Wilson Combat - Oversized 1911 Mag Release Magazine Release Extended Stainless

Description

Wilson Combat - Oversized Colt 1911 Mag Release Magazine Release Extended Stainless
Detailed Description
This extra large magazine release is ideal for shooters with very small hands or competition shooters looking for the edge at a match when making magazine changes.
The large checkered paddle can’t be missed under pressure.
Not recommended for carry or tactical pistols. Drop in fit to most guns, some grips will require inletting. Stainless magazine catch with stainless steel checkered paddle.
Test and Evaluation Results
of
Wilson Combat Magazine Release, Oversize, Stainless; Part Number 405S
by
Kevin Hutchison
20 November 2011
Test Pistol: Wilson Combat Classic Supergrade; .45acp
Initial Impression: Upon removing the oversize magazine release, hereafter referred to
as the OMR, from its package, my initial overall impression was that I was holding a very
nice high quality product. The finish of the OMR’s body is smooth and uniform, and its
geometry reflects distinct and solid lines. The thumb actuator was equally impressive
with checkering sharp enough to be effective yet not so sharp that one’s thumb would
sustain abrasions during use. A+
Grip Requirement: Because of the OMR’s low profile, one’s pistol grips may require a
cutout providing clearance in order for it to function reliably. The grips on my
Supergrade are WC’s G-10 Black and Gray Diagonal which have the necessary
clearance. Absent a cutout, the primary factor determining whether or not a set of grips
will allow the OMR to function properly is their thickness. I tested the OMR with three
different sets of grips all without a cutout. First, I installed a set of Esmeralda O’Sheehan
presentation grade cocobolo grips and there was enough clearance for the OMR to
function perfectly. I then installed a set of WC Kingwood grips (part # 351K) and the
OMR also performed flawlessly. When I installed a set of WC ivory grips, however, I
found that their thickness prevented the OMR from functioning. Generally speaking,
ivory grips tend to be thicker than those made from wood. Because of this, I feel it is
reasonable to say that most wooden grips will allow the ORM to function. The user must
determine this for himself, however.
Installation: Removing the thumb actuator portion of the OMR with the supplied allen
wrench in preparation for installation into the pistol’s frame was easy, quick and smooth.
The body slid into the pistol’s frame with such ease and precision that one would think it
had been custom fitted. Upon securing the body into the frame I reattached the checkered
thumb actuator, depressed it and placed a small drop of WC Universal lube thereon.
Installation was incredibly simple and problem free. A+
Pre-range Dry-fire Operation Test: Before heading to the range for a practical trial, I
wanted to get a feel for the OMR’s position and function. The height of the thumb
actuator is slightly above the highest portion of the G10 grips, creating a low profile
image. Being a right-handed shooter, I tend to rest my thumb atop the grip where the
slide and frame meet. Utilizing a two-handed firing position, I was able to allow my
thumb to drop straight down onto the actuator without having to feel for it and without
having to alter my grip. I could then apply pressure to eject the magazine. Returning my
thumb to the desired firing position was equally fast and efficient. I conducted fifty
magazine speed changes with such effective ease that I did not even have to think about
the process. The oblong shape of the actuator provides extremely positive contact with
one’s thumb and allows the pressure applied during the ejection process to spread equally
onto the OMR’s body, resulting in a smooth, snag-free process. The feel of the actuator
on my thumb is superb. A+
Live-fire Test: My live-fire magazine change tests varied in scope from slow-fire
Bullseye shooting to action pistol style shooting to flat out emptying the magazine and
inserting a new one as quickly as possible without regard for accuracy. Throughout each
test I was able to locate and depress the OMR with such ease and speed that, again, there
was no thought process involved. Each magazine change was lightning fast, effective
and efficient. To prevent the thumb actuator retention screw from shooting loose, I
suggest applying a drop of blue Loc-Tite on the threads. Even if the screw holding the
thumb actuator to the body of the OMR were to fall off causing the actuator itself to fall
off as well, one can still easily use the remaining body to eject the magazine. This OMR
has exceeded my expectations. A+
Premature Ejection: Historically, extended magazine releases have been designed and
marketed for competitive shooters where the need for quick magazine changes is of
paramount importance. These devices are generally round in shape and possess enough
height for the shooter’s thumb to rapidly find its mark. These devices are great when the
pistol is used as intended for competition by experienced shooters.
Pistols not exclusively designed or modified for competition tend to be handled and
carried differently that those that are. I have witnessed shooters on civilian and law
enforcement ranges alike accidentally activate their pistol’s extended magazine release,
sending the magazine bouncing along the ground. Dropping one’s magazine prematurely
during a competitive match will result in the loss of time and points, possibly even the
event itself - but that’s all. Dropping a magazine during a self-defense situation could
cost one his life. It is for this reason that extended magazine releases are generally not
recommended for these types of pistols, but things are about to change.
During the course of my testing I used two different holsters, both of which are designed
for self-defense concealed carry: a WC Lo-Profile Thumb Break and a SuperTuck Deluxe
waistband holster made by CrossBreed Holsters. My intent in using concealed carry
holsters was to see if their design would directly cause the OMR to prematurely eject the
magazine while the weapon was secured therein or somehow contribute to operator error
during the presenting process. I encountered absolutely no problems with premature
activation throughout the entire testing process. A+
Summary: I love this oversized magazine release. I feel that it offers enough of a profile
to provide the shooter with an extremely effective platform with which to expedite rapid
magazine changes and yet is small enough to minimize the likelihood of a premature
magazine release. I encountered no premature releases whatsoever. Because of this, I feel
that this OMR can safely be used for all shooting applications. Additionally, its shape and
size should allow comfortable, effective use by shooters with a large variety of hand
sizes. There is a small part of me that would like to see the shape of the thumb actuator
oval instead of oblong. If it were oval in shape, it would blend in and contrast beautifully
against the oval WC grip cutout. An oblong actuator against an oval grip cutout does not
look bad; it just does not visually provide the same smooth flowing effect presented by
the pistol’s other components. For an oval shaped actuator to be as effective as the
oblong version, I feel it would have to be larger and in doing so might sacrifice practical
effectiveness. I am happy to surrender a small amount of visual pleasantry in exchange
for solid, highly proficient performance. This is an extremely useful and affordable
accessory; I’d like to have one on each of my Wilson 1911s. A+
Final Overall Grade: A+
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