Ethan Clarke
The Para 7 rd 1911 magazine plastic follower is a part specific to the 1911 Pistol. It is important to know which model you have when purchasing spare parts. The 7-round magazine has been compared to the 8-round magazine, with some users reporting that the 8-round magazine can be difficult to insert when topped off. The 7-round magazine provides a stable platform for progressive dies and uniformity, with body tooling in 6 stages and follower tooling in 16 stages. Some users prefer the Tripp Research metal polymer hybrid follower design, while others opt for the Wilson Combat Magazine Spring/Follower Kit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Magazine Type | 7-round |
| Magazine Spring | 13 active coils |
| Magazine Follower | Plastic |
| Magazine Follower Design | Dimpled |
| Magazine Compatibility | 1911 Pistol |
| Manufacturer | Wilson Combat |
| Kit Capacity | 8 Round Govt. / 7 Round Officer |
| Caliber | 45 ACP |
| Magazine Functionality | Easy loading, locks slide after last round |
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What You'll Learn
Magazine capacity: 7-round vs 8-round
The 1911 magazine was originally designed for seven rounds, but eight-round magazines are now available. Some users prefer to load their eight-round magazines with only seven rounds to avoid wear and tear on the magazine springs and to prevent feeding issues. Others have reported no issues with using all eight rounds in their magazines.
The difference in capacity between seven-round and eight-round magazines lies in the design of the follower and spring. The standard seven-round magazine has a dimpled follower and a spring with 13 active coils, which provides sufficient strength and rate to chamber the last round or two. Eight-round magazines have a flat follower and a shorter or weaker spring, which can lead to feeding issues and a wobbly follower.
Some newer eight-round magazines, such as the Wilson ETM Tripp 8R-45-RG, have been designed with a longer magazine tube body to accommodate the additional round. However, this results in the magazine extending slightly past the frame. Other eight-round magazines, such as the CMC and 47D, have been reported to have issues with the extra 1/4" of space required for the eighth round, which can kill the springs.
It is important to note that the reliability of a magazine is dependent on various factors, including the quality of the magazine and the type of ammunition used. Some users have reported occasional double feeds with eight-round magazines, while others have found that their eight-round magazines work reliably with different types of ammunition. Ultimately, the decision between using seven-round or eight-round magazines depends on factors such as reliability, magazine compatibility, and personal preference.
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Magazine spring: 13 active coils
Magazine springs are compression springs with oval or rectangular-shaped coils placed inside the magazine or charger of a firearm. They are designed to push up the bullets or rounds to be placed into the chamber. The design of a magazine spring varies depending on the firearm type, with factors such as length, force, and coil number influencing its functionality.
The number of coils in a magazine spring directly impacts its strength. A spring with fewer coils, like a key ring, has a stronger force compared to a spring with more coils, like a slinky. Therefore, a magazine spring with 13 active coils, like the Grams Engineering replacement spring, offers a balance between strength and rate, ensuring the rounds are securely positioned during the firing cycle.
The 13 active coils provide sufficient force to push the rounds into the chamber and maintain their position, even in high-caliber pistols such as the .45 caliber 1911 pistol. This coil count is specifically designed to accommodate the firearm's magazine capacity and ensure reliable feeding of ammunition.
Additionally, the design of the magazine spring considers the rate and travel required for the firearm to function correctly. Adjustments to the spring's outer diameter, wire diameter, length, or coil number can influence its force and rate. For instance, increasing the outer diameter or wire diameter reduces the spring's force and rate, while decreasing these values leads to an increase in force and a potential change in the spring's index.
In summary, a magazine spring with 13 active coils is a carefully designed component that provides the necessary force and rate to ensure the reliable feeding and positioning of ammunition in firearms, specifically catering to the requirements of high-caliber pistols like the .45 caliber 1911 pistol.
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Plastic vs metal followers
When it comes to the debate of plastic versus metal followers for the 1911 magazine, there are several factors to consider. The 1911 magazine was originally designed for seven rounds, and using an eight-round magazine can be challenging as it requires a different follower that can collapse during loading. Plastic followers are often preferred as they are more slippery than metal ones and less prone to jamming. They are also self-lubricating, which can enhance their performance. Additionally, plastic followers are usually more affordable, with polymer magazines available at a lower price point compared to metal followers.
However, one disadvantage of plastic followers is that a tilted plastic follower can cause issues during ejection. Metal followers, on the other hand, are known for their durability. Steel/aluminum followers are popular due to their thinner and smoother design, allowing them to fit better in mag pouches or carriers. They also have more durable feed lips, which can help prevent malfunctions. Nonetheless, the harder metal of steel/aluminum followers can damage the internal lip of the mag tube over time due to the force of impact.
