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Table of Contents
The 21 Best 1911 Magazines on the Market – Editor’s Choice
Image
Product
Brand
Colt 1911 22lr Magazines
Colt
ED BROWN 1911 OFFICER'S MODEL MAGAZINES
ED BROWN
ED BROWN 1911 GOV'T MODEL MAGAZINES
ED BROWN
MEC-GAR 1911 45ACP MAGAZINES
MEC-GAR
TRIPP RESEARCH INC. 1911 45ACP COBRA MAGAZINES
TRIPP RESEARCH
WILSON COMBAT VICKERS 1911 DUTY MAGAZINES
WILSON COMBAT
METALFORM 1911 9MM MAGAZINES
METALFORM
BROWNELLS 1911 9MM MAGAZINES
BROWNELLS
METALFORM 1911 45ACP MAGAZINES
METALFORM
TRIPLE-K 1911 7RD 45ACP MAGAZINES
TRIPLE-K
Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical Magazine
Wilson Combat
Wilson Combat 1911 ETM-V Vickers Duty Magazine
Wilson Combat
Sig Sauer 1911 Pistol Magazine
Sig Sauer
German Sport Gun Magazine GSG 1911 .22 LR 10-Round
German Sport Gun
Mec-Gar Magazine 1911 9mm 9-Round
Mec-Gar
Springfield Armory PI6090 1911 Magazine 9mm 9rd MET
Springfield Armory
Mec-Gar USA Inc 1911 Officer Magazine
Mec-Gar
Pro Mag 1911 Officers .45 ACP Pistol Magazine
Pro Mag
Browning 1911-380 Pistol Magazine 112055192
Browning
CM Products Classic .45 ACP Pistol Magazine
CM Products
Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine
Metalform
Round feeding issues can cause time-wasting at the range, so it’s better to have quality magazines or at least some spare ones with you.
Why do we need 1911 Magazines?
There is a wide range of magazine manufacturers, offering different capacities from 7 to 12 rounds to ensure any requirement according to your state regulations.
The magazine integrates a heavy-duty stainless-steel body with observation slots, a scalloped base pad, features no jams, and excellent feeding. Simple Maintenance thanks to the Removable Base Pad and its versatility.
These magazines are manufactured in Germany by Walther Arms and compatible with Colt 1911 (tactical rimfire pistols). The mags feature a Stainless-Steel body with Silver Finish, coming in 12 round sizes. The magazine is a single stack (with a polymer floor plate and follower) and is similar enough to the .45 mags to be used on all pistol drills.
Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
Capacity: 7-Round
Quantity: 1
Finish: Black
Material: Stainless Steel
Ed Brown offers 3 models of Officer’s magazine 1911 series two in non-reflective Black Nitride and Silver Finishes for 45 Auto (ACP) caliber (7-Round), and one in Silver Finishes for 9 mm Luger (8-Round). The stainless steel (410) magazines are heat-treat hardened to Rc 35 for exceptional sturdiness. The feed lips are designed for dependable feeding of traditional ball ammo, target rounds, and hollow points. The magazine consists of a pair of screw-on rubber base pads, a hardened steel follower, and the extended front skirt, keeping the round stack moving smoothly.
Video review
Pros
A welded-on steel base plate reduces bulk on a concealed carry gun
Witness holes for simple monitoring of load status
Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel body highly polished inside and out to prevent snagging on the magwell or the rounds in the mag
The neatly TIG welded seam
High-tensile strength spring together with anti-friction finish provide dependable feeding and lock the slide back on the last round
Cons
The screws are not good enough: might need to drill and tap with 4-40 to get some decent threads and a better screw
Cartridge: 9 mm Luger
Capacity: 9-Round
Quantity: 1
Finish: Black
Material: Stainless Steel
The mags’ body and follower feature an extra-slick surface to repel dust, dirt, and burned powder, excluding undesired friction against the follower to provide stable feeding and easy seating in the magwell. There is a pair of screw-on rubber base pads: a thin one protects the magazine while discarding it on hard ground, and a thick pad delivers additional length to facilitate insertion into and removal from a firearm with an extended magwell.
