And a Couple of Kimber Magazine Questions Answered
Before I jump into the Kimber 1911 Extended Magazine Review, I want to prepare you for the fact that I’m going to go off-topic slightly and cover a couple of 1911 re-acclamation items I ran into.
Join us as we examine the construction, reliability, ergonomics, and compatibility of the Kimber 1911 extended magazine. We’ll also discuss it’s impact on shooting dynamics, addressing concerns such as increased weight and potential drawbacks of extended magazine usage. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether these accessories fit your needs and how they can enhance your shooting experience.
Table of contents
A Little 1911 Back History
I recently picked up a Kimber Custom LW Shadow Ghost .45 ACP 1911 Pistol and was reminded why I loved 1911s so much. My first 1911 was a Colt Double Eagle in 1989, and I loved it. I know the gun got a lot of heat, but I put well over 10,000 rounds through mine and never had an issue with it.
Well, after owning striker-fired firearms for the last 30 years, the first thing I was reminded of at the range was reloading every seven rounds sucks. That is what led to me picking up the Kimber 10-round extended magazine.
Kimber Magazine Wasn’t Going In
On the first trip to the range, I noticed the magazine would go in two-thirds of the way and would then hang up. When I pushed the magazine release button, it would effortlessly go in the rest of the way. I proceeded to put over 150 rounds through the Kimber before remembering that slapping the magazine in 1911 is common. Ultimately, it reminded me that 1911 is not a handgun you must handle delicately—another thing I love about it.
After this trip to the range, I made a couple of mental notes:
- How much I love the UpLULA Universal handgun reloader.
- How bad I needed magazines with at least a bit more capacity
- How much freakin fun it is to shoot the 1911, and how Kimber makes one hell of a handgun!
The Kimber 1911 LW Shadow Ghost .45 ACP
The Kimber 1911 LW Shadow Ghost .45 ACP is a badass firearm combining exceptional craftsmanship and high-performance features. Built on the proven 1911 platform, this lightweight version offers a sleek, modern design that catches the eye.
The gun features a full-size frame made from lightweight aluminum, reducing its weight for enhanced maneuverability and ease of carry. The slide is constructed from stainless steel, providing durability and reliability. The 1911 LW Shadow Ghost is chambered in the .45 ACP caliber, delivering formidable stopping power. It boasts a crisp trigger pull and excellent ergonomics, ensuring precise and comfortable shooting. I know all that sounds like a commercial, but it’s no joke; it’s one of my favorite handguns.
Aftermarket Magazines
I know there are a ton of after-market magazines, and likely the 1911 is up there with the AR-15 in the number of manufacturers that produce aftermarket and extended magazines. However, I have seen and heard of some bad outcomes with aftermarket magazines, so I don’t recommend them often in handguns. The AR-15 does great taking a variety of magazines, although some cause problems there too. Lastly, consider what you paid for the handgun and what some of the problems that could arise are;
Durability
Aftermarket magazines might not be as durable or long-lasting as the original magazines. They may have weaker springs, lower-quality materials, or substandard construction, leading to premature wear and malfunctioning. This can result in failures to feed, magazine jams, or even damage to the firearm. Cleaning and maintenance for this magazine are similar to the stock magazine.
Fit and Compatibility
Kimber 1911 pistols, like any firearm, are designed to work optimally with specific magazines. Aftermarket magazines may not have the same precise dimensions or tolerances as the original magazines, leading to fitment issues. They might not lock into place securely or may have excessive play, affecting the overall performance and reliability of the pistol.
Inconsistent Capacity
Some aftermarket magazines may claim to have a higher capacity than the standard magazines for the Kimber 1911. However, they may not reliably hold the advertised number of rounds or may cause issues when fully loaded. This can be due to design flaws, poor spring tension, or improper engineering.
Reliability
Aftermarket magazines may not function as reliably as original or factory-made magazines. They could have feeding issues, fail to lock the slide back on the last round or cause other malfunctions. This can result from poor construction, inconsistent tolerances, or inadequate quality control during manufacturing.
Warranty and Support
Using aftermarket magazines, especially those not manufactured or recommended by Kimber, can void the firearm’s warranty. In case of any issues or malfunctions, you may not receive the same level of customer support or assistance from the manufacturer.
