Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit Review

Field Test Review of the Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit

For anyone running a 1911 in .45 ACP, the reliability of the magazines is as crucial as the firearm itself. I recently found myself wrestling with aging magazines that were starting to exhibit the all-too-common symptoms of spring fatigue: inconsistent slide lockback and a general feeling of sluggishness. This is precisely the scenario that led me to seek out a robust upgrade, and the Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit quickly rose to the top of my list. Wilson Combat has a reputation for producing top-tier firearm components, and the promise of a “max strength” flat-wire spring coupled with their polymer ETM follower was compelling. My initial impression upon unboxing the kit was one of solid engineering; the spring felt substantial, and the follower was precisely molded. While I briefly considered generic replacement springs from a few online retailers, the extended warranty and proven track record of Wilson Combat components steered me toward this specific upgrade. The immediate feeling was one of quiet confidence, a sense that this small kit could breathe new life into my trusted mags.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on my usual range days, fitting the kit into my well-worn Les Baer magazines. These were the magazines that, despite feeding reliably, had lost the critical ability to lock the slide back on an empty magazine after a decade of use. The process of replacing the old spring and follower was straightforward; it’s a standard magazine disassembly and reassembly, familiar to any 1911 owner.

The first few loads of ammunition into the magazine were noticeably stiffer than I was accustomed to. It required a firmer press to seat each round, a testament to the increased spring tension. However, this initial stiffness quickly settled after about ten loads, transforming into a firm, positive resistance that felt indicative of the spring’s robust nature.

After this initial break-in, I proceeded to the range. The difference was immediately apparent. The slide locked back crisply on every single empty magazine, a perfect 10 out of 10 on each of the two magazines I upgraded. This was a significant improvement and precisely the kind of reliable function I was seeking.

Extended Use & Reliability

Several months and hundreds of rounds later, both magazines continue to perform flawlessly. The Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit has become a permanent fixture in these magazines. There are absolutely no signs of degradation in performance; the slide lockback remains consistent, and the feeding is as positive as it was on day one.

Durability is a standout feature here. The flat-wire construction seems to resist the kind of permanent compression that plagues conventional coil springs. I haven’t observed any stiffness loss, despite frequent loading and unloading, and even a few accidental drops of the loaded magazines onto the concrete floor of my workshop haven’t fazed them.

Maintenance has been minimal, as expected. The polymer follower is smooth and self-lubricating, and the stainless steel spring is highly resistant to corrosion. A simple wipe-down with a cleaning cloth is all that’s generally needed to keep them in top shape. Compared to the endless cycle of replacing tired coil springs in older magazines, this kit offers a longevity that promises to significantly outlast conventional solutions.

Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit

Specifications

The Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit is designed to optimize existing 1911 .45 ACP magazines, specifically the Wilson Combat 47 series and ETM models. The kit includes one MAX flatwire spring and one ETM polymer follower. The MAX spring is constructed from heat-treated stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance and longevity.

Wilson Combat states this flat-wire spring is up to 25% stronger than standard 1911 mag springs, which contributes to enhanced reliability, particularly with defensive and +P ammunition. This increased strength also ensures a more positive slide lockback when the magazine is empty. The flat-wire design inherently resists over-compression and stress, a key factor in its guaranteed longevity. The ETM polymer follower is a modern, robust design that aids in smooth feeding.

This kit is designed to fit into existing 8-round ETM .45 ACP magazines, maintaining their capacity. For older 47 series full-size magazine tubes, it will convert them to a 7-round capacity, and compact 47 series magazines will become 6-round capacity. This conversion capability is a valuable aspect for those looking to modernize older magazine bodies.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this kit is to restore or enhance magazine feeding reliability and ensure positive slide lockback, and it excels in both regards. My personal experience with aging Les Baer magazines, which failed to reliably lock the slide back, was completely rectified by this kit. The improved spring tension ensures the slide stop is consistently engaged by the follower at the end of the magazine.

The performance with various ammunition types has been impressive. The increased spring tension handles everything from lighter target loads to stout +P defensive rounds without faltering. This makes it an excellent choice for duty-ready firearms or for those who want the utmost confidence in their magazines’ ability to feed any viable ammunition.

