The Springfield Armory PI45523 1911 Magazine 7RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model Made a Bold First Impression
The 1911. It’s more than just a handgun; it’s an American icon. And like any precision instrument, the 1911 is only as good as its magazines. Enter the Springfield Armory PI45523 1911 Magazine 7RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model: a magazine designed specifically for the legendary 1911 platform chambered in the hard-hitting .45 ACP.
My journey with 1911s started over a decade ago, and I’ve always been on the lookout for reliable magazines that won’t let me down. My old duty 1911 was having feeding issues, and I suspected worn-out magazines were the culprit. Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the Springfield Armory magazine’s solid construction and blued steel finish. It felt substantial, hinting at the durability I was hoping for.
I’ve used magazines from Wilson Combat and Mec-Gar in the past. While those are excellent choices, I wanted to try an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) magazine, believing it would be the best fit for my Springfield Armory 1911. Initial impressions were positive; it felt like a quality piece, and the $14.49 price point was definitely appealing. I was cautiously optimistic – ready to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Springfield Armory PI45523 1911 Magazine 7RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at an outdoor range on a somewhat dusty day. I loaded the Springfield Armory magazine with seven rounds of .45 ACP FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) ammunition and inserted it into my 1911. The magazine seated firmly with a positive click. I ran through several drills, focusing on rapid fire and tactical reloads.
The magazine fed flawlessly, with no FFF (Failure to Feed), FTF (Failure to Fire), or FTE (Failure to Eject) malfunctions. It was easy to seat even with a partially closed slide. I was impressed by the smooth feeding and consistent performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a few months, the Springfield Armory magazine has proven to be a reliable workhorse. There are no signs of excessive wear and tear. The blued steel finish is holding up well, with only minor scratches from normal use.
Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a solvent-soaked cloth keeps it running smoothly. Compared to some aftermarket magazines I’ve used, this OEM magazine feels more robust and delivers more consistent feeding. It definitely outperforms some of the cheaper alternatives I’ve tried in the past, instilling confidence in its reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Springfield Armory PI45523 1911 Magazine 7RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
Specifications
- Caliber: .45 ACP. The magazine is specifically designed for the .45 ACP cartridge, ensuring optimal feeding and reliability with this classic caliber.
- Capacity: 7 Rounds. This is the standard capacity for a flush-fitting 1911 magazine, providing a balance between firepower and concealability.
- Finish: Blued Steel. The blued steel finish offers a layer of corrosion resistance and gives the magazine a classic, understated look.
- Model: 1911. Designed to work seamlessly with any standard 1911 platform.
- Origin: OEM. As an OEM magazine, it’s manufactured by or for Springfield Armory, ensuring compatibility and consistent performance with Springfield Armory 1911 pistols.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the magazine’s performance and reliability. The .45 ACP caliber is known for its stopping power, and a reliable magazine is essential for ensuring consistent feeding of this round. The OEM origin guarantees that the magazine is designed and manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring optimal performance in Springfield Armory 1911 pistols.
Performance & Functionality
The Springfield Armory PI45523 1911 Magazine performs admirably. It feeds rounds smoothly and consistently, contributing to the overall reliability of the 1911 platform.
Its primary strength is its consistent feeding. The magazine is extremely reliable, and I experienced no malfunctions related to the magazine during testing. One potential improvement would be the addition of witness holes to easily check the remaining round count.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality is excellent. The blued steel construction feels solid and durable, and the magazine fits snugly into the magazine well of my 1911.
The design is simple and functional, prioritizing reliability over aesthetics. It is a no-frills, purpose-built magazine designed to perform its job flawlessly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Springfield Armory magazine is built to last. The blued steel construction is resistant to corrosion and wear, and the magazine spring is robust enough to withstand repeated loading and unloading.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a solvent-soaked cloth is all that’s needed to keep it running smoothly. With proper care, this magazine should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine doesn’t come with any accessories. It is a self-contained unit designed to function as a direct replacement for the original magazine.
While there are no specific customization options, the magazine is compatible with any standard 1911 magazine pouch. Aftermarket base pads can also be added for easier handling and faster reloads.
Pros and Cons of Springfield Armory PI45523 1911 Magazine 7RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
Pros
- Reliable feeding: Ensures smooth and consistent performance, minimizing malfunctions.
- Durable construction: Blued steel provides excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, increasing lifespan.
- OEM origin: Guarantees compatibility and optimal performance with Springfield Armory 1911 pistols.
- Affordable price: At $14.49, it offers excellent value for the quality and reliability it provides.
- Easy maintenance: Simple design makes it easy to clean and maintain, prolonging its lifespan.
Cons
- No witness holes: Makes it difficult to quickly determine the number of rounds remaining.
- Basic design: Lacks some of the enhanced features found on higher-end aftermarket magazines.
Who Should Buy Springfield Armory PI45523 1911 Magazine 7RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model?
This magazine is perfect for 1911 owners looking for a reliable and affordable OEM replacement. It is ideal for range use, concealed carry, and home defense.
Someone seeking a high-end magazine with advanced features like enhanced followers or specialized coatings might consider other options. A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch for carrying spare magazines.
Conclusion on Springfield Armory PI45523 1911 Magazine 7RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 7 Rounds, OEM Origin, 1911 Model
The Springfield Armory PI45523 1911 Magazine is a solid performer. Its reliability, durability, and affordable price make it an excellent choice for any 1911 owner.
At $14.49, the price is definitely justified. You’re getting a high-quality OEM magazine that will provide years of reliable service.
I would definitely recommend this magazine to anyone looking for a dependable and affordable option for their 1911. Add a few to your range bag. You won’t regret it.