Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs Review

Let’s Review the Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs

For those of us who push our gear to its limits, reliable feeding is paramount. When I first dove into building a pistol caliber carbine (PCC) that ran on standard Glock magazines, I encountered an issue that was both frustrating and, frankly, a bit embarrassing during a range day: the dreaded last-round failure to chamber. This is where the Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs came into play. They promised to address the fatigue and potential failures that plague standard magazine springs, especially under demanding use. My initial impression upon receiving these was one of focused utility; they looked like well-made springs, a subtle but crucial component. While I briefly considered generic replacements, the reputation of Wilson Combat for quality in critical components steered me toward their offering. My first reaction was a quiet sense of optimism, a hope that these small coils would indeed solve a significant operational hiccup.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs to the Test

First Use Experience

My primary testing ground for these springs was at my local indoor range, interspersed with some dry-fire practice at home. The scenario that necessitated this upgrade was specifically the jam I experienced with my new Wilson AR9 build, where the last round in a standard Glock magazine would sometimes fail to fully chamber. Swapping out the springs in my existing Glock magazines was the direct fix recommended by Wilson Combat. The process of installation itself was straightforward, though it required a bit more effort to compress the new, stiffer springs than I was accustomed to. Conditions were typical for a range day – moderate temperature, no excessive dust or moisture. The most significant observation from this first use was the immediate and positive change in feeding reliability. The “quirk” that emerged was simply the increased resistance of the spring, which demanded a slightly firmer grip on the magazine base during reloads, but this was a welcome trade-off for improved function.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and numerous range sessions, these springs have become a staple in my Glock magazines. I’ve run them through hundreds of rounds in my Wilson AR9 and also tested them in standard Glock handguns. The increased spring tension consistently ensures that the last round is presented with sufficient force to clear the feed lips and chamber properly, even when the magazine body heats up or accumulates some carbon fouling. Durability seems excellent; there are no visible signs of distress, premature weakening, or structural fatigue on the chrome silicon wire. Maintenance is negligible, as they are internal components; they simply require occasional cleaning of the magazine body. Compared to the stock springs I replaced, the difference in last-round reliability is night and day. While budget options might exist, the peace of mind offered by the Wilson Combat name and their demonstrable performance has made them a worthwhile upgrade over even a good quality aftermarket spring.

Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs

Specifications

The Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs are crafted from chrome silicon, offering enhanced durability and resilience compared to standard steel springs. The product description notes that these springs are designed to reduce magazine spring fatigue and prevent failure-to-eject issues, particularly with the last round in the magazine. A key detail is the bullet weight cut, which prevents the spring from binding in extreme use, a thoughtful design touch from Wilson Combat. It’s also mentioned that these springs may need to be trimmed to original length for proper fit in certain magazines. This is a critical specification for users to be aware of, as an improperly trimmed spring can lead to compatibility problems, especially with extended magazines or buttstocks. The #798G-CS spring is chrome silicon whereas the #798G-MW is steel, offering that “little extra power” as stated.

• Material: Chrome Silicon – This is a significant upgrade, offering superior tensile strength, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance compared to traditional spring steel. This directly translates to a longer service life and more consistent performance over time.
• Design Feature: Bullet Weight Cut – This specific design modification is crucial. It ensures that the top coils of the spring don’t snag on the bullet nose of the last round or bind against the magazine follower, thus maintaining smooth feeding even under stressful conditions.
• Potential Modification Required: Trimming – While designed for optimal performance, the inherent strength of these springs might require minor adjustments to fit certain magazine bodies perfectly. This is not a flaw but a necessary step for some applications to achieve perfect compatibility.
• Color: Black – A subtle aesthetic detail, but functional in that it doesn’t draw unnecessary attention.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of these springs is to ensure reliable feeding, especially of the last round in a magazine. In my experience with the Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs, they excel at this. The increased power of the spring reliably pushes the last round up with enough force to overcome any resistance, preventing the common “last round bolt hold open” issues or failures to chamber. This enhanced performance is particularly noticeable in PCC applications like my AR9, where magazine-to-receiver tolerances can be tighter and fouling can accumulate more rapidly than in a handgun. The improvement in reliability is significant and directly addresses the problem that led me to seek them out. While they are a simple component, their functional impact is profound.

Design & Ergonomics

As an internal component, the “design and ergonomics” of a magazine spring are less about user interaction and more about its internal geometry and material properties. The Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs are well-constructed, with a consistent coil tension and the aforementioned bullet weight cut. The chrome silicon material feels robust and resilient. While there’s no “grip” or “feel” in the traditional sense, the engineering is evident in the spring’s tension and the precision of its construction. The fact that they are designed to be a slight upgrade over OEM springs, yet require potential trimming, speaks to a design philosophy focused on achieving optimal performance, even if it means a minor adjustment from the end-user.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is where these Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs truly shine. Made from chrome silicon, they are engineered to resist the fatigue that plagues standard springs over time and repeated compression cycles. I have not experienced any degradation in performance or any visible signs of wear, even after extensive use. Maintenance is virtually nonexistent; you install them, and they continue to work. The materials used inherently resist rust and corrosion, making them suitable for a wide range of environments. The only “maintenance” concern is the initial fitting, ensuring the spring isn’t too long, which could negatively impact function.

Accessories and Customization Options

These springs are, by their nature, a replacement or upgrade part for existing magazines. They do not come with accompanying accessories. However, they are designed to work with standard Glock magazines (and potentially others, depending on model compatibility), essentially acting as a customizable component within a larger system. The “customization” comes in the potential need to trim the spring to achieve the perfect fit within a specific magazine body. This allows the user to fine-tune the spring’s length for optimal reliability, a level of control not typically found with factory springs.

Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs

Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs?

These springs are an excellent choice for anyone running pistol caliber carbines, especially those built on Glock-style lower receivers that use standard Glock magazines. If you’ve experienced last-round feeding issues or failures to chamber in your PCC, or even in a handgun under strenuous conditions, these springs are a must-consider. They are ideal for competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, and serious recreational shooters who demand consistent performance from their magazines.

Individuals who should probably skip these are those who are perfectly happy with their current magazine reliability and have no feeding issues whatsoever. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest replacement spring and are willing to gamble on less consistent performance or durability, then a generic option might suffice.

For optimal results, ensure you have the proper tools for disassembling and reassembling your magazines. A good magazine loader can also be helpful, as the increased spring tension makes loading a full magazine slightly more challenging.

Conclusion on Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs

The Wilson Combat Extra Power Magazine Springs are a superb upgrade for anyone looking to eliminate last-round feeding woes. The chrome silicon construction offers longevity and consistent tension, while the thoughtful bullet weight cut design minimizes the chance of malfunctions. While the potential need for trimming might be a minor inconvenience for some, it’s a small price to pay for the vastly improved reliability these springs offer, especially in performance-oriented firearms like pistol caliber carbines. For their price point, the value proposition is strong, delivering peace of mind and operational confidence that easily justifies the investment. I would absolutely recommend these to anyone facing feeding issues or simply wanting to ensure their Glock magazines perform at their absolute peak.