The Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model Made a Bold First Impression
The Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model promised increased firepower for my trusted Rock Island 1911. I was looking for a reliable magazine that wouldn’t break the bank but could provide more capacity than the standard single-stack magazines.
As a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless magazines, from high-end competition models to budget-friendly options. The Rock Island magazine arrived in simple packaging, nothing fancy, but the blued finish looked decent enough upon initial inspection. Picking it up, it felt sturdy, perhaps a bit heavier than expected, which I initially took as a sign of robust construction.
Compared to my standard 8-round single-stack Mec-Gar magazines and a higher-end Wilson Combat magazine, the Rock Island double-stack was noticeably wider. I chose the Rock Island magazine specifically for its 13-round capacity, hoping to balance capacity with the proven 1911 platform. I was cautiously optimistic, knowing that double-stack 1911 magazines can sometimes be finicky.
My initial thought was, “This could be a game-changer for capacity.” However, I also had a nagging feeling that the lower price point might translate to compromised reliability. Only real-world testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Rock Island double-stack magazine at my local shooting range. The weather was clear and dry, ideal conditions for a first run.
Loading the magazine was a bit stiff, requiring more effort than my single-stack mags. The first few rounds fed smoothly, but by the fifth round, I experienced a failure to feed; the bullet nosedived into the feed ramp. I cleared the malfunction and continued, experiencing similar issues intermittently throughout the first 50 rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and about 300 rounds, the Rock Island magazine’s performance remained inconsistent. Some sessions were flawless, while others were plagued with failures to feed.
There were no significant signs of wear and tear on the magazine body itself. However, the blued finish showed some minor scratches from repeated loading and unloading.
Cleaning and maintaining the magazine was relatively straightforward. Disassembly was simple, but the spring felt a bit weaker compared to higher-end magazines, which raised concerns about long-term reliability.
In comparison to my experience with Mec-Gar and Wilson Combat magazines, the Rock Island double-stack fell short. While those magazines consistently provided reliable feeding, the Rock Island magazine proved to be hit-or-miss.
Breaking Down the Features of Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
Specifications
The Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model boasts the following specifications:
Caliber: 45 ACP. This is the classic caliber for the 1911, known for its stopping power.
Capacity: 13 Rounds. Significantly increases the round count compared to traditional 1911 magazines.
Finish: Blued Metal. Offers basic corrosion resistance and a traditional look.
Model: 1911. Designed specifically for double-stack 1911 platforms.
Origin: OEM. Indicates it’s manufactured by or for Rock Island as original equipment.
The 45 ACP caliber ensures compatibility with any 45 ACP 1911 double-stack pistol. The 13-round capacity is a major selling point, offering a substantial increase in firepower. The blued finish, while aesthetically pleasing to some, is less durable than other finishes like Cerakote or nitride. Being an OEM product means it should theoretically integrate seamlessly with Rock Island firearms.
Performance & Functionality
The Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model‘s performance was a mixed bag. When it fed correctly, it functioned flawlessly.
Its strength is undoubtedly the increased capacity. However, its weakness lies in its inconsistent feeding.
It met the basic expectation of holding and feeding ammunition, but it did not exceed expectations due to reliability issues.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality felt solid for its price point. The magazine’s weight contributed to a sense of durability.
Loading the magazine was not particularly user-friendly. The stiff spring required significant effort, especially when loading the final few rounds.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, I anticipate a moderate lifespan for the Rock Island magazine. The blued finish is prone to scratching, and the spring’s longevity is questionable.
Maintenance is simple, involving disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication. However, the need for frequent cleaning due to potential feeding issues detracts from its overall convenience.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come standard with the Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model. Customization options are limited, as it’s a self-contained unit.
Compatibility with aftermarket followers or baseplates might be possible, but I haven’t tested any. Compatibility with other brands’ 1911 double-stack magazines is unlikely due to proprietary designs.
Pros and Cons of Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Holds 13 rounds of 45 ACP, offering a significant advantage over standard 1911 magazines.
- Affordable Price: At $19.99, it’s one of the most budget-friendly options for a double-stack 1911 magazine.
- Solid Construction: The magazine body feels robust and well-made, contributing to its perceived durability.
- Easy Disassembly: Simple design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- OEM Compatibility: Designed to work seamlessly with Rock Island double-stack 1911 pistols.
Cons
- Inconsistent Feeding: Experienced multiple failures to feed during testing, impacting reliability.
- Stiff Spring: Difficult to load, especially when filling to full capacity.
- Questionable Long-Term Durability: The blued finish is prone to scratching, and the spring may weaken over time.
Who Should Buy Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model?
The Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who own a Rock Island double-stack 1911 and are willing to accept potential reliability issues for increased capacity. It’s also suitable for those who need extra magazines for range practice and don’t want to invest in higher-end options.
Those who demand absolute reliability from their magazines should skip this product. Anyone relying on their firearm for self-defense or competitive shooting should invest in higher-quality magazines from reputable brands like Wilson Combat or Mec-Gar.
A must-have modification, if you decide to purchase the Rock Island magazine, would be a thorough cleaning and lubrication before first use. Experimenting with different 45 ACP ammunition brands might also improve feeding reliability.
Conclusion on Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
The Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model offers an affordable way to increase the capacity of your Rock Island double-stack 1911. However, its inconsistent feeding issues make it a risky choice for serious applications.
At $19.99, the price is certainly appealing. However, the potential for malfunctions diminishes its overall value proposition.
I would only cautiously recommend it to those who understand its limitations and are willing to accept the occasional failure to feed. If reliability is your top priority, invest in higher-quality magazines. Consider this magazine as a range toy, but not as a life-saving tool.