overall performance.

I was looking for a magazine upgrade for my compact 1911 that addressed occasional feeding issues. Factory magazines sometimes struggle with certain hollow-point rounds, and I wanted a more reliable option for both range practice and potential concealed carry. The Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact seemed like a good fit.

Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The stainless steel body has a clean, smooth finish, and the grip extension integrated seamlessly with the magazine body. The weight felt appropriate, suggesting quality materials and robust construction.

Compared to my factory Colt magazines and a couple of Wilson Combat magazines, the Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact stood out due to its feed rail design. The witness holes were also a nice touch, making it easier to verify round count at a glance. I chose it hoping for improved feeding reliability, especially with defensive ammunition.

I was excited to try the magazine at the range. Initial impressions were positive, the construction felt robust, and I was hopeful for improved performance.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact at an outdoor shooting range during a typical summer day – hot and slightly humid. I ran a variety of .45 ACP ammunition through it, including FMJ range ammo, various hollow-point self-defense rounds, and even some lead semi-wadcutters.

The magazine performed well in the dry conditions, loading and feeding rounds smoothly. There were no immediate issues during the first few magazines. The ease of use was excellent; the magazine seated positively and ejected cleanly every time.

After the initial 50 rounds, I did experience one failure to feed with a hollow-point round. The round nosedived slightly into the feed ramp. This prompted me to continue testing to see if the issue would persist or was an isolated incident.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions totaling around 500 rounds, the Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact has proven mostly reliable, but not without some quirks. Durability has been excellent, with no signs of wear or damage to the stainless steel body or the base pad.

Cleaning and maintenance are simple; the removable base pad makes disassembly quick and easy. A quick wipe-down and a light coat of oil keeps it running smoothly. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion well.

Compared to my previous experience with factory magazines, the Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact is a noticeable improvement in overall reliability. However, it’s not perfect. The occasional failure to feed with certain hollow-point rounds keeps it from being a flawless performer.

Breaking Down the Features of Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact

Specifications

The Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact is designed for .45 ACP caliber compact 1911 pistols. It holds 7 rounds. The body is constructed from heavy-duty corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

The magazine features a laser-welded tube for increased strength and durability, and numbered witness holes for visual round count verification. It also has a patented RPM follower designed to be alloy frame safe. The magazine uses an 18-coil high tensile rocket wire spring. The removable base pad simplifies cleaning.

These specifications contribute to the magazine’s overall reliability and longevity. The stainless steel body ensures resistance to corrosion and wear, while the high tensile spring promotes consistent feeding. The witness holes provide quick and easy round count verification.

Performance & Functionality

The Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact performs admirably for most ammunition types. It consistently feeds FMJ rounds. However, as mentioned earlier, it occasionally experiences failures to feed with certain hollow-point rounds. This is the only significant performance issue I encountered.

The magazine’s strengths lie in its robust construction, easy loading, and smooth ejection. The one weakness is the slight hesitation with some defensive ammunition. The magazine generally meets expectations, but the hollow-point feeding issue prevents it from exceeding them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The stainless steel construction feels premium. The weight feels substantial without being excessive. The magazine is comfortable to handle and easy to load.

The design is user-friendly, with a smooth finish for easy insertion and removal. There is no significant learning curve. It simply works as a magazine should.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the stainless steel construction, the Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact should last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication of the spring are all that’s required for maintenance. The stainless steel material resists rust and corrosion very well.

The removable base pad allows for easy disassembly and cleaning, which helps to prolong the life of the magazine. The robust construction should withstand the rigors of regular use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact does not come with any specific accessories. However, its standard compact 1911 magazine dimensions make it compatible with various aftermarket base pads and magazine pouches.

While there are no direct customization options for the magazine itself, its compatibility with other 1911 accessories allows for some degree of personalization. For example, you could swap out the base pad for a different style or material.

Pros and Cons of Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact?

The Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact is perfect for 1911 enthusiasts who prioritize durability and longevity in their magazines. It is also a good choice for those who shoot FMJ ammunition primarily and want a reliable magazine for range practice. Compact 1911 owners looking for a durable and corrosion-resistant upgrade from factory magazines will appreciate the stainless steel construction.

Those who rely heavily on hollow-point ammunition for self-defense may want to thoroughly test this magazine with their chosen carry rounds before relying on it. Individuals on a tight budget may find cheaper alternatives that offer similar performance with FMJ ammunition.

Consider a magazine pouch for carrying spare magazines and potentially a different base pad for a more personalized grip. Thoroughly test with your preferred defensive ammunition.

Conclusion on Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact

The Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact offers a compelling combination of durability and enhanced features for compact 1911 owners. Its stainless steel construction, RPM follower, and removable base pad make it a solid upgrade over many factory magazines.

The price is justified for those seeking a long-lasting and reliable magazine, even with the caveat about potential hollow-point feeding issues. The magazine’s robust construction and enhanced features make it a worthwhile investment for serious 1911 users.

I would recommend the Chip McCormick Railed Power Mag Compact with the caveat that it should be thoroughly tested with your preferred ammunition before relying on it for self-defense. Upgrade your 1911’s magazine performance today and experience the reliability that Chip McCormick promises.