Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit Review

Why the Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit Caught My Eye

As someone who has spent over a decade in environments ranging from demanding outdoor expeditions to meticulous workshop repairs and controlled lab settings, I’ve learned that the reliability of even the smallest components can make or break a critical operation. The Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit initially piqued my interest not as a flashy upgrade, but as a pragmatic solution to a common, albeit often overlooked, point of potential failure in a well-loved piece of equipment. My particular concern stemmed from the occasional, frustrating mag swap where a follower seemed to lose its way, sometimes ejecting itself or failing to present the last round reliably. This led me to seek out a more robust and dependable solution for my existing steel service magazines.

During my initial inspection, the kit presented itself as a straightforward replacement part. The Chip McCormick components felt solid, with a clean finish on the metal follower and a spring that exhibited good tension without being overly stiff. It wasn’t a revolutionary design, but one that promised to address a specific, nagging issue. I had briefly considered some aftermarket magazine extensions or full magazine replacements, but those often came with a heftier price tag and the risk of introducing new variables. This kit, however, offered a chance to enhance what I already owned. My first impression was one of quiet satisfaction; it felt like a sensible, well-engineered fix.

Real-World Testing: Putting Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit to the Test

My testing of the Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit occurred primarily in a dynamic shooting environment, specifically at my local range and during various practice sessions in my workshop. This involved numerous magazine reloads under varying conditions, from calm bench rest shooting to more rapid-fire scenarios where quick magazine changes are paramount. I deliberately subjected the converted magazines to frequent cycling, simulating both deliberate practice and the exigencies of a high-stress situation where every second counts.

The performance in these different realistic conditions proved to be a significant upgrade over the original steel followers. I experienced a noticeable improvement in the speed and reliability of my magazine swaps. The polymer follower seemed to glide more smoothly within the magazine well, and crucially, I encountered no instances of follower ejection or misalignment during rapid reloads. Even after extended sessions with the converted magazines loaded and unloaded multiple times, the spring maintained consistent tension, and the follower remained firmly seated. This kit proved to be remarkably intuitive; the installation was straightforward, and the components immediately worked as intended without any adjustment period. The most welcome surprise was the complete absence of the follower-related hiccups that had occasionally plagued my older magazines.

Over several months of consistent use, the converted magazines have held up exceptionally well. The Chip McCormick conversion kit has become a standard part of my range bag. Durability has been impressive; the metal follower shows no signs of significant wear, scuffing, or deformation despite being dropped and handled frequently. The spring retains its original tension, indicating a material quality that stands the test of time and repeated compression cycles. Maintenance has been minimal, primarily consisting of the standard magazine cleaning alongside the rest of my firearm. No special care is required beyond what’s already part of my routine firearm upkeep.

Compared to my previous experiences with various factory followers and some generic aftermarket replacements, this kit offers a superior balance of performance and longevity. While some budget options might offer a similar initial function, they often lack the consistent reliability and robust construction seen here. The Chip McCormick components feel like they are built to last, a stark contrast to some parts that quickly begin to exhibit stiffness or develop minor imperfections after just a few uses. This kit has truly transformed some older, potentially problematic magazines into dependable performers.

Breaking Down the Features of Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit

Specifications

The Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit is designed to upgrade existing steel service magazines for .45 ACP firearms, specifically enhancing 8-round capacity configurations. The kit includes a new metal follower and a specialized spring, crafted from durable materials to ensure longevity. The primary feature of this kit is its ability to convert a magazine from a steel follower design to a more modern polymer follower system, aiming to significantly improve feeding reliability and speed.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the user’s experience. The 8-round capacity and .45 ACP compatibility ensure it integrates seamlessly with popular firearm platforms. The use of metal for the follower suggests a durable component that can withstand repeated impacts and abrasion within the magazine body, while the included spring is engineered to provide optimal tension for consistent feeding, even as the magazine empties. This attention to detail in material and design translates directly into fewer malfunctions and smoother operation during critical moments.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit is to enhance magazine reliability, and it excels in this regard. The primary job of this conversion kit is to ensure that each round is presented to the action smoothly and consistently, preventing jams and misfeeds. This is achieved through a combination of a well-designed follower that guides the rounds and a spring that provides the correct pressure.

