Scandium Frame 1911 and magazines?

[tt0511]

I have a Smith and Wesson 1911 Compact ES. The magazines that came with it are ACT with a base pad at the bottom that sticks out. I didn't like that so I bought a Kimber 7 round flat base magazine this weekend, and boy did it clean up the looks. I believe it may help concealability as well (once my permit comes in the mailbox).

I've read a few posts on this forum, and several on another about "magazines with metal followers shouldn't be used with alloy framed 1911s". But, that's really funny because both magazines that came with my 1911 have metal followers. I've read something about how a metal follower can, ...gouge the feed ramp? If that were the case, why would Smith ship them in the ES? I have seen in some of the posts that say not to use the metal follower equipped magazines, that they are talking about "aluminum" framed 1911s. I don't know how Scandium compares to aluminum.

I sent an email to Smith asking them if using the Kimber mag in the ES would damage it, but in the meantime I'm curious to know what you guys think. Smith may not like me for asking about a competitor's product being used in their gun, but, their magazines aren't readily available so that's their fault.

On another note, I don't know if the Kimber mag is a good magazine or not. I know people seem to prefer Wilson Combat, Tripp, Check Mate, etc. but I haven't had any trouble out of my factory ACT mags once the gun had 100-150 rounds down the pipe. I had a problem with the last round failing to load "full into battery" with one of the magazines, but it went away at the 150 round mark. The Kimber mags were the only ones I've seen available at local gun shops I've been to and I didn't really want to order over the internet if I didn't really have to. I'm trying to determine if I should return the Kimber magazine for a refund and order one of the others off the internet.

Edited February 15, 2010 by tt0511

[krunchnik]

I have a couple of Kimber mags,one of them is their Kim Pro Tac Mag and this one works pretty well,most of the mags I own are the Wilson Combat model 47 all either in the 7 or 8 round.I have had the best luck with the Wilsons.The Kimber mag actually works better in my RIA Compact than the Wilsons do,only reason is because the Wilsons baseplate is a little to big for the rock,after a little trim work they work great also.I would use whatever magazine works best.the Wilsons have a nylon follower so they wont dig at the feed ramp.

[tt0511]

Thanks. Someone on another forum answered the question, or more like "educated" me on the issue.

Looks like the Kimber mags will work but people seem to have problems with the regular kimber mags. I may upgrade to the tac-mag as people seem to have very good reliability with them. I'm probably just being anal, but I really didn't think it was too much to ask for a 7 round magazine, blued with a flush steel base plate that will be more concealable and will also match my blued pistol frame.

I don't understand why all of the acclaimed "great" magazines seem to be offered only in stainless. Does the blue-ing somehow inhibit the performance of a magazine?

[Guest Todd@CIS]

The ACT mags use a captured follower...no issues.

It's the original-style, split follower that can cause issues with aluminum / scandium frames.

Good thread that explains the issue.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=61318

Edited February 16, 2010 by Todd@CIS

[tt0511]

Thanks Todd. Someone on the 1911forum helped me by posting a picture of that follower that can cause problems. It was on a Chip McCormick mag. I also found a helpful video on youtube:

I have the newer style mag. Hopefully it will be perfectly dependable in my Smith like it is in this guy's Springfield.