The only minor performance quirk I noted was the initial stiffness during loading. While this is a direct result of the increased spring power, it did feel noticeably more difficult to seat the last round or two of cartridges compared to my old, worn-out springs. However, as noted, this eases up significantly with use and is a worthwhile trade-off for the increased reliability.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit is focused on function and durability. The ETM polymer follower is a well-engineered piece, featuring a consistent profile and smooth surface that minimizes friction against the magazine walls and feed ramp. Its design is intended to provide reliable feeding through the entire magazine capacity.

The MAX flatwire spring itself is the star of the show. Unlike traditional round-wire springs, its flat profile allows for more consistent tension across its length and a reduced tendency to bind or snag. The heat-treated stainless steel construction also means it’s highly resistant to corrosion, a common failure point for springs in humid or marine environments. This material choice speaks to the “hard use” intention behind the product.

Ergonomically, the primary impact of this kit is felt during the magazine loading process. As mentioned, it is firmer initially. However, once loaded and inserted into the firearm, the ergonomics are entirely dictated by the magazine and firearm itself. The follower’s design ensures smooth interaction with the slide stop mechanism.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended use and Wilson Combat’s own guarantees, the durability of this kit is expected to be exceptional. The MAX flatwire spring is explicitly advertised as never requiring replacement, even under high round counts or daily, extreme duty use. This claim is supported by its construction from heat-treated stainless steel and the inherent design advantages of flat-wire springs over conventional coil springs.

Maintenance is as simple as keeping the magazine body clean. The materials used are inherently resistant to rust and wear. I haven’t encountered any issues like spring kinking, follower cracking, or premature wear on the components. Given the robust materials and design, these kits are likely to outlast many of the magazines they are installed in.

Potential failure points would likely stem from external damage to the magazine tube itself rather than a fault of the spring or follower kit. For example, severe dents in the magazine tube could impede the follower’s travel, but this is unrelated to the internal components.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular product is a replacement/upgrade kit for existing magazines, so it doesn’t come with additional accessories. The kit itself consists of the flat-wire spring and the ETM polymer follower.

However, the primary “customization” aspect lies in its ability to retrofit into specific Wilson Combat magazines. As noted, it maintains 8-round capacity in ETM magazines but converts older 47 series full-size magazines to 7 rounds and compact versions to 6 rounds. This offers a way to standardize or optimize older magazine sets with modern, more durable internal components. The compatibility is clearly defined for specific Wilson Combat models, ensuring a proper fit without requiring further modifications.

Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit

Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit?

This Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit is an ideal upgrade for any 1911 owner in .45 ACP who is experiencing reliability issues with their existing Wilson Combat 47 or ETM magazines. It’s particularly well-suited for those running their firearms in demanding conditions or who simply want the peace of mind that comes with top-tier components. Shooters looking to extend the life of their current magazines, rather than replace them entirely, will find significant value here.

Conversely, individuals who have perfectly functioning, newer magazines might not see a compelling reason to upgrade unless they are specifically seeking the increased spring tension for +P ammunition or long-term durability guarantees. Those who are sensitive to magazine loading resistance might also find the initial stiffness a minor drawback, though it does ease with use. This kit is not for those seeking to increase the standard capacity of their magazines beyond their original design, but rather to ensure optimal function within that capacity.

For those who choose to purchase this kit, I would recommend taking the time for a proper break-in period of loading and unloading the magazines a few times before heading to the range. This will help the spring settle in and the loading process become more manageable.

Conclusion on Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit

The Wilson Combat Flat-Wire Spring, Follower Kit is a standout product for anyone looking to breathe new life into their .45 ACP 1911 magazines. It delivers on its promise of enhanced reliability and exceptional longevity, effectively addressing common issues like inconsistent slide lockback caused by spring fatigue. The use of heat-treated stainless steel for the flat-wire spring ensures it can withstand extreme use and corrosive environments, offering a durability that conventional springs simply cannot match. While the initial loading stiffness is a minor hurdle, it’s a small price to pay for the significantly improved performance and the guarantee of lasting tension.

Considering the price of $13.95 per kit, the value proposition is strong, especially when compared to the cost of replacing entire magazines or dealing with the potential failures of worn-out springs. This kit represents a smart investment for shooters who rely on their firearms and demand the highest level of magazine performance. I wholeheartedly recommend this kit to anyone looking to restore or upgrade their Wilson Combat 1911 .45 ACP magazines; it’s a simple yet profoundly effective upgrade that pays dividends in reliability and peace of mind.