Video review
Pros
Welded-on base plate for compactness
Seamless body of sturdy heat-treated stainless steel (410)
High-quality corrosion-resistant coating due to the unique hydro-finish process
The follower is made from self-leveling steel (not plastic) supported by a durable spring to keep the round stack moving
Two finishes available: Silver coating or non-reflective Black Nitride
Easy loading status control due to the witness holes
welded-on base plate minimizes bulk
Two sizes of bump pads included: thanks to quick swapping of them the mags can be used both for competition and concealed carry
Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
Capacity: 7-Round
Quantity: 1
Finish: Black
Material: Steel
There are three options of coating: Stainless Steel, Blued (BL), or bright nickel (BN).
The mags are manufactured from certified, carbon steel, TIG welded (not removable), and finished without seams. The magazine body and steel follower are heat-treated for their sturdiness. The high-quality magazines are delivered as original equipment by many European handgun makers.
Video review
Pros
The rust proof nickel coating
100% function in Rock Island
Deepest and smooth bluing on the bodies
Much easier to load than other brands
Alibis feel as if both the metal and the parts are much higher quality than any other magazine
A third or less expensive than some “premium” magazines
Stainless steel flat follower and locks slide back every time on the last shot
The base plate is welded and all surfaces are smooth with no sharp edges
Magazine lips are perfect
Little finger would fit comfortably in the contour of the bumper in front, it doesn’t bite
Tripp research designed the reliable mags with Stainless Steel body, hybrid polymer follower, which steel portion engages the slide catch, preventing untimely wear on the follower. Two models fit 1911, and are available in Government or Officer sizes: 7-round mags come with a welded base or polymer base pad while 8-round ones have a polymer base pad.
Video review
Pros
The body is longer at the base, leaving more room for spring movement
The feed lips sit slightly higher in the gun
No issues with seating or feeding the top round
Highly polished and consistent
Exceeds in quality any of my “OEM” or Wilson mags
Smooth as silk to load and performs flawlessly (even in the cold of a New England winter)
Feeds 185 and 230 grain Gold Dots flawlessly
Cons
Won’t hold open the slide on the Springfield Armory TRP operator: they try to catch the slide but fail
The Magazine features a reinforced heavy-duty tube, a newly constructed anti-tilt follower with sand cuts, and the last round retention function. A steel base pad has been extended to improve the performance of this magazine for tactical use. The Vickers Duty mags are equipped with a stainless flat wire spring for maximal long-term feeding dependability in extreme shooting conditions (the standard coil spring has been replaced).
Video review
Pros
Solid construction
The steel base plate is practically indestructible: don’t deform after dropping
Smooth loading
Locks the slide back and fall free every single time
Good for duty, service, or competition use
Only one sight hole so very little room for sandy, dirt, moisture to cause any issues
Cons
High price
The steel base plate is a little bulky
No spring tension: the flat-wire spring is broken into several pieces, so it’s better to use the regular round-wire spring mags
Metalform designed the mags for 1911 Auto guns chambered for 9 mm Luger, ensuring positive last-round feeding with all bullet types, including wadcutters. There are two options of steel followers’ contour: flat or round; some mags come with concave safety orange nylon follower to hold an extra round. The two holes on the base of the removable mag are not in the same location to allow the bumper pad to fit with the bottom. These magazines are available in natural-finish stainless steel (Silver) or Black coating.
Video review
Pros
Made in the USA
Accepts Bumper Pads
Removable steel plate detaches for easy inner magazine cleaning
Excellent performance
Able to load a full 9 rounds + 1 in the chamber and the feeding is smooth
Cons
The holes are drilled 1/8 in too far forward: they need to be re-drilled in the due location in the bottom plate for a better fit
The bottom plate is not completely flat so the bumper pad does not fit solidly when screwed on
While cleaning it’s not so easy to remove the bottom plate, as the parts do not fit well together with the spring base plate
Rounds nose dives into the feed ramp and jam the gun: especially if loaded to capacity, misfeeds
Cartridge: 9 mm Luger
Capacity: 10-Round
Quantity: 1
Finish: Black
Material: Stainless Steel
The second-generation Brownells 1911 mags feature sturdy construction and flawless performance due to the use of a long-lasting experience. The body and anti-tilt follower are manufactured from heat-treated stainless steel with witness holes. The follower is paired with an extra-power spring. The removable polymer base pad ensures drop protection while changing mags on the fly.
