Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine Review

Let’s Talk About Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine

The 1911 pistol is an American icon, a design that has proven itself for over a century. Feeding that icon reliably is paramount, and that’s where the Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine enters the picture. This magazine promises enhanced reliability and durability for your beloved .45 ACP 1911.

I’ve spent the last decade working with firearms, and a reliable magazine is the unsung hero of any shooting system. The Mec-Gar name is one I trust, so I was eager to see how their match-grade 1911 magazine lived up to its reputation. I needed a magazine that would consistently feed rounds without fail, whether on the range or in a defensive situation.

Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The anti-friction coating gave it a sleek look and a smooth feel. It certainly felt like a step up from some of the cheaper magazines I’ve encountered.

Compared to the factory magazine that came with my 1911 and a couple of aftermarket options from other brands, the Mec-Gar stood out. Its finish was smoother, and the steel follower felt more robust than the plastic followers in some of my other magazines. I chose the Mec-Gar based on the manufacturer’s reputation for quality and the promise of enhanced feeding reliability.

Initially, I was optimistic. The magazine looked and felt like a quality piece, but the ultimate test would be how it performed with live rounds. It was a mixture of excitement and cautious optimism as I prepped for the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor range. The weather was clear and mild, perfect for putting rounds downrange. I ran a variety of .45 ACP ammunition through it, from standard FMJ to hollow points.

The magazine loaded easily, and the rounds seated smoothly. However, I immediately encountered an issue: the magazine was incredibly tight in the magwell of my 1911. While it did seat, it required significantly more force than my other magazines.

Unfortunately, the tight fit translated to a major problem when trying to eject the magazine using the mag release, as noted in existing user feedback: It wouldn’t drop free. I had to manually pull it out, which is a major issue in a tactical or self-defense scenario.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the next few weeks, I continued to use the Mec-Gar magazine during several range sessions, hoping it would loosen up. Sadly, the ejection issue persisted. It never became easier to eject, even after repeated use.

There were no signs of wear and tear on the magazine itself. The anti-friction coating seemed to be holding up well, and the feed lips remained intact. Cleaning the magazine was straightforward, although disassembling it required a bit more effort due to the tight spring.

Compared to my experiences with other magazines, the Mec-Gar was a disappointment. While it fed rounds reliably while in the gun, the failure to eject freely was a critical flaw that overshadowed any positive aspects. It falls significantly short of the performance I expect from a magazine marketed as “match grade”.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine is designed for standard 1911 handguns chambered in .45 ACP. It boasts an 8-round capacity. The magazine features a carbon steel tube, heat-treated for strength, and a high-tensile music wire spring.

The follower is made of steel, while the floorplate is polymer. The magazine is finished with an anti-friction coating for smooth feeding and corrosion resistance. These features aim to provide reliable feeding and long-term durability, crucial for consistent performance.

Performance & Functionality

When the Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine functions as intended, it performs adequately. It feeds rounds smoothly and consistently. However, the primary issue – the magazine’s inability to eject freely – severely impacts its overall functionality.

Its strength lies in reliable feeding while chambered, but the significant weakness is the problematic ejection. The magazine does not meet expectations for a “match grade” product due to this critical flaw.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality appears solid at first glance, with the carbon steel body and anti-friction coating. It feels robust in hand. However, the overly tight fit in the magwell negates any positive aspects of the design.

The lack of user-friendliness due to the ejection issue is a significant drawback. There is no real learning curve, but the difficulty in ejecting the magazine quickly becomes frustrating.

Durability & Maintenance

The materials used suggest a long lifespan, provided the magazine doesn’t suffer any catastrophic damage. The heat-treated carbon steel body should withstand considerable use. Maintenance is relatively simple, involving basic cleaning and lubrication.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. There are no real customization options beyond potentially replacing the polymer floorplate. While it’s designed to fit standard 1911 platforms, its tight fit might limit compatibility with aftermarket magwells designed for tighter tolerances. This is a straightforward magazine with limited customization possibilities.

Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine

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Who Should Buy Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine?

The Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine might be suitable for someone who doesn’t prioritize fast magazine changes or has a 1911 with an exceptionally loose magwell. It could work if you are willing to do some serious fitting/filing to get it to fit.

However, anyone relying on their 1911 for self-defense or competitive shooting should skip this product. The inability to eject freely is a critical flaw that compromises its usability. A must-have modification would be extensive filing or gunsmithing to ensure proper fit and ejection, which is not ideal for a brand-new magazine.

Conclusion on Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine

The Mec-Gar Match Grade 1911 .45 ACP 8 High Cap Pistol Magazine ultimately falls short of its promise. While it appears well-made and feeds rounds reliably when seated, the significant issue with tight fit and ejection is a deal-breaker. The magazine does not live up to the “match grade” designation.

At a price of $35.19, the value proposition is questionable. There are other magazines on the market that offer reliable feeding and proper ejection without the need for modification. I cannot personally recommend this magazine due to its flawed fit and ejection problems.

For a magazine to be truly “match grade,” it needs to perform flawlessly, which this one simply does not. Look elsewhere for a more reliable 1911 magazine.