Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued Review

The Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued Made a Bold First Impression

The 1911, a timeless firearm, demands reliable magazines for consistent performance. The Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued steps up to the plate, promising enhanced capacity and dependable feeding for the .38 Super caliber. This magazine aims to bridge the gap between classic design and modern ammunition requirements.

My personal experience with finicky 1911 magazines led me on a quest for unwavering reliability. Feeding issues in timed shooting competitions were costing me precious seconds, and a solution was needed. I was looking for a magazine that could handle the higher pressures and unique cartridge dimensions of the .38 Super without any hiccups.

Unboxing the Mec-Gar magazine, I immediately noted the deep blued finish. It had a reassuring weight, and the steel construction exuded quality. The 9-round capacity hinted at a modern upgrade over the standard 7 or 8-round options often found with classic 1911 magazines.

Compared to the older, generic magazines I had been using, the Mec-Gar felt significantly more robust. I had considered magazines from Chip McCormick and Wilson Combat, but Mec-Gar’s reputation for OEM quality at a reasonable price point swayed me. The price point of $14.99 made the decision even easier.

My initial reaction was a blend of excitement and cautious optimism. Mec-Gar’s reputation precedes them, but I’ve learned that real-world performance is the ultimate test. I hoped it would live up to the hype and solve my feeding issues.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued was at an outdoor shooting range. The conditions were typical for a summer afternoon – hot and a little dusty. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid-fire and controlled pairs.

The magazine performed admirably, feeding rounds smoothly and consistently. I experienced no failures to feed or any other malfunctions during the initial testing. This was a significant improvement over my previous magazines.

The magazine was easy to load and seated positively in my 1911. I didn’t need to wrestle with it to get it to lock into place. I was immediately impressed with the ease of use.

The only slight issue was that the magazine felt a little stiff when fully loaded. This made the first round slightly harder to chamber than usual. It seemed like it needed a bit of a break-in period.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued has proven to be remarkably reliable. The initial stiffness subsided after a few range sessions. It now feeds smoothly and consistently, even when fully loaded.

The blued finish has held up well with only minor signs of wear around the feed lips. This is to be expected with any magazine subjected to regular use. I clean the magazines after each range session, and they still look nearly new.

Maintenance is straightforward. I disassemble the magazine, clean it with a brush and solvent, and then lightly lubricate the spring. Reassembly is easy and requires no special tools.

Compared to my previous experiences with unreliable magazines, the Mec-Gar is a game-changer. It consistently outperforms them in terms of reliability, durability, and ease of use. The increase in capacity to 9 rounds is also a welcome improvement.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued

Specifications

The Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued is specifically designed for 1911 pistols chambered in .38 Super. It boasts a 9-round capacity, providing an advantage over standard 7 or 8-round magazines. The magazine body is constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring durability and longevity.

The blued finish offers a degree of corrosion resistance while maintaining a classic aesthetic. It’s a visual match for many traditional 1911 pistols. The magazine features a high-tensile spring, designed for consistent feeding and long-term reliability.

The specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and reliability of the magazine. The .38 Super cartridge, with its bottlenecked design, requires precise magazine geometry for reliable feeding. The steel construction and robust spring are essential for withstanding the pressures and recoil associated with this caliber.

Performance & Functionality

The Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued performs its job exceptionally well. It feeds rounds smoothly and consistently, minimizing the risk of malfunctions. Its reliability inspires confidence during rapid-fire drills and competitive shooting scenarios.

The magazine’s strengths lie in its robust construction, reliable feeding, and increased capacity. These qualities contribute to a positive shooting experience and enhance the overall functionality of the 1911 platform. There is little room for improvement.

It meets and, in some ways, exceeds expectations. It delivers the reliability and performance I was seeking, particularly compared to some generic magazines I’ve used in the past. The 9 round capacity for the venerable 1911 platform is impressive.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s build quality is excellent. The steel construction feels solid and durable. The blued finish is evenly applied and adds to the magazine’s overall aesthetic appeal.

The design is simple and functional, with a focus on reliability. The magazine is easy to load and insert into the pistol. The ergonomic design contributes to a positive user experience.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued should last for many years. The steel construction and robust spring are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. The blued finish helps to protect against corrosion.

Maintenance is relatively simple and requires no special tools. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Disassembly and reassembly are straightforward.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with most standard 1911 magazine pouches and carriers. Its standard size and dimensions ensure compatibility with a wide range of accessories.

There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself. However, its compatibility with standard 1911 platforms means it can be used with various 1911 grips and other accessories. Its main customization comes from the entire 1911 platform.

Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar MGCGOV38 1911 Magazine 9RD 38Super Blued