Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 11 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model Review

The Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 11 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model Made a Bold First Impression

The Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine promises to deliver enhanced capacity and reliable feeding for the venerable 1911 platform. For over a century, the 1911 has been a trusted sidearm, but its standard magazine capacity of 7 or 8 rounds can feel limiting in certain situations. This magazine from Mec-Gar, an Italian manufacturer known for its quality magazines, attempts to address this limitation while maintaining the 1911’s legendary reliability.

I’ve been a 1911 enthusiast for years, carrying one both on duty and off. My primary concern with aftermarket 1911 magazines has always been reliability. Too many promise increased capacity but sacrifice consistent feeding, leading to frustrating malfunctions at the range, or worse, in a self-defense scenario.

Upon unboxing, the Mec-Gar magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The blued finish was even and consistent, and the extended length of the magazine body suggested a robust design. The weight felt substantial without being overly heavy, inspiring confidence in its durability.

Compared to a standard 7-round Colt magazine and an 8-round Wilson Combat magazine I own, the Mec-Gar immediately stood out due to its extended length and 11-round capacity. I chose the Mec-Gar because I wanted to increase my 1911’s capacity without sacrificing reliability, a reputation that Mec-Gar seemed to have earned. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; it looked good, but the real test would be how it performed under fire.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 11 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Mec-Gar magazine at my local shooting range, running it through my Springfield Armory 1911 Government model. I fired a mix of FMJ and hollow-point ammunition from various manufacturers to assess its feeding reliability with different bullet profiles. The weather was a typical Texas summer day: hot and humid.

The magazine loaded easily to its full 11-round capacity. Inserting it into the 1911 required a firm push, as expected with an extended magazine. Throughout the first 50 rounds, the Mec-Gar performed flawlessly. There were no failures to feed, extract, or eject. The slide locked back consistently after the last round was fired.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of range sessions, totaling over 500 rounds, the Mec-Gar magazine has continued to impress. It has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve experienced no malfunctions directly attributable to the magazine.

The blued finish is showing some minor wear around the feed lips and along the sides, but this is purely cosmetic. It doesn’t impact functionality. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; I simply disassemble it, wipe down the components with a clean cloth, and apply a light coat of oil. This magazine has outperformed my expectations, proving to be a worthy addition to my 1911 kit.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 11 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model

Specifications

• Caliber: .45 ACP. This magazine is designed specifically for the .45 ACP cartridge, the original and arguably most iconic caliber for the 1911 platform.
• Capacity: 11 Rounds. This extended capacity offers a significant increase over the standard 7 or 8 rounds, providing more firepower in a single magazine.
• Finish: Black. The blued finish provides a protective coating against corrosion and gives the magazine a classic, understated appearance.
• Model: 1911 Government. This magazine is designed to fit full-size 1911 Government models and similar clones.
• Origin: Aftermarket. This magazine is manufactured by Mec-Gar, an aftermarket supplier specializing in high-quality magazines, not by the original firearm manufacturer.
• Tube Material: Heat-treated carbon steel. The heat-treated carbon steel construction enhances the magazine’s strength and durability, ensuring long-lasting performance.
• Follower: Steel. The steel follower is designed for smooth and reliable feeding, contributing to the magazine’s overall reliability.
• Spring Material: High tensile music wire. The high tensile music wire spring provides consistent pressure, ensuring proper feeding of each round.
• Butt Plate: Welded steel. The welded steel butt plate adds to the magazine’s durability and provides a secure base for the magazine.

Performance & Functionality

The Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine performs its primary function – reliably feeding .45 ACP rounds into a 1911 – exceptionally well. Its reliability is its standout strength. The magazine consistently feeds rounds smoothly and without hesitation.

While the extended capacity adds some length to the magazine, it doesn’t significantly impact usability or comfort when shooting. The only potential drawback is that the extended magazine may require a slightly different grip for some users to avoid pinching their hand during reloads. This magazine exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mec-Gar magazine boasts a robust build quality. The materials used, including the heat-treated carbon steel and high-tensile music wire spring, inspire confidence in its durability. The magazine’s weight is appropriate, feeling substantial without being cumbersome.

Inserting and removing the magazine is straightforward, though, as mentioned previously, some users may need to adjust their grip slightly due to the extended length. There’s no significant learning curve. Anyone familiar with 1911 magazines will find this one easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my testing, the Mec-Gar magazine appears to be built to last. The heat-treated carbon steel construction should withstand significant use and abuse. The blued finish provides some corrosion resistance, but regular cleaning and lubrication are still recommended to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is relatively simple. This design feature makes routine maintenance quick and easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Being a magazine, customization is limited. However, the magazine is compatible with most standard 1911 magazine pouches.

The magazine’s standard dimensions ensure compatibility. Users can easily find pouches and other accessories to suit their specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 11 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model

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Who Should Buy Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 11 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model?

The Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine is perfect for 1911 enthusiasts seeking increased capacity without sacrificing reliability. This magazine is also ideal for competitive shooters, who benefit from the extra rounds, and for anyone who carries a 1911 for self-defense and wants a higher capacity option. It is a game changer.

This product isn’t for 1911 purists who insist on sticking with the original 7-round magazine capacity. Users with very small hands may also find the extended magazine slightly less comfortable to grip.

A quality magazine pouch designed for extended 1911 magazines is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine – 45 ACP Caliber, 11 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model

The Mec-Gar 1911 Government 11rd 45 ACP Magazine is a winner. It delivers on its promise of increased capacity and reliable feeding at an affordable price. The price is absolutely justified.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to any 1911 owner looking to upgrade their firepower without compromising reliability. Stop settling for standard capacity and experience the difference an Mec-Gar magazine can make.

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