1911 Magazine, 8-Round Tac-Mag Review: A Reliable Companion
I have had the pleasure of testing and evaluating numerous firearms and accessories; sometimes, even the little things can add value to your shooting. Today, we’ll cover an add-on to the 1911 magazine. Specifically, I will delve into Kimber 1911 Magazine, .45 ACP, Tac-Mag Review. Not the jazziest of accessories but one that can add practical value to your shooting skills. Join me in this in-depth review, exploring these magazines’ reliability, performance, and overall value.
Table of contents
Reliability and Performance
When it comes to firearms, reliability is paramount. A weapon is only as good as its ability to function flawlessly under various conditions. The 1911 Magazine has been a trusted companion of shooters for over a century, and for a good reason. It’s simple, reliable, and consistent. If you read this blog much, you are probably aware of my affinity for the Kimber line of firearms and products. So, when I recently picked up a few of their Tac-Mags, I expected a great product and value. This review won’t have any surprises; that’s what they were.
Kimber offers the TAC-Mag baseplates stand-alone and with a magazine.
Both come with 3 baseplate options and mounting screws. They easily install to the base plate of the factory Kimber magazine, which has threads in the holes of the steel baseplate.
- Construction: The Kimber 1911 Magazine is constructed with high-quality materials. A Teflon-coated stainless steel follower, Rocket wire spring, and an exclusive quick-change floorplate with three included bases: a conventional stainless steel plate, slim bumper pad, and a thick bumper pad for competition or use with extended magazine wells.
- Feeding and Functionality: The Kimber 1911 Magazine employs a single-stack design, allowing for smooth feeding of .45 ACP rounds. The follower, spring, and feed lips work together seamlessly, ensuring consistent and reliable feeding. This design minimizes the risk of malfunctions such as feeding failures or jams, further enhancing the magazine’s reliability. I have not had a single feeding issue with my Kimber 1911 Custom LW Shadow Ghost.
- Capacity and Ergonomics: The standard 1911 Magazine typically holds seven rounds of .45 ACP ammunition. However, the Tac-Mag variant offers an increased capacity of eight rounds. This additional round can make a significant difference in certain scenarios. Furthermore, the magazine’s ergonomic design facilitates quick and efficient reloads, allowing shooters to stay on target.
TAC-Mag Assembly
Assembly of the TAC-Mag is simple; a small Phillips head screwdriver is all you need. You simply select the base you want, and it screws into the existing plate, or a steel baseplate is provided.
Note the 2 outside holes on the steel plate; you’ll line the rubber plate holes up with the baseplate holes and simply screw them in.
Tac-Mag: Enhanced Features for Optimal Review Performance
Let’s explore the TAC-Mag features and how they contribute to an improved shooting experience.
- Extended Base Pad: The Tac-Mag incorporates an extended base pad for multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows for a more secure grip during magazine changes, reducing the risk of slippage. Secondly, the extended base pad also acts as a bumper, protecting the magazine when dropped and minimizing the likelihood of damage.
- More Efficient Magazine Insertion: As many know, seeding the magazine in the magazine well of a 1911 pistol can sometimes require a bit of a slap. With just the factory baseplate, as you can see above, the magazine baseplate sits flush with the magazine well and thus can sometimes require a stronger slap or a second one to seed the magazine all the way in. The extended baseplate assists with seeding.
- Enhanced Follower and Spring: The Tac-Mag features an improved follower and spring system. The follower is designed to enhance feeding reliability by providing consistent pressure on the rounds, minimizing the chance of misfeeds or failures to lock the slide back after the last round. The upgraded spring ensures optimal tension for reliable feeding and facilitates smooth slide operation.
SIDE NOTE: Interestingly, my original stock magazine did require a bit of a slap to seed the magazine, which was fine, but the TAC-Mags slide right in with next to no force. Kimber’s website doesn’t say anything about any changes to the magazine configuration, but they did go in easier on all 3 TAC-Mags I purchased.
Kimber 1911 Magazine .45 ACP Tac-Mag Review Value and Conclusion
- Availability and Affordability: The Kimber 1911 Magazine is available in the market and on Kimber’s website and retails for $41.95 but is as cheap as $29.39 if you buy 5. Kimber also offers a discount for each TAC-Mag you add to your order. The Tac-Mag variant may be slightly more expensive due to its enhanced features, but it offers added value for those seeking performance enhancements.
- Proven Track Record: The 1911 Magazine has stood the test of time and has been a trusted companion of shooters for over a century. Its reliability, functionality, and enduring popularity among professionals and enthusiasts speak volumes about its performance and value.
- Kimber’s 1911 Contribution: I’ve owned multiple 1911s, and in addition to the Colt, I have zero complaints with the Kimber; they make a badass 1911, and the Kimber 1911 Custom LW Shadow Ghost is among my favorite handguns in close to 40 years of owning firearms.
In conclusion, the 1911 Tac-Mag, is a reliable and high-performing accessory for any KImber 1911 pistol owner. Its robust construction, and smooth feeding can be valuable in self-defense and tactical scenarios.
Kimber 1911 Magazine .45 ACP Tac-Mag FAQs
The 1911 Magazine is primarily designed for the .45 ACP caliber. However, variants available for other calibers, such as 9mm, are designed to accommodate those rounds.
While aftermarket magazines are available for the 1911 pistol, their reliability can vary.
Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for the longevity of your magazine. While there is no specific lifespan, it is recommended to replace your magazine if you notice any signs of wear, damage, or feeding issues during regular use.
Yes, most 1911 Magazines can be disassembled for cleaning. However, following the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions is important to ensure proper disassembly and reassembly without causing any damage.
To keep your 1911 Magazine in optimal condition, it is advisable to clean and lubricate it regularly, inspect for any signs of wear or damage, and store it in a clean and dry environment when not in use.
Yes, Kimber does offer extended magazines for their .45 caliber 1911 pistols. These extended magazines typically provide increased round capacity compared to standard magazines. The exact capacity may vary depending on the specific model and configuration.
