Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued Review

First Thoughts on the Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued

The Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued promises to enhance the capacity of the classic 1911 pistol without sacrificing reliability. Mec-Gar is a well-respected manufacturer, known for producing high-quality magazines for numerous firearms brands. It’s a name I trust, but even trusted names can sometimes have a product that doesn’t quite live up to the hype.

I was primarily looking for a way to increase the round count in my Tisas 1911 without sacrificing the pistol’s classic feel. The standard 7 or 8 round magazines felt limiting during drills and practice sessions. I’d heard mixed things about extended 1911 magazines, tales of feeding issues and failures to lock back on empty, so I approached this purchase with cautious optimism.

Unboxing was unremarkable – a simple cardboard box containing the magazine sealed in plastic. The blued finish appeared even and well-applied, and the magazine felt solid in hand. The steel construction inspired confidence, unlike some cheaper, flimsy alternatives I’ve handled.

Compared to my factory Tisas magazines, the Mec-Gar was noticeably longer, as expected with the increased capacity. I also considered magazines from Wilson Combat and Chip McCormick, but the Mec-Gar’s price point, at just $18.49, made it an attractive option for initial testing. I wanted to see if higher capacity at a lower cost was actually achievable.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The build quality seemed good, but the real test would be at the range. Would it feed reliably, lock back consistently, and hold up over time? I was eager to find out, but also prepared to be disappointed, given the mixed reviews I’d seen online.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued to my local outdoor range, a dusty environment that tests the mettle of any firearm and its accessories. I ran it through my Tisas A1 Service Enhanced 1911, loading it with a mix of Federal ball ammo and some older hollow points I had lying around. The first few magazines fed flawlessly.

The magazine seated firmly and positively, and the rounds stripped smoothly and consistently. The action felt smooth and responsive. I was impressed.

However, as I continued shooting, I started experiencing occasional failures to feed. These mostly occurred with the hollow points. I suspect the magazine spring might have been struggling to keep up with the slightly different geometry of those rounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and around 500 rounds through the Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued, the initial promise began to fade slightly. The magazine mostly worked, but the reliability wasn’t 100%. The failures to feed persisted, especially with hollow points.

There were no obvious signs of wear and tear. The blued finish held up well, even after repeated use and exposure to the elements. I cleaned the magazine after each range session, disassembling it to wipe down the follower and spring.

Compared to my factory Tisas magazines, which have proven utterly reliable with all types of ammunition, the Mec-Gar was a step down. It didn’t completely disappoint, but it didn’t fully satisfy either. I wouldn’t trust it for serious defensive purposes without further testing and potential modifications.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued

Specifications

• Caliber: .45 ACP – The magazine is designed specifically for the .45 ACP cartridge, the quintessential 1911 caliber. This ensures proper feeding and reliable cycling with this specific round.
• Capacity: 10 Rounds – This extended capacity offers a significant advantage over standard 7 or 8 round 1911 magazines. It provides more rounds for training, competition, or self-defense situations.
• Finish: Blued – The blued finish provides a degree of corrosion resistance and a classic aesthetic. It matches the finish of many traditional 1911 pistols.
• Model: Standard – This implies a standard 1911 magazine design, compatible with most full-size 1911 pistols. It’s designed as a drop-in replacement for existing magazines.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability and usability. A magazine failing to feed reliably renders the increased capacity moot. The finish also matters, especially for those who carry their 1911 in demanding environments.

Performance & Functionality

The Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued performs adequately but not flawlessly. With ball ammunition, it’s generally reliable, but with hollow points, the reliability decreases noticeably. The magazine mostly locks back on an empty chamber, but there have been instances where it failed to do so.

The magazine’s greatest strength is its increased capacity. Its biggest weakness is its inconsistent feeding with certain types of ammunition. It meets expectations for range use with ball ammo but falls short for those seeking a truly reliable magazine for all .45 ACP loads.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued features a robust steel construction. It provides a solid feel in the hand. The blued finish is aesthetically pleasing and offers decent corrosion resistance.

The design is generally user-friendly, with a standard magazine release notch that works seamlessly with most 1911 pistols. There is no real learning curve associated with using this magazine. It’s a simple drop-in replacement for factory magazines.

Durability & Maintenance

The magazine appears to be reasonably durable. The steel construction should withstand regular use and repeated loading and unloading.

Maintenance is straightforward. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is easy. Regular cleaning is necessary to ensure optimal performance and prevent malfunctions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued does not come with any accessories. There are no specific customization options available for this particular magazine.

However, it is compatible with standard 1911 magazine pouches and loaders. Also, aftermarket magazine springs and followers are available from other brands and may improve reliability.

Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued

Who Should Buy Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued?

The Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued is perfect for range shooters and recreational shooters who want a higher capacity magazine for their 1911 without breaking the bank. It can be beneficial for those who primarily use ball ammunition and are willing to accept occasional malfunctions.

This product should be skipped by those who require 100% reliability from their magazines, especially for self-defense or competitive shooting. Also, those who predominantly use hollow-point ammunition should consider more reliable options.

Must-have accessories or modifications include a high-quality magazine spring or follower. These accessories can improve the reliability of the magazine.

Conclusion on Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued

The Mec-Gar MGCG4510 1911 Magazine 10RD 45ACP Blued offers an affordable way to increase the capacity of your 1911. However, that affordability comes with a trade-off in reliability.

The $18.49 price is justified for range use, where occasional malfunctions are acceptable. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for serious defensive purposes without significant testing and potential upgrades.

I would cautiously recommend this magazine for recreational shooters who understand its limitations. It may be a good starting point. Consider upgrading the spring and follower if you want improved reliability.