In the realm of magazines for the venerable M1911 .45-cal. pistol, be they seven- or eight-round-capacity models, there are many that will work, but few that excel-an opinion oft echoed in blogs and forums of M1911 enthusiasts. The grading criteria for "good" .45 magazines may seem unduly harsh, but considering users trust them for competition and personal protection, it's hard to dispute the need for a reliable product.
One such is manufactured by Israel-based company E-Lander, and brought into the U.S. by the Mako Group. Capable of holding eight rounds of .45 ACP, the E-Lander utilizes a polymer floorplate, metal follower and a steel body with a protective coating that increases both its lubricity and corrosion resistance. The magazine's back panel features a uniform, but clearly visible, laser-welded rear seam that the company claims actually increases the magazine's strength as no material is lost in "clean up" grinding, as with magazines manufactured using traditional welds.
Range testing incorporated eight magazines, three guns-a 1913 military-issue M1911, a Kimber Super Carry and a Springfield Armory wadcutter-specific gun-and a couple hundred rounds of mixed ammunition, including ball, hollow-point and wadcutter loads. Though not an exhaustive test, I found zero issues with the E-Landers. Full magazines were easy to insert-whether the slide was forward or locked back-rounds fed cleanly and empty magazines dropped free.
Displaying both form and function, E-Lander's 1911 magazines are also priced a few dollars less than other premium examples and, as such, are well worth consideration. Price: $29. Contact: The Mako Group, 170-20 Central Ave., Farmingdale, NY 11735; (631) 880-3396; TheMakoGroup.com.
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