The strengths of this kit are immediately apparent in its smooth operation. I experienced a definite improvement in feeding consistency, particularly with the last few rounds in the magazine, an area where older designs often falter. The metal follower moves freely and reliably, guiding each cartridge with precision. If there’s a weakness, it’s that this kit is specific to certain magazine types; it’s not a universal solution and requires the user to have compatible steel service magazines to begin with. However, for its intended purpose, it performs exceptionally well, meeting and often exceeding expectations for a simple conversion.

Design & Ergonomics

From a design perspective, the Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit prioritizes functionality over flair. The metal follower is precisely machined, with smooth edges that facilitate easy movement within the magazine body without snagging. The spring is robust, offering a firm but not excessive resistance that ensures reliable feeding without excessive wear on other magazine components.

In terms of ergonomics, while the follower itself isn’t directly handled during shooting, its design contributes to the overall ease of use of the magazine. A well-functioning follower means less chance of a jam, which in turn means a more comfortable and less frustrating shooting experience. The Chip McCormick design ensures the follower sits correctly and operates without binding, making magazine reassembly and function more predictable.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit is a significant selling point, especially given its metal construction. Under normal use, this conversion kit is designed to be a long-term upgrade, essentially giving older magazines a new lease on life. The materials used are resistant to wear and tear that often affects lesser components.

Maintenance is as simple as it gets. The components are designed to be cleaned along with the rest of the magazine during routine firearm maintenance. There are no intricate parts or delicate surfaces that require special attention. Any potential failure points would likely stem from extreme misuse or damage to the magazine body itself, rather than the conversion kit components.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit is a focused upgrade, meaning it doesn’t come with a host of additional accessories. It is, in essence, the accessory for your existing magazines. The kit provides the essential spring and follower needed for the conversion.

There are no explicit customization options for the kit itself, as its purpose is to standardize and improve upon existing magazine designs. However, its compatibility with common .45 ACP service magazines means that once installed, the enhanced magazines integrate seamlessly with firearms and other existing accessories like magazine pouches or speedloaders. The true “customization” is the improved reliability and performance it brings to your existing magazines.

Pros and Cons of Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit

Who Should Buy Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit?

This conversion kit is an excellent choice for firearm owners who possess older steel service magazines for their .45 ACP firearms, specifically those with an 8-round capacity, and who have experienced or wish to prevent issues like follower misalignment or ejection. It’s ideal for range enthusiasts, competitive shooters, or anyone who values consistent performance from their equipment. It’s also a smart buy for those looking to extend the usable life of their current magazines without investing in entirely new units.

Individuals who should probably skip this product are those who already use magazines with modern polymer followers or those who only own firearms that utilize proprietary magazine designs. If you are looking to increase your magazine capacity, this kit alone will not achieve that goal. It’s also unnecessary if your current magazines are already performing flawlessly and you have no history of follower-related malfunctions. For those considering this kit, ensuring you have compatible magazines is the most crucial step.

Conclusion on Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit

The Chip McCormick Spring & Follower Conversion Kit is a straightforward, effective, and well-executed solution for anyone looking to enhance the reliability of their .45 ACP steel service magazines. It delivers on its promise of improved feeding and greater confidence during magazine swaps, transforming potentially troublesome older magazines into dependable components. The metal construction of the follower and the quality of the included spring speak to a product designed for durability and consistent performance.

At a price point of $14.95, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. It offers a significant upgrade in functionality for a fraction of the cost of purchasing new, high-quality magazines. For those who appreciate practicality and robust engineering, and who own compatible magazines, I would readily recommend this conversion kit. It’s a small investment that yields a substantial return in operational confidence and firearm performance.