Colt's 8-Round Flush 1911 Magazine ~ Do They Work? ~ How Did They Do It?

[@sackett68]

I watch a lot of gun channels for pure entertainment. But I watch your channel for education. Great video as always!

[@jayztoob]

I'm old enough that I used to shoot with WWI vets, and learned that they would cut a couple of coils off of the springs and stretch them a bit to convert the original mags to 8 rounders. The officers would actually inspect the 1911s for the modified springs, and it was something you definitely didn't want to be caught with. Years ago I put new springs in my mags to make them hold 8. Thanks again for an interesting and informative video. I really thought it was common knowledge, but I've been shooting 1911s for well over 60 years, and I've seen, heard, and read lots of misinformation in that time. I've introduced quite a few people to the 1911 over the years, and never tire of hearing, "Wow! What a nice trigger."

[@comodice905]

Bloke don't du unauthorized mods yank

[@harryjoe860]

That is an awesome story! I have some guns from WW1 and to think of the men who used those guns post war being able to target shoot with them is fascinating. Adds a lot of emotional weight to those 1890s-1918 guns

[@anangryranger]

I couldn't agree more. Having been a professional gunsmith for 30 years, concurrently with being a peace officer, I read the same outlandish nonsense. Though long since retired, I still work on my own, and family's weapons. And a few friend's as well. They all trust my knowledge and experience. You and I are much alike, and both of us can smell a phony pretty fast. Thanks for having a great channel!👍 Wade

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you for your encouragement, Wade. I continually find it rather bizarre that people hug the nonsense that is written on blog sites and spewed on this medium, without assessing the origin or questioning the source. Colt and all firearms makers have Research and Development (R&D) teams that continuously seek to improve their product. Are we so foolish and arrogant that we cannot conceive that a simple magazine spring can be improved after 100 years?

[@bobhill3941]

As a man who learns from and respects your knowledge as well as a 1911 fan, this was so interesting, helpful, informative, and surprising, no other channel has ever gone into so much detail, I was particularly surprised with the loading weight.

[@tommymorgan9926]

Bob, I got the same reply that you did. It says “Congratulations you won a gun” is this legit?

[@HD-J.R.]

@@tommymorgan9926 NO, it is a scam! Don't respond and do not give them any information. Nearly every gun channel has warned of this scam. Report it to KZbin.

[@walterminer4990]

I'm 71 years young and still learn something everyday! Thanks for sharing! Best to ya',,,,!

[@bobgonzalez5845]

I’m 65 years old…, and apparently you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Great video!!!

[@harperhellems3648]

Tell Benny my 5 beagles can't believe all this rain either. We're in Virginia and they're whining too. Bless Benny , you, and all our 1911s. He is such a faithful friend. Thank you for sharing him with us. I had a Brittany/Beagle mix and he was the most loyal, faithful dog I ever had.

[@k-9thecat765]

I follow you, Paul Harrell, Military Arms Channel & Clint Smith... You all have a lifetime of no nonsense real information... You prove what you say on camera... Paul always says good science is provable and repeatable...

[@billystink4611]

Yeah blogs and forums have mostly gone down the drain as information sources these days. Everyone is an expert in nothing lol. Great video, thanks for actually showing PROOF of what you are talking about.

[@JaredAF]

Great video. I knew how these mags worked beforehand but still always learn something new when I watch something from you. I think one of the best technologies in magazines recently have been the usage of nesting springs in which the geometry of the spring compresses down into itself rather than stacking up, limiting space. Mec Gar manages to fit 18 rounds into the same space as the factory Beretta 15 round M9/92 magazines using nesting springs!

[@GunBlue490]

This is not a nested spring. Nested coils are progressive in diameter and fit within larger coils. They have a reputation for snagging. This spring uses less wire and fewer coils.

[@JaredAF]

@@GunBlue490 Thanks for the reply, I guess my comment gave the impression that these colt mags were a nested spring which they clearly are not. 😁😁 Just wanted to expand on the theme of the video ie clever engineering allowing more rounds in the same space.

[@14goldmedals]

MecGar magazines are amongst the very best made. Many high end pistol makers use MecGar supplied magazines because of their quality. My 1984 vintage Sig-Sauer P226 9mm has both Sig and MecGar mags and I haven't had a mag related stoppage in tens of thousands of rounds, that I can remember at least ha ha ha. I've been using that pistol since around 1990 and it's still a gem.

