The Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style Made a Bold First Impression
The 1911 platform, a true classic, has always held a special place in my heart. As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless modifications and accessories designed to improve its functionality and performance. The Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style promised enhanced reload speeds without adding excessive bulk, a claim that immediately piqued my interest. My goal was to determine if it lived up to the Wilson Combat reputation for quality and delivered on its promise of faster, smoother magazine changes.
My journey to this magazine well began with frustration. I wanted faster reloads during practice without sacrificing the classic 1911 profile. I’d tried other magazine wells before, and they were either too bulky, poorly fitted, or made of cheap materials. The Wilson Combat name carries weight, representing quality and performance, so I was willing to give it a shot.
Unboxing the Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style, I was immediately struck by its clean, stainless steel finish and solid construction. The weight felt substantial, suggesting durability, and the beveling of the magazine well opening was noticeably wider than stock. The machining looked precise, and the overall impression was one of quality craftsmanship.
Compared to a polymer magwell I tested previously, the Wilson Combat offering felt significantly more robust. A different, extended aluminum magwell, although lightweight, lacked the refined finish and blended seamlessly with the frame that the Wilson Combat part promised. I chose the Wilson Combat option based on its reputation for reliability and the promise of a sleek, functional upgrade. Initial excitement was tempered with the knowledge that some grip modification might be necessary, based on user feedback.
My first impression was positive and hopeful. The quality of the material and the precision of the machining suggested that this upgrade would indeed enhance the reload speed and overall performance of my 1911.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style took place at my local shooting range, a familiar environment where I could focus solely on the magwell’s performance. I ran through several drills, focusing on magazine changes under simulated stress. The weather was dry and temperate, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The difference in reload speed was immediately noticeable. The enlarged, beveled opening guided magazines smoothly into the well, even when I wasn’t perfectly aligned. What surprised me most was how intuitive it felt; after a few repetitions, my reloads became significantly faster and more fluid.
I did encounter a minor issue during the initial use. My existing grips, standard thickness wood grips, created a slight gap between the magazine well and the frame. This wasn’t a fault of the magwell itself, but rather a consequence of the 1911’s inherent variability and the need for precise fitting.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile addition to my 1911. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, including a dusty outdoor range and during a light rain shower, and it has performed flawlessly.
Durability has not been an issue. The stainless steel finish has held up well, showing no signs of wear or corrosion despite regular handling and cleaning. The magwell itself remains securely attached to the frame.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe down with a cloth and occasional cleaning with gun solvent are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with poorly made magazine wells that loosened over time, the Wilson Combat part has been a revelation.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style
Specifications
- Caliber: Magazine Well. This is not caliber-specific; it’s designed to work with any 1911 chambered in common calibers like .45 ACP, 9mm, or .38 Super.
- Capacity: AR Style. This is a misleading descriptor in the provided information, as it incorrectly references AR-style magazines. This product enhances the reload speed of standard 1911 magazines.
- Finish: Silver. The stainless steel construction provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing silver finish that complements most 1911s.
- Model: Magazine Well. This is the generic product category.
These specifications highlight the magazine well’s primary function: to enhance the speed and ease of magazine changes. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, while the beveled opening facilitates faster and more reliable magazine insertion. The “AR Style” reference is inaccurate and should be disregarded.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style excels at its primary function: facilitating faster magazine changes. The enlarged, beveled opening significantly reduces the likelihood of missed reloads, especially under stress. It is a drop-in part, though as many 1911 owners have found, some fitting may be required for the grips to sit flush.
The main strength lies in its simple, effective design and robust construction. The only potential weakness is the aforementioned need for grip modification, which might be a deterrent for some users. It met and exceeded my expectations for a drop-in magazine well, especially considering the price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wilson Combat magazine well features a straightforward, functional design. The stainless steel construction provides a solid, durable feel, and the beveled opening is smoothly machined for snag-free magazine insertion. It adds a minimal amount of bulk to the pistol’s profile.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no specialized tools for installation (though some gunsmithing skill is helpful). The learning curve is virtually nonexistent; the benefits are immediately apparent.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction of the Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style ensures excellent durability. It should last for years with proper care and handling. It resists corrosion and wear from regular use.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a cloth and gun solvent. Repair is unlikely to be necessary, given the robust design.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style doesn’t come with any included accessories beyond the magwell itself. The primary customization consideration is the selection of grips that are compatible with the added width of the magwell. Many aftermarket 1911 grips are specifically designed to be used with magazine wells.
The magwell is compatible with most standard 1911 magazines. However, some users may prefer to use magazines with extended base pads for even faster and more positive magazine changes.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style
Pros
- Significantly faster and more reliable magazine changes.
- Durable stainless steel construction.
- Relatively easy to install.
- Sleek, aesthetically pleasing design.
- Enhances grip during reloads.
Cons
- May require grip modification for proper fit.
- “AR Style” descriptor in product information is incorrect and misleading.
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style?
The Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style is perfect for:
- Competitive shooters looking for faster reload times.
- Tactical shooters who prioritize efficiency and reliability.
- 1911 enthusiasts who want to enhance the functionality of their pistol.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who are unwilling or unable to modify their grips.
- Those who are completely satisfied with the reload speed of a stock 1911.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Compatible grips designed for use with magazine wells.
- Extended magazine base pads (optional, but recommended).
Conclusion on Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style
The Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style is a well-made, effective upgrade for any 1911. It delivers on its promise of faster magazine changes without adding unnecessary bulk, and its durable stainless steel construction ensures years of reliable performance. The need for grip modification is a minor inconvenience, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
At $32.95, the price is justified. The enhanced functionality and improved aesthetics make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who takes their 1911 seriously. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to improve their reload speed and overall shooting experience.
If you’re ready to take your 1911 to the next level, the Wilson Combat Magazine Well Stainless Steel 1911 Style is a solid choice. Upgrade your 1911 today!