What to Expect from the MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines
For anyone who values organized and protected storage for their firearm magazines, the MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines presents a compelling solution. This specialized container from MTM is designed specifically to house a significant number of single-stack handgun magazines, offering a sturdy and secure alternative to flimsy plastic bags or loosely piled storage. My own quest for a better way to manage my growing collection of 1911 magazines, which were starting to clutter my workspace and posed a risk of damage, led me to explore this particular offering. Initially, the prospect of a dedicated magazine can seemed straightforward, but the quality of construction and the thoughtful design features quickly became apparent upon its arrival. While I briefly considered generic ammo cans or even simple plastic bins, the promise of pre-cut, closed-cell military-grade foam and a water-resistant O-ring seal within this specific model offered a level of protection that these alternatives couldn’t match. My first impression was one of sturdy utility, a well-built piece of kit that felt ready for serious use.
Real-World Testing: Putting MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines took place in my home workshop and at the local indoor shooting range. I loaded it up with a variety of 1911 magazines from different manufacturers, including Wilson Combat, Mec-Gar, and factory Colt magazines, all of which are standard single-stack configurations. The can performed admirably right out of the box; there was no complex setup or learning curve required. It was an intuitive process of simply placing the loaded magazines into their designated slots.
During a particularly damp range day, I kept the can in my range bag, and while it wasn’t submerged, it did encounter ambient moisture. The water-resistant O-ring seal held up, and upon opening it back in the workshop, the magazines remained dry and free from any signs of condensation, which can be a real concern for firearms components. This initial positive experience was crucial, as it immediately validated the product’s claims of protection.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines has proven to be a reliable companion for my shooting hobby. It’s become the default storage solution for my 1911 magazines, both loaded and unloaded, between range visits and during cleaning sessions. The can has been transported numerous times, jostled in the back of my vehicle, and even accidentally dropped from a low height onto a concrete floor (a moment of panic quickly followed by relief) – and it emerged unscathed.
Durability is clearly a strong suit of this unit. The molded plastic has resisted scuffs and scrapes remarkably well, and the heavy-duty, latching system remains secure, showing no signs of weakening or misalignment. The foam inserts have retained their shape and cushioning properties, even after being repeatedly compressed and released by magazines. In terms of maintenance, cleaning is as simple as wiping down the exterior and, if necessary, removing the foam for a quick rinse and dry. It certainly outperforms any previous method I’d used, such as stacking magazines in an old plastic tote or using individual magazine pouches that always seemed to be misplaced.
Breaking Down the Features of MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines
Specifications
The MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines is engineered with specific dimensions and materials to offer robust storage. Its exterior measures 5 inches (Length) x 11.3 inches (Width) x 7.2 inches (Height), making it compact enough for storage on shelves or in bags while still offering substantial capacity. This capacity is precisely for holding 16, 1911 Handgun Mags, a crucial detail for owners of this popular platform.
Inside, the can features pre-cut, closed cell military-grade foam. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill foam; it’s designed to provide superior cushioning and prevent magazines from rattling against each other or the sides of the container, thus protecting their finish and internal components. Complementing the foam is a water-resistant O-ring seal, a critical component for safeguarding contents from environmental moisture, dust, and debris, which is a significant advantage over standard storage solutions.
The closure mechanism consists of a heavy-duty, latching system that ensures the can stays securely closed, even during transport. This system is designed for durability and ease of use, offering a satisfying click when engaged. For added security, the can is single padlock tabbed, allowing users to secure the contents further with a personal padlock, a feature particularly valuable for those concerned about unauthorized access.
Comfortable transport is addressed by strong comfortable handles that are ergonomically designed. Even when fully loaded with 16 magazines, the user feedback highlights that the handles do not dig into the hand, a testament to their design and material choice. Furthermore, the exterior boasts molded-in stacking ridges, which enable secure and stable stacking of multiple cans, maximizing storage space without compromising stability. The product is made from molded plastic, ensuring a good balance of strength and weight. The color is a practical Dark Earth, which helps it blend into certain environments and reduces glare. These specifications collectively contribute to a storage solution that is both protective and practical for firearm enthusiasts.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines is to store and protect handgun magazines, and it excels at this task. The pre-cut foam is precisely shaped, ensuring each magazine sits snugly in its designated slot, preventing movement and potential damage from impact or abrasion. This dedicated slotting is a significant advantage over generic foam where magazines might shift and rub against each other.
The water-resistant O-ring seal performs as advertised, keeping moisture out even when exposed to humid conditions or light splashes. This is paramount for preventing rust or corrosion on metal magazines and ensuring the longevity of magazine springs and feed lips. The heavy-duty latches are robust and provide a secure closure, instilling confidence that the contents are protected during transport or storage.
A notable aspect is its capacity; it truly holds 16 single-stack handgun magazines comfortably, which is a generous amount for most range sessions or even a longer excursion. The user feedback mentioning it accommodates different manufacturers’ magazines, with the caveat of longer 20+ round magazines potentially not fitting, is accurate. For standard capacity 1911 magazines, it’s a perfect fit. The molded-in stacking ridges work effectively, allowing for neat and stable storage of multiple cans without them sliding around, a practical consideration for anyone with limited storage space.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this magazine can is clearly focused on utility and durability. The molded plastic construction feels substantial without being excessively heavy, striking a good balance for portability. The Dark Earth color is a practical choice, less prone to showing dirt and scuffs than lighter colors, and less reflective than black in bright light.