[@JaredAF]

@@14goldmedals Ernest Langdon swears by them and he shoots more in a year than I will in 10 years . Good enough for me!

[@davidhandyman7571]

Like all the best solutions, just a simple change. No need to get complicated. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills with us. You are a great teacher.

[@anthonyjbargeman5280]

Always thought it was the springs. Didn't have a clue how. Thanks for the clarification.

[@MidwesternFC]

Another great video. Your production style continues to improve and is very enjoyable to watch. Thank you.

[@tp3521]

Thanks for going over all the specs & breaking it down as the numbers show!

[@leveractiongypsy1848]

I was on MidwayUSA ordering these Colt 8rd mags and saw your review and note you did a video on it - so I came to watch it haha - excellent video presentation as always!

[@amack1996]

No need to ever question “how”? on the subject of 7 rd vs 8 rd identical 1911 magazines after this. Thanks for sharing, Great Video!

[@billyp333]

Thank you for sharing you knowledge.....I am 61 and enjoy learning from a true expert.....THANK YOU........

[@mojo4376]

I love your videos sir. Keep up the great work and thank you.

[@terrystover7365]

I have to admit, I done some pondering over this subject. Thanks for this explanation. Another great video,

[@danqodusk8140]

Another hugely informative presentation! You are doing a tremendous service to those of us new to the 1911trying to learn all we can. Thank you many times!

[@texasjoe3261]

Another Excellent Presentation !! Thank You For Sharing Your Knowledge ! May GOD Always Bless You !

[@64samsky]

Thank you for another class from a good teacher.

[@catfishsiegel30]

Thank you for the information. Ilike you bought some of the colt 8 rounders and came to the same information as you 😊😊😊 because I wanted to know

[@richyt5983]

Excellent display and explanation, Thanks very much!

[@joshuagibson2520]

I really appreciate the lack of bullshit with this channel. Thank you.

[@NorthwoodsShooter]

I truly appreciate your honesty and realness. I learn from your videos, unlike when I watch many other videos. I immensely thank you!!!

[@dennisl4000]

Thanks, I always enjoy watching you. You are great.

[@ramblinwithwreck]

A couple of months ago I bought a couple of the Dan Wesson 10 round mags for my Springfield TRP. They work flawlessly so far and the only downside for me is that they make a large pistol even larger and harder to conceal. Great video

[@harryjoe860]

I love my 10 rounders. Feed great and when fully loaded make the first few shots more accurate because the gun feels better balanced

[@paulsimmons5726]

As always, rock solid and on point, no need to guess when you know the facts! Take care and be well!

[@matthazan3562]

Thx for the timeless critical info. GB

[@peteshour768]

It is an absolute pleasure to watch your videos and benefit from your years of training and experience. I agree, the blogs for me is a waste of time. The blind leading the blind. I was always wondering why 7 rounds vs. 8 rounds. Thank you.

[@trenacook7694]

You are so correct...the info I read last night was a lie about cutting the follower legs. Valuable lesson here sir. Thanks

[@skiphinson8620]

Fantastic teacher.

[@tommymorgan9926]

Did you say 3 and ……3? Lol! Awesome! Thanks for the informative and detailed information.

[@tomstone6247]

Hey big man , always a pleasure . Well informed video , thanks .

[@catseatcheese]

Nice to listen to someone from my generation who knows his stuff. Thanks for the info.

[@RickJZ1973]

Great presentation! Really enjoyed the explanation. Thank you for posting this. Your channel is extremely informative and educational.

[@ernestcoombejr.3047]

I agree 100% on the internet info. There is simply no substitute for hands- on experience!!!

[@johndiblasi4803]

Spot on as usual ✅

[@trenacook7694]

Enjoyed the content sir

[@MarkHansen1990]

Such an excellent explanation. Great channel. God Bless.

[@user-tm8tm6qf2c]

Interesting video. Thank you!

[@randycarpenter2914]

I learned something I didn't know. I don't have a 1911, but knowledge is always good.

[@chrischiampo7647]

Thank You Mr Gunblue For Showing The Facts and Not Saying Something Without Proof and Fact 😀😊😀👍🏼

[@larrysimpson6087]

I have enjoyed your information and opinions for a few years now. Thank You!!! and my God Bless you Benny and family!! ps. I have a Benny who's name is Kyle.. I rescued him or he rescued me this April.

