Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super Review

How the Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super Performed Under Pressure

For those of us who appreciate the classic lines and proven platform of the 1911, especially in calibers like the potent .38 Super, reliable magazines are not just accessories; they are fundamental to performance. The Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super promises to deliver that reliability. This particular model, with its stainless steel construction and a 9-round capacity, aims to be a dependable companion for your Government or Commander-sized 1911.

My search for this specific magazine stemmed from a rather frustrating experience with a batch of generic aftermarket magazines that were causing intermittent feeding issues with my cherished .38 Super 1911. The inconsistency was unacceptable, particularly during range sessions where a smooth, uninterrupted shooting experience is paramount. I needed a magazine that was built to spec, from a manufacturer with a reputation for quality, to eliminate the magazine as a variable in any potential malfunctions.

Upon receiving the Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super, my initial impression was one of solid craftsmanship. The weight felt substantial, a testament to the stainless steel construction, and the finish was uniform and pleasing to the eye. It lacked any sharp edges or obvious manufacturing flaws, which often plague lower-quality alternatives. I had briefly considered some polymer-bodied magazines for their lighter weight, but ultimately decided that the durability and established performance of steel were more important for this application. My first reaction was one of quiet confidence; this felt like a magazine built to last and perform.

Real-World Testing: Putting Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super took place at my local indoor shooting range. I loaded it with my preferred brand of 130-grain full metal jacket .38 Super ammunition. The magazine seated firmly into the pistol’s magazine well with a satisfying click, and the slide lock lever engaged without any excessive force.

During the first hundred rounds, the magazine performed flawlessly. It fed rounds smoothly into the chamber with each cycle of the slide, and I experienced zero malfunctions. The magazine’s dimensions seemed to be a perfect match for my 1911’s magazine well, ensuring consistent seating and reliable feeding. There was no need for any sort of break-in period; it was intuitive from the start.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and well over 500 rounds through this Metalform magazine, its reliability has not wavered. It has become my go-to magazine for both range practice and defensive training drills. The stainless steel construction shows no signs of corrosion or significant wear, even after being dropped on the concrete floor of my workshop once (a testament to its robust welded base).

Maintenance has been straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a silicone cloth after range sessions is usually sufficient, and a more thorough cleaning with a cleaning brush and some solvent every few hundred rounds keeps the follower moving freely. Compared to some of the finicky, budget magazines I’ve used in the past, this Metalform unit is a revelation in terms of consistent performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super

Specifications

The Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super is designed with a specific purpose in mind: to reliably feed .38 Super ammunition in 1911 pistols. It boasts a 9 Round capacity, which is standard for many single-stack 1911 magazines in this caliber. The construction is entirely Stainless Steel, a material choice that offers excellent corrosion resistance and inherent strength.

A key feature is the Round Follower, which is designed to present ammunition to the slide at a consistent angle, reducing the chance of feeding malfunctions. The Welded Base plate further contributes to the magazine’s durability, preventing accidental disassembly during hard use or drops that can occur with some press-fit or pinned bases. This combination of materials and design elements ensures a robust and reliable magazine. Compared to older blued steel magazines, the stainless steel offers superior resistance to rust and wear, which is particularly beneficial in varied environmental conditions.

Performance & Functionality

In practical terms, the performance of this Metalform magazine is exceptionally good. Its primary job is to reliably present rounds to the chamber, and it excels at this. The 9 Round capacity strikes a good balance between ammunition availability and magazine size, fitting flush or nearly flush with most Government and Commander model 1911s.

The Round Follower truly makes a difference in ensuring consistent feeding. I’ve noticed a marked improvement in how smoothly the rounds present compared to magazines with older, less refined follower designs. The overall functionality is smooth and predictable, with no instances of the follower binding or failing to push the last round into the feedway. This unit meets and often exceeds expectations for a magazine designed for a service-caliber pistol.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Metalform magazine is dictated by function, and it executes this principle well. The Stainless Steel construction gives it a solid, high-quality feel. The Welded Base is a notable design choice, as it adds significant strength and prevents potential issues that can arise from a base plate detaching.

While there aren’t complex ergonomic features on a magazine itself, the smoothness of the interior surfaces and the consistent operation of the Round Follower contribute to a seamless user experience. The magazine slides into the pistol’s grip with satisfying tactile feedback, and the lock-out is positive. The lack of sharp edges or rough spots further enhances its usability.

Durability & Maintenance

The Stainless Steel construction and Welded Base on this magazine point towards excellent long-term durability. I have experienced no signs of cracking, deformation, or significant wear after hundreds of cycles. It feels like a component that could easily last for decades with basic care.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving occasional cleaning to remove powder residue and ensure the Round Follower operates without obstruction. It’s resistant to rust, which is a huge advantage over blued steel magazines, especially if used in humid environments or if subjected to sweat. There are no complex parts to worry about; it’s a straightforward, robust piece of equipment.

Accessories and Customization Options

As a standalone magazine, the Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super doesn’t come with additional accessories. Its primary function is to be inserted into the firearm. However, its Welded Base means that customization options for the base plate, like colored extensions or shock-absorbing pads, are not as readily available as they might be on magazines with screw-on or pinned base plates.

This is generally not a drawback for a magazine intended for reliable function over cosmetic customization. For users looking to enhance their 1911’s magazine handling, aftermarket grip sleeves or extended magazine wells are compatible with this magazine’s dimensions.

Pros and Cons of Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super

Who Should Buy Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super?

This magazine is an excellent choice for any owner of a .38 Super chambered 1911 pistol in Government or Commander size who values reliability and durability. If you’ve experienced feeding issues with lesser magazines or simply want a magazine built to the high standards expected of a classic platform, this Metalform unit is a strong contender. It’s ideal for range enthusiasts who put a high volume of rounds downrange and for those who carry their firearm for self-defense and require absolute confidence in their equipment.

Individuals who are looking for the absolute lightest magazine or who heavily prioritize aftermarket base plate customization might consider alternatives. However, for straightforward, dependable performance, this magazine is hard to beat. A recommended complementary item would be a quality magazine speed loader for .38 Super, which can make loading this 9-round magazine quicker and easier, especially during extended range sessions.

Conclusion on Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super

The Metalform 1911 Govt/Commander Magazine, 38 Super delivers on its promise of reliable performance. Its robust Stainless Steel construction, coupled with the Welded Base and precise Round Follower, creates a magazine that feels as dependable as it performs. For its price point of $41.99, the value proposition is exceptionally strong, offering a level of quality and reliability often found in more expensive units.

I would readily recommend this magazine to anyone looking for a high-quality replacement or addition to their .38 Super 1911 collection. If you’re seeking a magazine that will consistently feed your pistol without fuss, allowing you to focus on your shooting, then this Metalform unit is an excellent investment. It’s a testament to why Metalform continues to be a respected name in firearm magazines.