This morning, someone (
, aka Chimpboy, Chimp Pansy and a host of other names... which is why I originally just said "someone"... because he changes his name so often.... ) posted a Midway clearance sale on WC 47D magazines. For whatever reason, I started to do some web research on who actually makes the 47D. Rather than post on the original poster's thread, which wasn't asking my opinion, I thought it best to post on a new thread.
the WC 47D has been around for years and years. If it's on clearance at Midway, it may be that they (WC) want to sell more of their ETM mags. The 47D has a stiffer spring initially, so loading that 8th round may be a nail breaker, and the spring itself will likely need to be replaced more often than the ETM. I'm not a metalurgist, but I know how to read and Wilson Combat 47D's will experience a tensioning issue when fully loaded for extended periods (ie, the spring gets weaker over time, especially on carry mags that you don't unload every night).
This said, the 47D at $23 each is a great buy! Just know that loading will be more difficult for the last round, and you should plan on buying new spring kits from time to time.
This thread prompted me to look at all my mags this morning and do a little research on the web. Truth be told... most manufacturers do not make thier own magazines. OEM manufacturers like MecGar, Checkmate and Metalform make the bulk of magazines, and then place the customer's brand on the tube.
For example, Metalform's website says: We supply high-end, custom made magazines to major OEM brands like Colt, Smith & Wesson, Kimber, and more. And here is a bit of "truth in advertising" that I liked. Notice the writing on the side of the tube:
http://store.springfield-armory.com/...EEL-52p123.htm
I have put "no name" brands from bulk companies like Joes1911magmania next to Checkmates and literally can't tell the difference. And on a range magazine... that's a good thing. Most likely, it's because there IS no difference. They are the same mags.
I think the fact is that everyone gets the tube from one of these three manufacturers. Then... WC, Tripp, etc... accessorize with different springs, tensions and followers. Not that they are doing the manufacturing or accessorizing themselves...rather they are "specing out" their requirements to one of the big three. The cost involved in the machinery to produce your own would be prohibitive.
Are there small manufacturers of magazines? Maybe, but I doubt it. In all cases though.... The magazine you carry should be one that your gun likes. Don't put everything on "the name."
If your magazine tube is in good shape and you're experiencing feed issues, you might want to try here:
http://www.brownells.com/magazines/h...prod60399.aspx
or here...
https://www.gunsprings.com/cID1/mID1/dID1#805
I've found that my 1911's feed with these magazines exceptionally well... or as well as my Tripps and WC's... for what its worth:
http://joes1911magmania.net/shop/
Hope you find this thread helpful in some manner.
Da
