newbie question on mag capacity

[jmoln]

My original days with a 1911 are a long time ago when to the best of my recollection all magazines had a 7 round capacity. I'm researching them and considering a purchase but wonder, what makes some manufacturers have an 8 round and some a 7? Do the 8 rounders just stick out a bit while the 7's are flush with the grip? Are the interchangeable? Are there issues I should be aware of? Your advice please?

[Agent6-3/8]

Some companies have tweaked the spring and follower a bit to be able to stuff 8 rounds in a 7 rounds tube. However, IMO, the is a less than optimal solution. Other's like Tripp research and Wilson combat have introduced mags designed specifically for 8 rounds. These mags do stick out a bit. If I were going to buy 8 round mags I would buy:

Tripp Research Cobra mags
Wilson Combat ETM's
Wilson Combat 47D's.
(In that order)

Some may disagree with the order or add Chip McCormick Power Mags to the list, but you can't go wrong with the above 3.

[jmoln]

Ok, so a frame such as the Wilson CQB or a Taurus (not trying to make a comparison here :innocent:) which are advertised for 8 round mags - can they use 7 round mags? Another way to ask the question is this - what is the dimensional difference between the 7 and 8's? I wondering if I were to purchase a SA model can I use 8 rounders or am I restricted to 7's and vice-versa.

[deadday]

Ok, so a frame such as the Wilson CQB or a Taurus (not trying to make a comparison here :innocent:) which are advertised for 8 round mags - can they use 7 round mags? Another way to ask the question is this - what is the dimensional difference between the 7 and 8's? I wondering if I were to purchase a SA model can I use 8 rounders or am I restricted to 7's and vice-versa.

Any full sized 1911 will take 7 or 8 rounders and they will fit flush or very close to...Officer sized pistols take a smaller version of the 7rnd mag, but the fullsized 7 and 8 rnd mags will fit with about 1/4"-3/8" sticking out the bottom of the grip. I carry an officer sized with the smaller 7rnd in it, with 2 full sized 8rnders for reload.




drew

[michael t]

Range I use 8. For carry I want and use 7 I just don't trust 8 round mags

[rick458]

I use Wilson 47D's and Wilson Elite in my Kimber and Colt they run flawlessly
the Tripps were tested and outperformed the 47D's the Wilson Elites were not out for the test, they are all 8 rounders

[TacticalBling]

This is a question I've kicked around in my brain, but have been too chicken to post. Thanks, jmoln, for putting it out there! :wavey:

I've wondered about the Wilson, et al. 8-rounders too. Maybe I'll try some...

[rick458]

The Wilson follower design is very different and its polymer the Elites were extensively tested
to ensure reliability, a Colt/GI style magazine are the MOST problem prone, and they ding up your ramp.

[rick458]

http://www.trippresearch.com/osdoc/1911mag.html

[maxbmello]

I've never had a single problem with any of my Wilson 8 rounders, but I have had a couple of hiccups with my stock Kimber 7 rounders. Just my .02

[AWMP]

I have tried and used several brands or magazines, the ones I have found work for me are the Kimber Tac Pro 8 and 7 round mags, never a single problem and they come with two different base pads.