[@14goldmedals]

Great story about Kyle and how lucky for the both of you finding each other. 👍

[@oliverclosoff4973]

I can't thank you enough for all the information and knowledge I've learned from you. I've just started to really get into guns after I stopped hunting in my youth and your videos have been very instructional for me. Thank you for everything you do sir.

[@jimhobson9268]

A forum is a place to be somebody you're not, that's why I watch your channel and stay off forums. Bye Benny!

[@stinger4583]

Thank you. I have a couple of Kimber 1911s. They are pretty good.

[@elblancobasura]

Thank you for the great and informative video. I was still messing my diaper when you were loading magazines.

[@eddieengland9886]

Great job and very informative as always. 👍🏻

[@jonesatvadventures1010]

What a class act! And God fearing to boot. Strange in today's world, unfortunately.

[@callawayken650]

Gunblue springs into action to clear the air regarding magazines. Have a great day!

[@nohillforahighstepper]

Now here is something I didn't even know that I needed to know... I guess that makes me not intelligent enough to know that I don't know everything? I guess I'm in good company. Seriously though, great video. Thank you. 😊

[@paulheinz2145]

That was great and informative. I did notice you did not speculate on the longevity of the spring? We will see.

[@GunBlue490]

No, I don't speculate. I have absolutely no reason to believe that the same modern metallurgy that allowed for a stronger, thinner spring will be in the least less durable. Advances in metallurgy would prefer the durability of the modern wire over the older.

[@ArmeroPR]

You're so right about these internet mediums where people talk out of their ass without any knowledge on certain gun topics. Great content and information on your channel Sir.

[@quercusrubra777]

Thanks for sharing from your wealth of knowledge.

[@gdmofo]

Love your Channel! What are your thoughts on Mec-Gar 1911 mags

[@joefw2446]

Excellent, thanks so much!

[@DanielCValot]

It is amazing what you will find using a dial caliper lol Long time ago I was wondering the difference of 7 and 8 rd mag. The body is the same, the follower is the same, then I used a dial caliper and it showed me the difference right away lol Great video, thank you

[@tbjtbj4786]

I have never been a big 1911 guy. I went straight from da revolver to da autos. But when I have used a 1911 45,10 I used Wilson combat or chip McCormick mags and never had a problem. I even replaced colt magazine with them after having a dubble eagle that the mags hung up.

[@herman66mi83]

Great video, as usual!

[@jackieeastom8758]

Thank you for this information!

[@johnh4957]

you certainly had an easier time unloading the mags than I do, mine tend to nosedive or have more friction, the first several I have to push down while pushing out, maybe I need some Colt mags! I need to try that trick to test spring tension, maybe mine have too much?

[@jeffthompson5840]

thank you again for the great knowledge hello mr benny

[@markmcenturff8417]

You go Benny.😊

[@agwynne50]

Great explanation, Wayne. But I'm not taking apart my magazines unless you're here to put them back together!😆

[@GunBlue490]

Love you!

[@larrysimpson6087]

Great advice!!! Thanks

[@anotherspambot1363]

Thank you for the info I never knew how to disassemble 1911 mags, Also I'm glad I'm not crazy I knew flush 8rnd mags existed! (I do not use 1911's or .45 acp at all)

[@Art-mo5bt]

Gauge is the word of the day. From simple and forthright beginnings a life is built. 😊

[@patmancrowley8509]

Whodathunk a minor spring change could make such a difference? GREAT! Thank you, worthy brother!

[@GunBlue490]

Vivat Jesus!

[@humblebug452]

Teach us some more. Sweet video.

[@Joe-l6p2y]

After taking down my 1943 Little magazine for 1943 1911 I found that there is no front “leg”. No issue, cleaned it, spring and all and straightened the feed. Smooth as silk now ! GB, is this the correct way to ask questions ? Thank you and God Bless. Joe

[@randysanders5560]

Always excellent content. Fluff free. Lol. Thanks

[@Mack5749]

Enjoyed thanks

[@mohammedcohen]

...I've been using Chip McCormick (RIP) 8 round mags since ca. 1991 or so

[@catfishsiegel30]

Went to range and used 3 of these mags today . Had no hiccups.

[@kenm8376]

See there, now you've gone and answered a question I've been pondering for a few days. My Para Ordnance lda came with a 7-round magazine and I bought two 8-round magazines for it. All are of the same dimensions.

