PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Review

First Thoughts on the PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

The 1911 platform is iconic, a true piece of American history. But even the most reliable firearm is only as good as its magazine. That’s why I was intrigued by the PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin, an aftermarket magazine designed for the classic 1911 Government model. The promise of reliable feeding at a budget-friendly price point definitely piqued my interest.

I’ve always been on the hunt for quality, affordable magazines to supplement my existing collection. Aftermarket magazines can be a gamble, but the positive user feedback regarding function in various 1911s, especially the price point, pushed me to give the PRO MAG a try. I needed reliable mags for range practice and wanted to find a cost-effective solution.

My initial impression upon unboxing was somewhat neutral. The nickel-plated finish looked clean and functional, but the overall feel was lighter than some of my other, higher-end magazines. The construction seemed solid enough for the price, but the true test would be its performance at the range.

Compared to my factory Colt magazines and some Wilson Combat mags, the PRO MAG definitely felt less refined. The Colt mags have a certain heft and smooth finish, while the Wilson Combat magazines boast enhanced springs and followers. I chose to try the PRO MAG due to its affordable price, hoping it could offer acceptable reliability for training purposes without breaking the bank. My initial excitement was cautious, tempered by the knowledge that aftermarket magazines can be hit or miss, even with good reviews.

Real-World Testing: Putting PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the PRO MAG was at an outdoor range on a relatively dry, sunny day. I loaded the magazine with standard 230-grain FMJ rounds and inserted it into my Springfield Armory 1911. The magazine seated with a positive click, and the first few rounds cycled smoothly.

However, about halfway through the first magazine, I experienced a failure to feed. The round nosedived into the feed ramp, requiring me to manually cycle the slide. This immediately raised a red flag.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions spanning a couple of months, the reliability of the PRO MAG proved to be inconsistent. Some magazines ran flawlessly, while others experienced intermittent failures to feed, usually with the last round or two in the magazine. This inconsistency makes it difficult to fully trust the magazine in a self-defense scenario.

In terms of durability, the nickel-plated finish held up surprisingly well, showing only minor signs of wear. Cleaning the magazine was straightforward, and the spring seemed to retain its strength, despite the feeding issues. Compared to my experience with other aftermarket 1911 magazines, the PRO MAG falls somewhere in the middle. Some aftermarket mags failed immediately, while others rivaled the reliability of factory magazines. This PRO MAG showed potential but ultimately didn’t deliver the consistent performance I require.

Breaking Down the Features of PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

Specifications

The PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT is an 8-round magazine designed for 1911 Government model pistols chambered in .45 ACP. It features a heat-treated steel body for durability and is finished with a nickel-plated coating for corrosion resistance and smooth feeding. The magazine incorporates an injection-molded follower and a spring made from heat-treated chrome silicon wire.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall performance. The heat-treated steel body should provide strength, while the nickel-plated finish aims to reduce friction. The chrome silicon spring is designed to maintain consistent pressure, and the injection-molded follower is supposed to ensure smooth and consistent feeding of rounds.

Performance & Functionality

When it functions correctly, the PRO MAG performs adequately. Rounds are stripped from the magazine and chambered with reasonable consistency, and the magazine locks the slide back on the last round. However, the intermittent failures to feed significantly detract from its overall functionality.

The magazine’s strengths are its affordable price and generally smooth finish. Its weakness is its inconsistent reliability, specifically with the last few rounds in the magazine. It only partially meets my expectations; while the price is appealing, the inconsistent performance is a significant drawback.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s design is fairly standard for a 1911 magazine. The steel body feels reasonably sturdy, but as mentioned before, it feels lighter than higher-end options. The magazine seats positively in most of my 1911s, and the magazine release functions as expected.

The PRO MAG is relatively user-friendly. There is no learning curve involved, as it functions like any other 1911 magazine.

Durability & Maintenance

The nickel-plated finish seems durable enough for range use, and I haven’t observed any significant corrosion or rust. With proper care, it should last for a reasonable amount of time, though I wouldn’t expect it to withstand the same level of abuse as a premium magazine.

The PRO MAG is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with a bore brush and solvent is sufficient to keep it functioning properly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited, as it’s a self-contained unit.

It is compatible with any 1911 Government model chambered in .45 ACP that accepts standard 1911 magazines.

Pros and Cons of PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

Who Should Buy PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?

The PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT might be perfect for casual range shooters who are looking for inexpensive magazines for practice and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. It could also be useful for individuals who own multiple 1911s and want to have a large number of magazines without investing a significant amount of money.

Individuals who rely on their 1911 for self-defense or competitive shooting should likely skip this product. The inconsistent reliability makes it unsuitable for situations where reliable feeding is critical.

A must-have accessory would be a reliable magazine loader to facilitate quick and efficient loading during range sessions.

Conclusion on PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin

The PRO MAG 1911GOV 45AP 8RD NIT – 45 ACP Caliber, Aftermarket Origin presents a mixed bag. While its affordable price and decent finish are appealing, the inconsistent reliability is a significant drawback. It’s a budget-friendly option for casual range use, but I cannot recommend it for serious applications where reliability is paramount.

The price is justified for what it is – an inexpensive magazine for practice. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for malfunctions. I would only recommend it with a strong caveat regarding its reliability.

My final thought is that while the PRO MAG offers an enticing price point, investing in higher-quality magazines from reputable manufacturers like Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick is ultimately a better investment for those who rely on their 1911 for serious purposes. If you are on a tight budget and willing to accept occasional malfunctions, then the PRO MAG might be worth a try.