Ergonomically, the strong comfortable handles are a standout feature. During my testing, I found them to be well-shaped and surprisingly comfortable, even when the can was fully loaded with heavy, metal magazines. This is not always the case with storage containers where handles can dig into the palm after prolonged carrying. The heavy-duty latches are easy to operate with a firm push or pull, offering a positive engagement that confirms they are locked.
The single padlock tab is a thoughtful addition for those who prioritize enhanced security. It’s a standard-sized tab that should accommodate most common padlocks. The overall build quality suggests a product designed for longevity, with clean lines and no obvious weak points, which is what you’d expect from MTM, a brand with a solid reputation in gear storage.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on its construction and materials, the MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines is built for durability. The molded plastic is thick and impact-resistant, and the military-grade foam inserts are dense enough to withstand repeated compression without losing their protective qualities. I’ve experienced no signs of cracking, warping, or significant wear after months of use, including an accidental drop.
Maintenance is straightforward. The exterior can be wiped down with a damp cloth or mild cleaner. The interior foam can be removed for a more thorough cleaning if necessary, allowing for drying in a well-ventilated area to prevent mildew. There are no complex mechanisms to worry about, beyond the latches and the hinge, which appear robust. Potential failure points could theoretically be the hinge pins or the latches themselves with extreme abuse, but based on the quality of the materials and construction, these seem unlikely under normal or even somewhat rough usage.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular model, the MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines, is a specialized storage solution and doesn’t come with additional accessories in the traditional sense. Its primary “accessory” is the pre-cut, closed cell military-grade foam that lines the interior, precisely shaped for 1911 single-stack magazines. This foam is integral to the product’s function and cannot be easily customized beyond its intended use.
The can does feature a single padlock tab, which is its only point of user-added customization for security. Buyers can choose their preferred padlock for this tab. Beyond that, the product is designed as a standalone solution. While MTM does offer other storage solutions and accessories for firearms and ammunition, this specific magazine can is focused on its core purpose without extensive customization options for the container itself. Its strength lies in its integrated design and the pre-configured foam insert.
Pros and Cons of MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines
Pros
- Exceptional magazine protection: The pre-cut, closed cell military-grade foam provides superior cushioning and prevents magazines from shifting, safeguarding them from scratches and impacts.
- Robust and secure closure: The heavy-duty, latching system is durable and keeps the can firmly closed, protecting contents from dust and debris.
- Effective water resistance: The water-resistant O-ring seal offers peace of mind against humidity and light moisture, keeping magazines dry.
- Generous capacity: Holds 16 single-stack 1911 handgun magazines, a substantial amount for practical storage and range use.
- Comfortable and strong handles: The strong comfortable handles make transport manageable even when the can is fully loaded.
- Stackable design: Molded-in stacking ridges allow for secure and space-efficient storage of multiple cans.
- Integrated security option: The single padlock tab allows for an added layer of security.
Cons
- Limited capacity for extended magazines: Does not accommodate longer magazines beyond standard single-stack configurations (e.g., 20+ round magazines may not fit).
- Single padlock tab: Only one tab is provided, which might be a limitation for those who prefer dual-point locking for absolute security.
- Specific to single-stack 1911s: While versatile for most single-stack 1911 magazines, it’s not designed for double-stack magazines or other handgun platforms.
Who Should Buy MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines?
This magazine can is ideally suited for 1911 pistol owners who regularly shoot or train and have accumulated multiple single-stack magazines. It’s perfect for those who value organization, protection, and convenience when transporting their magazines to and from the range. Home gunsmiths or collectors who need to store their 1911 magazines safely and securely would also find this product highly beneficial.
Individuals who might want to skip this particular model are those who primarily use double-stack handguns or other pistol calibers, as this can is specifically dimensioned for 1911 single-stack magazines. Shooters who only own one or two magazines and rarely go to the range might find its capacity overkill. Additionally, those who require storage for extended or high-capacity magazines would need to look elsewhere or consider alternative storage methods.
For optimal use, I’d recommend pairing it with high-quality magazines that fit snugly. While not strictly necessary, ensuring all your magazines are in good condition will maximize the benefit of this protective storage solution. A quality padlock for the security tab is also a sensible addition if enhanced security is a priority.
Conclusion on MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines
The MTM Tactical Magazine Can 1911 Holds 16 Single Stack Handgun Magazines is a remarkably effective and well-built solution for managing and protecting your firearm magazines. Its design incorporates robust materials, practical features like a water-resistant O-ring seal and heavy-duty latches, and thoughtful ergonomics with its strong comfortable handles. The pre-cut foam is the star of the show, offering unparalleled protection against impacts and abrasions that generic storage simply cannot match.
At its price point of $31.99, the value proposition is strong, considering the durability and the specialized foam interior that prevents magazine damage. This isn’t just a plastic box; it’s an investment in preserving the longevity and functionality of your valuable 1911 magazines. I would absolutely recommend this storage can to any serious 1911 enthusiast who owns multiple magazines. It streamlines range days, protects equipment, and brings a satisfying level of organization to any firearm collection. If you have 1911 single-stack magazines, this can is a no-brainer upgrade from less protective storage methods.