Magwell questions

[Guest bazookazilla]

I am thinking about adding a magwell to my 1911. I am a little hesitant to because I use it for CC. Would someone that know a little bit about 1911s please be kind enough to spell out the pros and cons of a magwell? Thanks on advance for your help.

[DaveTN]

Pro’s….

If it’s a competition gun it allows for faster magazine exchanges.

Con’s….

If it’s a carry gun it’s just more crap in the way.

[Kano]

I carry Gov. 1911's all have Magwells and have no problems ...

Edited August 31, 2008 by Kano

[dunndw]

The only one of my 1911s that doesn't have a magwell is my Nighthawk bobtail. I personally don't think it complicates CCW that much at all

[Guest Grout]

It adds a little to the length of the butt and is an aide for a smoother reload.Some people like them some don't.I do

[pops572]

Unless you are using flat based mags, Colt, Kimber, etc., your mag base sticks out just as far as the magwell. I had one on a SA and used Wilson Combat, Tripp, and some S&W mags and it was almost flush.

[Guest bazookazilla]

Would I have to cut my grips or replace them?? Any reccomendations as to certain manufacturers?

[Guest Verbal Kint]

Would I have to cut my grips or replace them?? Any reccomendations as to certain manufacturers?

You shouldn't have to cut your grips... however, you will have a noticeable gap between your factory grips and the magwell due to the bevel on your grips. Grips made to be used specifically with magwells have a flat bottom so that they meet them flush.

I used Kimber's magwell on my Pro CDP II. It was the combination design (magwell + main spring housing) which also replaced the "cheesy" plastic MSH with an alloy one. But all the main 1911 vendors offer them, in all colors, and different styles.

You can search MidwayUSA or Brownell's and find a dozen, or more, different styles.

[Guest grimel]

Buy a King's Gunworks speedwell grip to try it if you are worried about the cost of buying and having one fitted. If you like it, get a "good" one installed.

Or you could do as I am and buy the S&A arched MSH/chute combination. I figure the arched MSH pre-blended to the chute will give me about the same results as a bobtail and make reloads more fumble free.

[rd97]

I just put a magwell on mine and it doesn't add much at all. The mag still comes out below the magwell. Not really that much difference. Get the one piece from S&A. Mine slid right in with no modifications on my STI Trojan. I had already purchased grips that were made for a magwell but you don't have to do this.

Edited September 5, 2008 by rd97
Additional Info.

[Punisher84]

I'm a thin guy and I have a magwell on my Kimber Pro Carry. No problems. Buy a GOOD ONE!! Don't but the cheap ones that have the hooks for the grip screws, buy the one that replaces the mainspring housing.

[rd97]

Just put an S&A magwell on my 1911. Basically not much difference in grip length but really nice for reloads.