To minimize these problems, it is generally recommended to use magazines specifically designed for your Kimber 1911 and manufactured by Kimber. If you choose to use aftermarket magazines, thorough research, reading reviews, and selecting trusted brands can help mitigate potential issues. Testing and verifying the functionality of aftermarket magazines before relying on them for self-defense or critical purposes is also advisable
Kimber 1911 Extended 10-Round Magazine
With an increased capacity over the standard seven or 8-round magazines, Kimber’s extended variant offers a couple of additional rounds in the magazine. It provides you with extra firepower at the range and in critical situations. Although to carry and by default, I would use the 8-round magazine. At the range, every extra round that saves me from having to stop and reload is always welcome.
Construction and Reliability
Crafted with the same precision and attention to detail that Kimber is renowned for. The Extended 10 Round Magazine boasts a durable construction that ensures long-lasting performance. Made from high-quality steel, this magazine is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use while maintaining its reliability and functionality.
The magazine’s increased capacity is achieved through an extended baseplate and modified internals. It will accommodate up to 10 rounds of ammunition. Despite the added rounds, the magazine maintains a sleek profile that blends seamlessly with the aesthetics of the Kimber 1911 pistol.
Ergonomics and Compatibility
One of the key concerns when utilizing extended magazines is their impact on ergonomics and handling. However, Kimber has taken meticulous care to ensure that the Extended 10-Round Magazine retains the same comfortable grip and balance that shooters have come to expect from the Kimber 1911. It does add a little weight.
The extended baseplate provides additional surface area for your hand, although very few hands would need it. The Full Size Kimber has a generous size grip. This ergonomic design ensures that the magazine does not compromise the overall handling and maneuverability of the pistol, allowing for smooth and accurate shooting.
Additionally, the Kimber 1911 Extended 10-Round Magazine is designed to be compatible with a range of 1911 models. However, they offer extended mags for the Ultra, Custom, and other sizes of 1911s, so be sure you pick the right one.
Performance and Considerations
Increasing the magazine capacity to 10 rounds saves me loading another magazine after every 4th magazine. For some that would carry the Kimber with the extended magazine, this offers slightly higher capacity. My biggest curiosity was whether it would perform equally to the factory magazine. Not only did it, but it loaded easier (no slapping the magazine in) than the factory magazine, and I like the baseplate, although it does stick out, which I’m not a fan of. The 1911 performed flawlessly with the extended magazine, and next time they go on sale at the Kimber Shop, I will pick up a few more.
It’s important to note that the extended magazine does add additional weight to the pistol due to the increased round count. While this might affect the overall balance slightly, the difference is generally negligible, and most shooters quickly adapt to the added weight with minimal impact on shooting performance.
Conclusion
The Kimber 1911 Extended 10-Round Magazine is a well-crafted and reliable accessory that enhances the already impressive capabilities of the Kimber 1911 pistol. With increased ammunition capacity and the retention of the pistol’s ergonomic features, this extended magazine provides shooters with additional firepower.
If you want to maximize your shooting potential and extend your range time without compromising on reliability or performance, the Kimber 1911 Extended 10-Round Magazine is a worthwhile investment. Consider adding this accessory to your firearms arsenal and unlock a new capacity and versatility with your beloved Kimber 1911 pistol.
Kimber 1911 Extended Magazine Review FAQs
An extended magazine for the Kimber 1911 has a larger capacity than the standard seven or 8-round magazines that typically come with the pistol. It is designed to hold more rounds, often up to 10 rounds, allowing for increased firepower and reduced reloading during shooting sessions.
Yes, Kimber is known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, and their extended magazines performed flawlessly for us.
No, verify compatibility with your specific Kimber 1911 before purchasing an extended magazine to ensure a proper fit.
The extended magazine may slightly alter the ergonomics of the Kimber 1911 due to its increased size and weight. However, Kimber has done a great job designing this extended magazine. They maintain a comfortable grip and balance, ensuring minimal impact on the pistol’s handling and maneuverability.
While extended magazines offer increased capacity, they can add weight and bulk to the pistol. Some shooters may find that the added weight slightly affects the pistol’s balance and handling. Additionally, this magazine protrudes from the grip, which could make concealed carry more challenging. Consider these factors and determine if the benefits outweigh any potential drawbacks.
