4 Reliable 1911 Magazines

When shopping for a 1911 magazine, some people focus on getting the most features for the money, often overlooking one of the pistol's most vital components for reliability. If you fell into that trap, picking up one of these aftermarket magazines will keep your warhorse running smoothly.

The Chip McCormick Custom 8-Round Power Mag 1911 magazine features roll-formed feed lips for greater durability. Its proprietary follower enhances dependable feeding of hollow points as well as troublesome semi-wadcutters, while the super-strong, heat-treated spring further aids reliable feeding. Verifying magazine capacity is quick, thanks to easy-to-read numbers with corresponding witness holes. MSRP: $29.95; (800) 328-2447, cmcmags.com

The Gen II Tripp Research 8R-45-RG CobraMag features CNC-machined feed lips engineered for the specific caliber of your pistol, along with a tube and base-pad design that allows for more spring coils than other 1911 magazines. The hybrid design of its anti-tilt follower features polymer and steel to reduce wear. MSRP: $34.95; (877) 837-9445, trippresearch.com

The Wilson Combat 1911 Elite Tactical 1911 Magazine sports a non-tilt follower made of self-lubricating polymer that completely supports the ammunition to prevent malfunctions like nose-dives and double-feeds. The tube's body is built using a proprietary welding, deburring and finishing process, creating a super-smooth seam that ensures snag-free follower movement for greater reliability. MSRP: $34.95; (800) 955-4856, wilsoncombat.com

The Ed Brown 8-Pack Magazine features a slightly lengthened 1911 magazine body for true eight-round capacity. A wraparound base pad accommodates the extra round without sacrificing the company's original follower design, while its heavy-duty spring enhances reliability. The internal contact surfaces are coated in a self-lubricating finish to repel powder residue. MSRP: $38.95; (573) 565-3261, edbrown.com