1911 Mag Q&A

As one of the most popular (and best-selling) handguns ever designed, there are naturally a lot of questions surrounding the venerable Colt 1911 pistol. Naturally, some of these have to do with 1911 mags, so we rounded up some of the common ones and answered them here.

What’s the Difference Between Single and Double-Stack?

Single-stack is a configuration in which the ammo within the magazine lies in a single column, or “stack” that the magazine then feeds up into the action. The first M1911 was a single-stack model, so all original 1911 mags are single-stack mags as well, as is our 7-round 1911 mag.

Double-stack refers to a configuration in which there are two staggered columns, or stacks. Because of this configuration double-stack mags can accept a larger volume of rounds within a smaller space. Some aftermarket 1911 pistols and 1911 clones, like some Rock Island 1911 pistols, sport a double-stack configuration.

However, single and double-stack mags are not cross-compatible.

Can You Leave 1911 Mags Loaded?

This is a very common question and the answer is yes, as with all firearm mags, they can be left loaded. It is not just compression of the mag spring, but repeated compression and decompression cycles, that causes fatigue. Therefore you can load your 1911 mags and leave them loaded for as long as you want without fear of damaging them.

Can You Take Apart 1911 Mags?

That depends on the construction of the magazine. If the magazine has a base plate with a set screw or some other retainer, then yes, you can remove this and take the magazine apart. However, many 1911 mags do not have a base plate that is separate from the mag body and so cannot be disassembled in that sense. To take them part and remove the mag spring, you must remove the follower and then pull the spring out after it.

Do Pistol Mags Need to Be Cleaned?

Yes, all 1911 magazines will need to be cleaned periodically. In this sense they are no different from any other type of firearm magazine. To clean them, take them apart and clean each component individually in order to remove dirt, dust, fouling, and other particulate matter.

After cleaning, use oil sparingly if you use it at all, as many magazines are not designed to be oiled. If you apply any oil at all to a 1911 mag, apply it sparingly to the mag spring, and only then, to protect against oxidation, and not as a lubricant.

Are All 1911 Mags Cross Compatible?

All 1911 magazines are not cross-compatible, although many are. First is that single and double-stack magazines are not cross compatible. Also, a magazine for a compact model may not be compatible in a larger handgun.

Otherwise, some magazines, like our 1911 magazine, are intended to be compatible not only with 1911 originals, but also with many aftermarket pistols, such as Rock Island and many other aftermarket models.

How Long Do Mags Last?

That depends not only on the magazine itself but how it is cared for. However, as a benchmark, our 1911 magazines are made with high-strength springs tested to 20,000 cycles, so they should last approximately that long as long as you keep the magazine clean, in good working order, and free of corrosion.

When a Magazine Stops Working, Do You Need to Replace the Whole Thing?

Sometimes, but not necessarily. It really depends on the disaffected part. If the magazine tube or body is damaged, then yes, probably, but if the culprit is a deformed follower, you just need to replace that.

However, and far and away, the main cause of a pistol magazine that won’t work is a magazine spring that has fatigued. The other few magazine parts will generally last a lifetime with proper care. If your mag spring has fatigued, simply replace that part and you should be able to restore functionality to the magazine.

What Are Some Common Problems with 1911 Mags?

There are many common problems with 1911 magazines but for the most part they’re fairly basic.

The most common problem is a fatigued mag spring. Remove and replace the affected part and you should restore functionality to the mag.

Deformed feed lips and followers can also cause issues with feeding. A follower can be replaced, and feed lips can be bent back to shape within reason, but if the damage is severe, the whole 1911 mag will need to be replaced.

Though there are others, this covers most of the common problems experienced with 1911 mags.

Discover a Superior Breed of Single-Stack 1911 Mag

If you’re tired of expensive pistol magazines, check out our single-stack 1911 mag and discover the difference. Made of high-strength steel with fewer radical bends, advanced feed lips, rounded followers and springs tested to 20,000 cycles, our mags are simply better - plus they’re compatible with a wide range of 1911 pistols and clones. Check them out here and if you have any questions before buying get in touch with us.