While some users opt for metal followers for their longevity, others prefer plastic followers for their smoother performance and cost-effectiveness. Ultimately, the choice between plastic and metal followers depends on individual preferences, the specific firearm, and the intended usage conditions. Some users even opt for hybrid followers, combining the benefits of both plastic and metal materials, as offered by companies like Tripp Research.
It is worth noting that the 1911 magazine is specifically designed for the 1911 Pistol, and it is recommended to consult a qualified gunsmith when purchasing and fitting spare parts to ensure compatibility and safety. The market offers a range of options, including the Wilson Combat Magazine Spring/Follower Kit, which is available in both seven and eight-round capacities.
In conclusion, the decision between plastic and metal followers for the 1911 magazine depends on various factors, including reliability, durability, cost, and personal experience. It is always advisable to prioritize safety and consult experts when modifying or using firearms.
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Wilson Combat mags: 7-round compatibility
Wilson Combat offers a range of magazines for 1911 pistols, including both 7-round and 8-round options. The 7-round magazines are designed for full-size 1911 handguns and are available in ".45 ACP calibre. These magazines feature a standard base pad and a removable .350" plastic base pad. Wilson Combat highlights the durability and reliability of their magazines, claiming that they are used by elite professionals worldwide.
The 8-round magazines are also designed for full-size 1911 pistols and are available in ".45 ACP calibre. These magazines feature a standard base pad and a black fluoropolymer finish. While Wilson Combat offers both 7-round and 8-round magazines, it is important to note that some 1911 pistols may require proprietary magazines from their manufacturer. For example, the Wilson Combat Sentinel models, the Springfield Armory EMP series pistols, and the Kimber Micro series pistols use proprietary magazines.
When choosing between 7-round and 8-round magazines, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the 1911 magazine was originally designed for 7 rounds, and adding an extra round may require a different follower that can collapse during loading. Secondly, some users have reported that the 8-round magazines can be difficult to insert when fully loaded. However, others have shared their positive experiences with using 8-round magazines without any feeding problems.
Wilson Combat provides detailed specifications for both their 7-round and 8-round magazines on their website, including information on dimensional tolerances, spring wire fabrication, and base pad options. It is recommended that users refer to this information and their pistol specifications to ensure compatibility. Additionally, Wilson Combat offers a lifetime satisfaction policy on their magazine tubes, providing replacement for any tubes that become unusable during normal use.
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Magazine loading and functionality
Loading a magazine can be frustrating, especially for new shooters. Here are some tips and techniques for loading and understanding the functionality of the Para 7 RD 1911 magazine with a plastic follower:
Magazine Loading:
When loading the Para 7 RD 1911 magazine, it is important to first orient the magazine in your hand correctly. Hold the magazine in your support hand so that the angle of the follower, or the top plate inside the magazine that is mounted to the spring, matches the angle of your thumb. Take a round in your strong hand, positioning your fingers so that you can read the stamping on the back of the cartridge. Brace the magazine against a stable surface like a table or bench. Use the ammunition round to press down on the follower, and slide the round under the feed lips, which are the curved parts of the magazine that resemble wings. You can use a loading tool like an Uplula to make this process quicker and easier. If you don't have a loader, use your support hand thumb to press down on the rounds in the magazine to reduce spring tension.
Magazine Functionality:
The Para 7 RD 1911 magazine is designed to hold seven rounds of 45 ACP ammunition. The standard magazine follower and spring work together to ensure proper feeding and functioning. The spring provides sufficient strength and rate of recoil to chamber the last round or two, even during the rapid cycle of the pistol. The seven-round magazine is the standard capacity for the 1911 pistol, and modifications or additions may be required for using eight-round magazines. Some users have reported success with eight-round magazines in their 1911 pistols, but it may depend on the specific model and configuration. It is recommended to consult a qualified gunsmith for any modifications or repairs.
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Frequently asked questions
A plastic follower is a component of a magazine that aids in the loading and functioning of the magazine.
The 1911 magazine was originally designed for 7 rounds, and adding an 8th round requires a different follower that can collapse during loading.
Some users have reported issues with 7-round magazines not dropping free of the pistol when empty and having a stiff spring that makes loading the 7th round difficult. However, these issues tend to resolve with use over time.
The Wilson Combat Magazine Spring/Follower Kit is available for 7-round magazines and has received positive reviews. Sarco also offers a 7-round 1911 Auto Magazine that has been well-received by users.
Plastic followers, particularly those made of machined Delrin, can have better lubricity, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions. However, some users prefer metal followers as they are less likely to twist, tilt, or flex. Hybrid followers that combine a metal shelf with an anti-tilt polymer design are also available and offer the benefits of both materials.
