First Thoughts on the Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine 8RD 45ACP Blued – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model
The 1911, a design classic, demands reliable feeding to maintain its reputation. That’s where magazines come in. The Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine 8RD 45ACP Blued – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model promises just that, at a price point that’s hard to ignore, and I’m keen to see if it delivers.
I’ve seen countless 1911 magazines fail over the years, causing frustrating jams and malfunctions. I needed a cost-effective, reliable option for range training and backup, something that wouldn’t break the bank but would still perform consistently.
The Mec-Gar magazine arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The blued finish looked clean, and the magazine felt solid in hand, though noticeably lighter than my premium Wilson Combat magazines. At a glance, the polymer baseplate and follower hinted at its budget-friendly origins, a trade-off I’m willing to explore if it translates to reliable performance.
I considered ProMag and some no-name brands, but Mec-Gar’s reputation for producing magazines for other major firearm manufacturers swayed me. I wanted a magazine from a company with a proven track record in magazine design and manufacturing, even if it meant a few polymer parts.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It’s definitely not a Wilson Combat, but for the price, if it feeds reliably, I’ll be more than satisfied.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine 8RD 45ACP Blued – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Mec-Gar magazines at my local outdoor range. I ran them through my Rock Island Armory 1911, a workhorse known for its reliability with various ammunition types.
The magazine performed well in dry conditions, feeding FMJ rounds without a hiccup. Loading was smooth, and the magazine seated positively in the well. After about 50 rounds, however, I did experience one failure to feed with a hollow-point round, which I found concerning.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few months, I put these magazines through a more rigorous testing schedule, including several range sessions and a practical pistol course. The magazines held up surprisingly well, showing only minor wear on the blued finish.
I did notice that after about 500 rounds, the polymer follower showed some signs of wear. Maintenance was straightforward, involving disassembly, cleaning, and light lubrication.
Compared to my Wilson Combat magazines, the Mec-Gar magazines are noticeably less durable but perform adequately for range use. They are not something I’d trust for duty carry.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine 8RD 45ACP Blued – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model
Specifications
The Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine is designed for .45 ACP caliber 1911 pistols and holds 8 rounds. Its key features include a blued carbon steel body, a high-impact polymer floorplate and follower, and a high tensile music wire spring. The magazine is an aftermarket product, manufactured by Mec-Gar, a company known for producing magazines for various firearms manufacturers.
The 8-round capacity provides a good balance between capacity and concealability. The carbon steel construction, although blued and not stainless, offers decent corrosion resistance for the price point.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar magazine functions reliably with FMJ ammunition but can be finicky with certain hollow-point designs. I experienced occasional failures to feed, particularly with wider-mouthed hollow points.
The primary strength is its affordability. The weakness is its reliance on polymer components, which reduces overall durability compared to all-steel magazines. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly range magazine but falls short for defensive use.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine features a standard 1911 design with a blued finish. The polymer baseplate is functional but lacks the refined feel of steel alternatives.
There’s no significant learning curve. It’s easy to load and use, even for those new to 1911 platforms.
Durability & Maintenance
The blued finish will wear over time, especially with frequent use and exposure to harsh environments. The polymer follower is a potential weak point, as it’s more susceptible to wear and cracking than steel followers.
Maintenance is relatively easy, involving basic cleaning and lubrication. Disassembly is straightforward, thanks to the removable baseplate.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine. Aftermarket basepads are available, but the polymer follower limits extensive customization.
It’s compatible with standard 1911 magazine wells.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine 8RD 45ACP Blued – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model
Pros
- Inexpensive and readily available, making it perfect for stocking up on range magazines.
- Generally reliable with FMJ ammunition, suitable for target practice and plinking.
- Easy to disassemble, clean, and maintain, extending its service life.
- Compatible with most standard 1911 frames and magazine wells.
- Mec-Gar has a solid reputation as an OEM magazine manufacturer, inspiring confidence.
Cons
- Polymer follower and baseplate detract from overall durability.
- Can be unreliable with certain hollow-point bullet designs.
- Blued finish is prone to wear and corrosion over time.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine 8RD 45ACP Blued – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model?
The Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine is perfect for high-volume range shooters who want to save money on magazines. It’s also suitable for 1911 owners looking for inexpensive magazines for practice and training.
This magazine isn’t ideal for those prioritizing absolute reliability for defensive purposes. Individuals requiring maximum durability and all-steel construction should also skip this product.
Must-have accessories would include a quality magazine pouch for range use and potentially a higher-quality follower as a potential upgrade (although compatibility should be verified).
Conclusion on Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine 8RD 45ACP Blued – 45 ACP Caliber, 8 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model
The Mec-Gar MGCG4508 1911 Magazine offers a good value proposition for budget-conscious 1911 owners. It’s reliable enough for range use and provides decent performance at an attractive price point.
The $15.99 price tag is justified, considering its function and construction. It is not a Wilson Combat magazine, but it can save you money on the range.
I would recommend it for range training, but not for duty carry or self-defense without thorough testing with your chosen ammunition. Overall, the Mec-Gar magazine is a solid choice for those seeking affordable and functional 1911 magazines. Go grab a few and hit the range. Just don’t bet your life on them before you’ve put them through their paces!