Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine Review

Let’s Dive into Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine

The 1911 platform, a timeless classic, demands reliable magazines for flawless function, and the Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine promises to deliver just that. Developed in collaboration with firearms expert Larry Vickers, this magazine is engineered for extreme duty, boasting enhanced durability and reliability features. As someone with over a decade of experience in outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve seen countless magazines fail, so I was particularly interested to see if this one lived up to the hype.

I was looking for a magazine that could withstand harsh conditions and provide consistent feeding in my duty 1911. I needed something I could trust my life to, a magazine that wouldn’t falter when I needed it most. The Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine stood out because of its reputation for reliability and the partnership with Larry Vickers, whose expertise I respect.

Upon unboxing, the magazine felt substantial and well-built, with a noticeable heft from the stainless steel construction and weighted basepad. The finish was smooth and clean, and the overall design exuded quality. Compared to my standard GI magazines and some aftermarket brands like Mec-Gar, the Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine felt significantly more robust.

My initial impression was one of excitement. The magazine felt like a premium product, and I was eager to test its performance in my 1911. I was particularly impressed with the attention to detail, from the follower design to the reinforced tube.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine at my local shooting range. I ran it through my Springfield Armory TRP, a 1911 known for its tight tolerances. I put about 200 rounds of various .45 ACP ammunition through the magazine, including FMJ, JHP, and lead reloads.

The magazine performed flawlessly in all conditions, from sunny and dry to a slightly drizzly afternoon. It loaded smoothly, fed rounds consistently, and locked the slide back reliably after the last round. I found the magazine easy to seat, even with a full load, and the weighted basepad helped with positive extraction during reloads.

There were no issues whatsoever during the initial range session. The Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine exceeded my expectations and instilled confidence in its performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including weekly range sessions and a couple of tactical training courses, the Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine continues to perform flawlessly. It has held up incredibly well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The stainless steel construction has resisted corrosion, and the magazine tube remains straight and unbent.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe-down after each range session and occasional disassembly for thorough cleaning. The removable basepad makes cleaning easier and allows for spring inspection. Compared to some of the cheaper magazines I’ve used in the past, the Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine is significantly more reliable and durable.

My previous experiences with some other magazines led to frequent malfunctions and a lack of confidence in their reliability. This magazine has been a game changer, instilling confidence in my 1911’s performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

• The magazine is chambered for .45 ACP, the standard caliber for 1911 pistols. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of 1911 firearms.
• It holds 8 rounds, offering a good balance between capacity and magazine size. The 8-round capacity is a common and reliable choice for 1911 users.
• The body is made of stainless steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance and durability. The stainless steel construction ensures a long service life, even in harsh environments.
• It features a redesigned basepad, that is easy to grab under stress and is weighted to drop free in any field conditions. The basepad’s design enhances magazine handling during reloads.
• The magazine has a redesigned follower with sand cuts, improving operation in dirty conditions. The follower’s design ensures smooth and reliable feeding, even when the magazine is contaminated with dirt or debris.
• It incorporates a molded-in last round follower detent, preventing last round feed failures. The last round follower detent enhances reliability by ensuring proper feeding of the final round.
• The spring is made from heat-treated MAX flatwire, ensuring consistent spring pressure and long life. The flatwire construction prevents over-compression of the spring like in conventional springs.

Performance & Functionality

The Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine performs exceptionally well, providing reliable feeding and consistent slide lock. Its accuracy and usability are top-notch, contributing to improved shooting performance. The magazine meets and exceeds expectations, setting a new standard for 1911 magazines.

Its primary strength lies in its consistent reliability, even under adverse conditions. A minor weakness might be the price, which is higher than some other magazines, but the performance justifies the cost.

Design & Ergonomics

The Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine boasts excellent build quality. The stainless steel body feels solid and durable. Its user-friendly design requires minimal learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The magazine is built to last, thanks to its high-quality materials and robust construction. Easy disassembly and cleaning make maintenance a breeze, ensuring a long service life.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine features a removable basepad. This allows users to switch to different basepads or bumpers. While it doesn’t require any specific accessories, its compatibility with standard 1911 magazine wells and aftermarket basepads offers some customization options.

Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine

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Who Should Buy Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine?

This magazine is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and competitive shooters who rely on their 1911 for duty or competition. It is also ideal for anyone who wants a reliable and durable magazine for their 1911. Those on a tight budget might want to explore cheaper alternatives, although the long-term reliability of the Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine justifies the initial investment.

A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch to protect and carry the magazine.

Conclusion on Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine

The Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine is an outstanding product that delivers exceptional reliability and durability. The higher price is justified by its superior performance and long-lasting construction. I would highly recommend this magazine to anyone who demands the best from their 1911.

If you’re serious about your 1911 and demand unwavering reliability, invest in the Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V, Vickers Duty 8 Round Pistol Magazine. You won’t be disappointed.