Video review
Pros
Witness holes ensure a fast round count
Made in the USA
Holds 10 rounds
Simple to load
The removable polymer base pad provides simple disassembly
Xylan exterior coating provides corrosion protection, as well as a slick, friction-reducing finish
Cons
The magazine follower is non-quality
Cartridge’s nose dive leads to failure to feed, making the entire mag non-usable for self-defense
Cartridge: 45 Auto (ACP)
Capacity: 7-Round
Quantity: 1
Finish: Black
Material: Steel
METALFORM offers traditional and increased-capacity mags, chambered for 45 Auto (ACP) for 1911 Colts, copies, and compacts. There are three-floor plate configurations: the welded plate is flat, the steel plate constantly welded to mags body, with screw holes to accept Metalform Bumper Pads. Both round- and flat-contour Stainless steel followers ensure positive last-round feeding with all round types, including wadcutters. Natural silver (Steel) or black coating is available.
Video review
Pros
The U.S. made magazines
Available with round and flat steel followers
Ability to hold an extra bullet due to the safety orange nylon concave (some magazines)
Thicker plastic base plates are good for easier manipulation
This is one of the very few mags on the market with hybrid feed lips, providing reliable feeding
Runs like greased lightning in stainless Colt 1911
Flush fitting 8-round magazine
All drop-free and the fit and function are perfect
Cons
Does not engage properly the slide catch on 1943 Remington Rand
Consistently fails limp writing test through the top 3 rounds
Overrides the mag catch
It will lock the slide back sometimes, but you cannot drop the slide with the slide catch
The poor job done affixing the baseplate, fall completely off one of them only four small spot-welds hold the baseplate to the tube
Poor construction: from two of these mags both of the base plates broke off in the same manner
The magazines consist of a body with welded seams, machined followers, and music wire springs. TRIPLE-K ensures a great fit and flawless feed. There are two coating options: Steel or Black with a matte finish. Note that Makarov mags do not fit Chinese-made pistols.
Video review
Pros
100% made in the USA
Cutting-edge replacement for obsolete guns
Loaded easily to capacity
Will last for years with the SS
Perfect functioning after adjusting the feed lips very little and the follower to make it hit the slide lock
Increases Reliability in ALL 1911 Pistols
Aircraft Grade Certified Stainless Steel Tube Resists Corrosion
The ETM has the Strongest Magazine Tube Yet Developed, Virtually Eliminating Feed Lip Cracking, Tube Spread and Cracking and General Fatigue
.025in Tube Walls – Thickest In The Industry
Refined Radius for Each Bend in the Tube to Take Advantage of the Strength in the Stainless Steel
Proprietary, Custom Designed Welding Process
Proprietary Multi-Step Tumbling and Finishing Process Provides Smooth Follower Operation and Insertion into the Weapon
Observation Slots Moved to the Rear of the Tube, Located Exactly Where They Need to be to Maintain the Structural Integrity
Wilson Combat designed 23 models of magazines, chambered for different calibers (.45 ACP, 9mm Luger, .38 Super, .45 ACP +P) with the capacity from 7 to 10 rounds, in Silver or Black color, made from Stainless Steel or Aluminium. The aircraft-grade certified stainless steel makes construction sturdy and corrosion-resistant. The ETM rigid Magazine Tube (.025 in tube wall thickest) with a refined radius for Each Bend to enhance strength excludes feed lip cracking, general fatigue, tube spread. The Structural tube integrity is saved by moving observation slots to the rear, where they should be.