[@andrewstromfeld312]

One brand of magazines is saying regarding one of it's products that it's safe for alloy aluminum frames. That the steel follower stays in the tube and doesn't touch the frame when raking the slide on an empty magazine. I also noticed another brand that makes mags coats the follower in some type of black coating.

[@cesarmagdaleno6009]

I love your dog

[@HD-J.R.]

Thank you. The answer begs the question, can I buy just the spring and will it work in all my mags?

[@PetenSal]

Thank you for the information and the advice as well!

[@MrDaveyBoah]

@gunblue490 I just found your channel. I watched your video where you showed a very good looking Winchester 94 chambered in 32 special. I have the same rifle (family heirloom) that’s not in the same great condition you showed. I’d love a way to reach you and show pictures of what might not be so good about it and how to best protect it for the future.

[@ColtDee]

interesting enough, the physical size is the same, its the design of the internal spring, cleverly built and usually very reliable, unless you are using super high end loaded ammunition, some maximum loads to the muzzle velocity of 1310 feet a second, so the spring is too weak for the faster moving slide at these pressures of over 28000 pounds per square inch, considering the basic barrel has a unsupported chamber. They change out the springs. the main spring 28 pounds, recoil spring 28 pounds, and a heavier duty firing pin spring, not forgetting a flat firing pin stop plate to further reduce slide speed.

[@stevenrush9862]

I appreciate your expertise

[@eiualumni1966]

Off topic request. I own a Rugar 1911 Commander 45cal. First hand gun I ever purchased and love it. My question is, I need correct information regarding the trigger adjustment and can't find any trustworthy info. Can you refer me to a source or do a video. Thanks, and I learned so much from watching your videos...even how to remove the taillight on my Tacoma.

[@brianlee6849]

Excellent 👍 this is great information. I love engineering and how a smart engineer can achieve 1 more round with a re-engineered spring. I know some people will say this is nothing but it is something because these little things happen everyday and this is how we progress and get better in most cases. Engineers also have to make budget and they have to come up with new things that can increase revenue without increasing cost this is very difficult It takes a lot of thinking and they did a good job on this because I don't think that the new spring cost any more than the old spring but people will pay more for an 8-round magazine than they will for a seven if it's just as reliable. Thank you That was great I really appreciate it 👍

[@14goldmedals]

You mentioned reliability. That's the heart of this entire topic. "Can we make our 7 round flush fitting magazines hold an extra round WITHOUT sacrificing reliability in a maximium stresss situation?" Asked a Colt employee. And here we are.

[@brianlee6849]

@@14goldmedals I'm sure that the engineers put these through tens of thousands of rounds of testing and prototypes with their competitive shooters I think if there was a problem they would have canned it but it made it to market so I'm thinking the reliability should be there. So far I'm not hearing any talk of the eight round mags being unreliable. Thank you

[@brianlee6849]

@@14goldmedals Reliability is definitely their first priority but cost believe it or not is a huge issue for companies. They've tested stuff that's even better than this but it probably cost more so it never makes it to market. In the end a business has to make money and if they're not making money they go out of business and we get nothing. So cost is a huge part of an engineer's job not just the engineer the absolute best part cuz that absolute best part will be too expensive. Thank you 👍

[@14goldmedals]

@@brianlee6849 great point on cost. Depending on the product, saving let’s say $0.02 per screw could mean huge profits like in the auto industry.

[@brianlee6849]

@@14goldmedals You have to remember every little thing adds up. If it adds up to more than people are going to pay they don't sell. It's actually that way in every industry. Especially firearms. Why do you think so many firearm companies have gone broke? Have a good one 👍

[@leonardjanda6181]

❤great channel 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Paladin1873]

In the early 1980s a company called Devel offered flush-fitting 8-round magazines for the 1911. Thee were available as conversion kits and complete magazines. I purchased several of each. They used a flatter V-shaped follower to gain sufficient space for the eight round. I think the spring was different, but I'd have to examine one again to be sure. I found the conversion kits did not work reliably in many magazine bodies, possibly because of different internal dimensions, but the complete Devel magazines performed fine. I still have them and use them on occasion.

[@tommymorgan9926]

Did you really win a gun or is someone phishing you and me and a few others on this channel?

[@Paladin1873]

@@tommymorgan9926 I haven't entered any giveaway, so it's all a scam.

