1911 Magazines
The magazine is the single most common source of malfunctions in a 1911 — a quality magazine is not optional, it’s the difference between a 1911 that runs and one that doesn’t. Wilson Combat ETM and 47D magazines are the gold standard that most serious 1911 shooters standardize on, with Chip McCormick (now CMC), Mec-Gar, and Ed Brown offering excellent alternatives. Impact Guns carries 1911 magazines in .45 ACP, 9mm, 10mm, and .38 Super from all the major manufacturers.
Read our full 1911 Magazine Buying Guide ↓
Wilson Combat ETM and 47D: The Gold Standard
Wilson Combat magazines are what most custom 1911 builders ship with their guns and what most gunsmiths reach for when diagnosing feeding issues. The ETM (Elite Tactical Magazine) is the current flagship — an 8-round .45 ACP magazine with a self-lubricating polymer follower, heat-treated stainless steel body, and a full-length internal support tube that prevents bullet nosedive. The 47D is the classic 7-round design that’s been proving itself for decades. If your 1911 is having feeding issues, try a Wilson Combat magazine before changing anything else — it’s the most common fix.
Chip McCormick / CMC Magazines
Chip McCormick (now marketed as CMC) Power Mags and Shooting Star magazines are the second most popular aftermarket 1911 magazines, offering reliable feeding at a lower price than Wilson Combat. The Railed Power Mag (RPM) is their flagship — a 10-round .45 ACP magazine with a steel follower and extended floorplate.
Mec-Gar 1911 Magazines
Mec-Gar manufactures OEM magazines for many 1911 brands (including some that ship in the box with your pistol) and sells them under their own name at lower prices. Mec-Gar 1911 magazines are reliable, well-made, and typically the most affordable quality option. They’re available in standard (7-round .45, 8-round 9mm) and extended capacities.
Factory OEM Magazines
Most 1911 manufacturers offer their own branded magazines: Springfield Armory, Kimber, Colt, Sig Sauer, and Rock Island all sell factory magazines for their 1911 models. Factory magazines are guaranteed to fit your specific gun, though aftermarket options from Wilson Combat often outperform the factory magazine in feeding reliability.
Caliber Matters: .45 ACP vs. 9mm vs. 10mm
1911 magazines are caliber-specific and not interchangeable. A .45 ACP 1911 magazine will not work in a 9mm 1911, and vice versa. .45 ACP magazines are the most common (7–8 round standard, 10-round extended). 9mm 1911 magazines hold 9–10 rounds standard. 10mm magazines match .45 ACP external dimensions but with different internal geometry. .38 Super magazines are the same external dimension as 9mm. Always match the magazine to your 1911’s exact chambering.
Full-Size vs. Compact 1911 Magazines
Government/full-size (5-inch) and Commander (4.25-inch) 1911s use the same full-length magazines. Officers/compact (3–3.5-inch) 1911s use shorter magazines that are not interchangeable with full-size mags (though full-size magazines will physically insert into a compact frame — they’ll extend below the grip). Some manufacturers offer flush-fit compact magazines and extended grip-extension magazines for compact 1911s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 1911 magazine?
Wilson Combat ETM (8-round .45 ACP) is the most widely recommended. Wilson Combat 47D (7-round) is the classic alternative.
Why does my 1911 jam?
The magazine is the #1 cause of 1911 feeding issues. Try a Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick magazine before diagnosing anything else.
Will a .45 ACP 1911 magazine work in a 9mm 1911?
No — 1911 magazines are caliber-specific and not interchangeable between calibers.
Will a full-size 1911 magazine fit a compact 1911?
It will physically insert but extend below the grip. For flush fit, use magazines made for your compact frame size.
How many 1911 magazines should I own?
Minimum 3–5 for range use. Competitive shooters and serious practitioners keep 8–12.
See Also: 1911 Pistols • 1911 Grips • 1911 Holsters • Magazines • .45 ACP Ammo • .38 Super Ammo