Video review
Pros
Scalloped base pad
Smooth feeding due to the fiber-fill nylon self-lubricating follower, which easily slides into the firearm
Extra capacity
Proprietary, Custom Designed Welding Process
Reliable Quality Control, easy replacement if necessary
Extended Follower Skirt minimizes creep from the tube in empty mags
Long-lasting Stainless-Steel Spring Wire
Positive Slide-Lock After the Last Round
Proprietary Multi-Step Tumbling and Finishing Process
Gun Model: 1911
Color: Stainless
Increases Reliability in ALL 1911 Pistols
Aircraft Grade Certified Stainless Steel Tube Resists Corrosion
The ETM has the Strongest Magazine Tube Yet Developed, Virtually Eliminating Feed Lip Cracking, Tube Spread and Cracking and General Fatigue
.025in Tube Walls – Thickest In The Industry
Refined Radius for Each Bend in the Tube to Take Advantage of the Strength in the Stainless Steel
Proprietary, Custom Designed Welding Process
Proprietary Multi-Step Tumbling and Finishing Process Provides Smooth Follower Operation and Insertion into the Weapon
Observation Slots Moved to the Rear of the Tube, Located Exactly Where They Need to be to Maintain the Structural Integrity
These mags come with sturdy tube construction, both redesigned base pad and follower with sand cuts. The new molded-in last round completely prevents last round feed failures.
Video review
Pros
Designed for military or law enforcement duty magazines for the 1911 platform pistol
Fully sealed body with rear witness hole to minimize lip spreading and prevent sand and debris
The sand cuts on the follower diminish friction when dirty, providing smoother operation
The baseplate is easy to grab under stress
No over-compression for the heat-treated MAX flat wire construction even in extreme duty use
Gun Make: SIG Sauer
Color: Black
MAGAZINE, 1911 COMPACT,
.45ACP, 7 RD
Sig Sauer created mags for 1911 guns (for the classic .45 ACP cartridge), integrating John Browning’s great work with purist Swiss craftsmanship, adding durability. The stainless-steel construction is equipped with rigid music wire springs, polymer baseplates, and wide-cut witness holes on both sides, allowing the shooter to monitor how many rounds are left.
Full-size government
Carbon Steel Tube, heat-treated for strength
Higher tensile music wire spring
Steel follower
Welded butt-plate
The mags comprise a heat-treated carbon steel tube with a higher tensile music wire spring to deliver due feeding every time. They don’t fit mags with guides on guns.
The exact factory replacement Mags are made from stainless steel.
Video review
Pros
Detachable type
Cons
Firstly worked after leaving the magazine loaded overnight, but after a couple of loading and unloading cycles, it failed to lock open the slide when empty
Carbon Steel Tube, heat-treated for strength
Higher tensile music wire spring
Steel follower
Welded butt-plate
The mags feature carbon steel or 17-7 PH stainless steel tube construction with lubricated nylon polymer follower and a metal insert to ensure reliable feeding, and a higher tensile music wire spring. Redesigned high-impact polymer butt-plate is tapered to fit funneled mag wells.
Video review
Pros
Sturdy removable Buttplate and Follower
Inner parts are linked together to provide easy disassembly and reassembly
The spring is covered with a phosphate finish for extended service life and corrosion resistance
The magazine body is crafted of heat-treated carbon steel with a black oxide finish. An injection-molded magazine follower provides smooth feeding and the heat-treated durable chrome silicon wire mag spring.
Gun Make: Colt
Gun Model: 1911
Caliber: .45 ACP
Fabric/Material: Stainless Steel
.45 ACP Caliber
Fits All Full-Size (Government Model) 1911 Handguns
7 Round Capacity
Steel USGI Style Tube
Laser Welded Tube
Witness Holes for Visual Round Count
Steel Follower
Extra Power Spring for Long-Lasting Tension and Durability
Welded Base Plate for the Ultimate in Durability
Flush Fit for Minimal Bulk and Easy Concealment
Drilled for Base Pad (Sold Separately)
Smooth Finish for Easy Insertion / Removal
Long-Lasting Function in Dirty Environments
CM’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!
The traditional flush-fit GI-style mags come with a durable follower, laser-welded stainless-steel tube with welded base plate, drilled for an optional polymer base pad (sold separately).
Reliable magazines should consist of quality feed lips, spring, and baseplate. Sturdy construction will prevent deformation after mags’ dropping. A 10-round capacity is especially convenient for states with stricter capacity laws.
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