[@tommymorgan9926]

@@Paladin1873 thanks for responding. I thought so. The more I interacted with them about this supposed gun that I had won, all the misspellings, poor grammar, the more I started to get suspicious. Then I started to look around at other supporters of the channel and noticed that they had also won. To good to be true…

[@Paladin1873]

@@tommymorgan9926 It's a very common scam found on many KZbin pages. Their goal is to either steal your personal information or get you to pay some handling charges with a credit card, then boom, before you can say Bob's your uncle, they've piled up a bunch of charges on your card or swindled your bank account.

[@MonicaPease-f2l]

I’ve been a fan of yours for a few years and consider your info as gospel.

[@johngadd2532]

I love mine, sometimes I have problems feeding the first round on a full magazine , and some times the last. Round. I know it related to the mag and it angle of feed. I need to some further investagiation.

[@GunBlue490]

Those issues are more likely a weak recoil spring for the first round and over oiling, which causes spontaneous misfeeds/stovepipe jams on the last round. If a magazine feeds most rounds, it's generally not a magazine issue. Keep feed ramps free of oil and never oil any magazine, ever.

[@silverhorder1969]

After watching your video I believe the 7 round with double the coils in the spring may actually be better for long term loaded magazines. I believe the 8 round with half the coils would not hold up as far as long term loading. This is just a hunch. Hey thanks for the very informative video!

[@GunBlue490]

Your hunch is not founded in the way springs work, and I always advise folks to seek fundamentals of mechanical design, not hunches. Colt knows a bit about springs, ya think? Guns and machines of the world employ thousands of springs of various dimensions and infinite combinations of wire diameters, coil designs, and coil counts. A great many of those springs are under constant load and last for generations. You say long term loaded magazines? That's no feat at all for a spring maker! Consider that a car engine valve spring must exert constant force upon a valve that cycles at over 100 times per second! Consider that the firing pin spring in a bolt action rifle is always under almost 100% compression. It is compressed over 1,5 inches all the time, and in cocked mode is less than .060". Tension, compression, and resistance are the only factors involved. Properly tempered of high quality metal, which you may rest assured are properties of any modern gun spring, each would be equal in durability and elasticity.

[@silverhorder1969]

@@GunBlue490 i hope you’re right.

[@stevenrush9862]

Thank you for the great advice

[@murphy4yt]

Thanks for another great informative video.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

Looks to me like 2:56 Colt switched to parallel/wadcutter feedlips. Not too happy to see that personally. The original magazine was a fully tapered feed lip, take that as one will.

[@GunBlue490]

Wow, how profound! I praise God that my personal state of happiness doesn't hinge on magazine feed lip design.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

@@GunBlue490 Your level of snark certainly betrays agitation at a mere observation and statement. Have a good day.

[@TheEriccurtis]

I just bought a mid 70s Colt Commander that came with one 7rd Colt factory mag so I bought 2 Colt 8rd mags and I’ve noticed with the side back and chamber open the mag inserts easy and clicks into place easy but if I insert a mag with the slide forward it seems the mag requires more physical force to click into place, is there a reason for this? It’s my first Colt and I’m not familiar with the attributes of the hardware.

[@comodice905]

Great vid good work 👏 ❤❤😂😂😊🎉😢 are we gonna stand and bang with chona over tiwan.....what's ur thoughts

[@garrycoy806]

Had 7 &8 round mags for years, never really thought about it. All I knew was the 8 round mag has one more hole in the side.

[@tommymorgan9926]

Garry, what gun did you win? I won one too?

[@JohnnyReb2000]

Thanks for this demonstration of reverse engineering. I wish you had done this a couple of years ago, before I upgraded my Kimber mags to anti-tilt followers. Then I would've bought the ones that came with the 8 round springs instead. From the looks of the magazines you used as an example, it appears that the first 5 holes that indicate the number of rounds in the magazine are positioned the same location of the magazine body, with the 8 round having an additional one spaced the same. Is that correct? Once again, thanks for the video.

[@GunBlue490]

The holes simply reveal the rounds that can't be seen at the top of the magazine.

[@joebailey3007]

do you have the part numbers for Brownells or Midway 8 round springs ? Great video

[@hkvp9tactical418]

Those are not “weep holes” on the bottom. They are there so you can screw in “butt plate extensions” which some people like to make “tapping in or seating” more positive to ensure.