Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine

The 1911 platform is iconic, a true workhorse, and its reliability often hinges on the quality of its magazines. That’s why, after years of tinkering with various 1911s, I was eager to get my hands on the Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine. Wilson Combat has a reputation for producing top-tier 1911 parts and accessories, and this magazine promises enhanced reliability and durability.

My quest for the perfect 1911 magazine stemmed from frustrating experiences with substandard mags that caused feeding issues and slide lock failures. I wanted a magazine that I could trust my life to, one that would function flawlessly every single time. The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine, with its enhanced features and robust construction, seemed like the answer.

Unboxing the magazine, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel and clean finish. The aircraft-grade stainless steel felt substantial and the smooth, almost polished surface hinted at the precise engineering within. It was heavier than some of the cheaper magazines I’ve used, a reassuring sign of quality materials.

Compared to my standard blued steel magazines from various manufacturers, the Wilson Combat stood out. Its construction felt far more refined than the Springfield Armory magazines I use regularly, and the follower seemed much smoother than the ones in my old Colt magazines. I chose the Wilson Combat specifically for its promised reliability and durability, hoping it would eliminate the common issues I’ve encountered with other brands.

My initial impression was one of excitement and anticipation. If this magazine lived up to the Wilson Combat name, it would be a significant upgrade to my 1911 setup.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range session with the Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine took place at my local outdoor range. I ran it through my 9mm 1911, firing a variety of ammunition including FMJ and JHP rounds.

The magazine performed flawlessly under normal conditions, with smooth feeding and consistent slide lock after the last round. Even with rapid firing drills, there were no hiccups. I even tried it out in slightly dusty conditions, replicating a scenario from a recent desert shooting trip, and I was very impressed with the performance.

I experienced zero issues during the first use. Loading was smooth, insertion was positive, and the magazine dropped freely when released. This was a welcome change from some of my older magazines, which occasionally required a bit of persuasion to seat properly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine continues to impress. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it in various range sessions and even carried it during a few IDPA matches.

The magazine shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The stainless steel construction has proven to be highly resistant to scratches and corrosion, even after being exposed to sweat and grime. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down after each use keeps it in top condition.

Compared to my previous magazine experiences, the Wilson Combat magazine is a clear winner. It consistently outperforms my old magazines in terms of reliability and durability. I’ve gained complete confidence in its ability to perform under pressure.

Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

• The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine is chambered in 9mm Luger, offering compatibility with a popular and readily available cartridge. This allows for cost-effective training and ensures reliable performance in a wide range of 1911 pistols.
• Its magazine capacity is 9 rounds, providing a good balance between capacity and magazine size. The extra round over standard 8-round magazines is a nice bonus without significantly increasing the magazine’s overall length.
• The magazine body is constructed from aircraft-grade certified stainless steel. This material provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, ensuring a long service life even in harsh environments.
• It features a fiber-fill nylon self-lubricating follower. This follower design ensures smooth and reliable feeding, minimizing the risk of malfunctions.
• The magazine utilizes a space-age stainless steel spring wire. This contributes to long-lasting spring life and consistent feeding, crucial for reliable operation.
• It also includes an ETM Base Pad. This durable base pad is removable for easy maintenance and customization with different base pad options.
• The magazine has observation slots moved to the rear of the tube. They’re located exactly where they need to be to maintain the structural integrity.
• Its tube walls are .025in thick, making them the thickest in the industry.

Performance & Functionality

The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine performs exceptionally well. Its reliability is outstanding, with consistent feeding and positive slide lock on empty.

It meets and exceeds expectations in every aspect. From its smooth loading to its consistent performance, the magazine has proven to be a worthwhile upgrade. The only improvement I would like to see is perhaps a witness window for round count, although the rear slots do provide a reasonable indication.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is top-notch, with high-quality materials and precise manufacturing. The magazine feels solid and well-balanced, inspiring confidence in its long-term durability.

The magazine is exceptionally user-friendly. Its smooth insertion and positive lock-up make it easy to use, even under stress.

Durability & Maintenance

The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine is built to last. Its stainless steel construction and robust design ensure a long service life, even with heavy use.

Maintenance is straightforward and simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth and occasional lubrication of the follower and spring is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The magazine comes standard with the Wilson Combat ETM base pad, which provides a secure grip and protects the magazine from impacts. The removable base pad allows for customization with different base pad options, such as extended pads for faster reloads.

The magazine is compatible with most standard 1911 magazine pouches and carriers. The Wilson Combat website offers a variety of accessories designed specifically for their magazines.

Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine

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Who Should Buy Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine?

The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for: competitive shooters, law enforcement professionals, and anyone who relies on their 1911 for self-defense. The magazine’s enhanced reliability and durability make it an excellent choice for those who demand the best.

Those who should skip this product are casual shooters who rarely use their 1911 or those on a very tight budget. Cheaper magazines may suffice for occasional range trips.

A must-have accessory is a quality magazine pouch or carrier to protect the magazine and ensure easy access during reloads. Some users may also want to consider purchasing extended base pads for faster reloads.

Conclusion on Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine

The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine is a top-tier magazine that delivers exceptional reliability and durability. Its high-quality construction and enhanced features make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who relies on their 1911.

The price is justified by the magazine’s superior performance and long service life. While it may be more expensive than some other options, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your magazine will function flawlessly is worth the extra cost.

I would personally recommend the Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 9 Round Pistol Magazine to anyone looking to upgrade their 1911 setup. Its reliability, durability, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for both professionals and serious enthusiasts. Upgrade your 1911 today and experience the Wilson Combat difference!