First Thoughts on the 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 a magazine designed for the double-stack 1911 pistols chambered in the venerable .45 ACP. It aims to provide increased capacity for those who appreciate the classic 1911 platform but desire more rounds than the standard single-stack magazines offer.
As an experienced shooter and gear specialist, I was interested in these magazines because I’ve always been a fan of the 1911. I wanted to explore options for increased capacity without sacrificing the feel and reliability of the platform, and a double-stack 1911 seemed like a reasonable trade-off. My initial impression upon unboxing the Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model magazine was that it appeared robust and well-made, though perhaps a bit rough around the edges compared to higher-end magazines.
Compared to magazines from Wilson Combat or Ed Brown, the Rock Island magazine definitely felt more utilitarian. It lacks the refined finish and smoother action of those premium options. However, considering the significant price difference, I was hoping for a solid and reliable magazine that could handle regular use at the range, and even potentially duty use. I was cautiously optimistic but also prepared for potential feeding issues or other problems, given the mixed reviews I had seen online.
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 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model magazine at an outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. The weather was ideal, with temperatures in the mid-70s and little wind.
I ran approximately 100 rounds of various .45 ACP ammunition through the magazine, including FMJ, hollow points, and some +P rounds. Loading the magazine to its full 13-round capacity was a bit stiff initially. However, I found that after a few cycles, the spring loosened up slightly, making it easier to load. I experienced two failures to feed within the first 50 rounds; the rounds seemed to nosedive into the feed ramp.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model magazine has shown some improvement in reliability. I’ve now put approximately 500 rounds through it.
While the initial failures to feed were concerning, I disassembled the magazine, thoroughly cleaned it, and applied a light coating of gun oil to the internal components. After cleaning and lubrication, the magazine’s performance improved considerably, with only occasional (1-2 per 100 rounds) failures to feed. The blued finish has held up reasonably well, with only minor wear marks appearing near the feed lips. This Rock Island magazine isn’t quite as slick or dependable as my Mec-Gar magazines for my standard 1911.
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.
- Capacity: 13 Rounds.
- Finish: Blued Steel.
- Model: 1911 Double Stack.
- Origin: OEM.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s compatibility and performance. The .45 ACP caliber ensures it works with the classic 1911 cartridge. The 13-round capacity provides a significant increase over standard 7 or 8-round magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model magazine is to reliably feed .45 ACP rounds into a double-stack 1911 pistol. When properly cleaned and lubricated, it performs this function reasonably well.
Its strengths lie in its increased capacity and relatively low price. However, its weakness is a slightly less reliable feeding compared to higher-end magazines. While it generally meets expectations for a budget-friendly, high-capacity option, it doesn’t quite match the flawless performance of premium magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model magazine is constructed of blued steel, giving it a sturdy feel. The blued finish provides some corrosion resistance.
The magazine’s design is fairly standard for a 1911 double-stack magazine. However, there’s nothing particularly innovative or ergonomic about it. It’s a functional design that prioritizes capacity and affordability over comfort or aesthetics. The magazine is easy to load, although, as mentioned earlier, it can be a bit stiff when fully loaded.
Durability & Maintenance
The blued steel construction of the Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model magazine suggests it should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain its reliability.
Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is relatively straightforward. The baseplate slides off easily, allowing access to the spring and follower.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rock Island 1911 45 ACP 1911 Double Stack 13rd Blued Detachable – 45 ACP Caliber, 13 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model magazine does not come with any specific accessories. However, aftermarket baseplates and followers are available from various manufacturers if you wish to customize it.
The Rock Island double stack 1911 platform is fairly standardized. Thus, the magazine should be compatible with various aftermarket accessories designed for this type of 1911.
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 (13 rounds).
- Affordable price.
- Durable blued steel construction.
- Relatively easy to disassemble and clean.
- Compatible with aftermarket accessories.
Cons
- May require initial cleaning and lubrication for optimal performance.
- Slightly less reliable feeding compared to premium magazines.
- Stiff to load to full capacity initially.
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 magazine is perfect for shooters who own a double-stack 1911 chambered in .45 ACP and are looking for an affordable way to increase their magazine capacity. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy practicing at the range and want to minimize the frequency of reloads.
This magazine is NOT for shooters who demand absolute, 100% reliability or those who are unwilling to perform basic maintenance and cleaning. If you are trusting your life to a firearm, investing in higher-end magazines from reputable manufacturers like Mec-Gar or Wilson Combat is preferable.
A must-have modification would be thorough cleaning and lubrication before initial use. This can dramatically improve the magazine’s reliability and feeding.
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 magazine offers a compelling value proposition for owners of double-stack 1911 pistols chambered in .45 ACP. It provides a significant boost in capacity at an affordable price.
While it may not be the most refined or reliable magazine on the market, it delivers acceptable performance with proper care and maintenance. The price is definitely justified for a range magazine.
I would personally recommend this magazine to budget-conscious shooters who understand its limitations and are willing to invest some time in ensuring it functions properly. For a fun day at the range, or as a backup magazine, it’s a worthwhile addition to your 1911 kit. If you prioritize budget over the highest tier of performance, give the Rock Island magazine a shot.