[Rick1967]

I shoot IDPA once a month. Until a few weeks ago I thought I was the only one in my club shooting a 1911 without one. I keep thinking about getting one. But havent yet. There are now 2 of us. There are at least 25 or so people shooting 1911s at my club.

[CHLChris]

Rick, that's my Lutheran confirmation verse, right there. Me likes.

On to the mag well. I don't want to get it if having one is basically:

a) A fad;
b) over-complicating things; and/or
c) has dubious benefit over a simple beveled mag well.

I am just range shooting. And of course every 45acp in the house could see home defense duty.

[GunRunner]

Reload with the lights off.

[70cuda383]

I like mine. I installed it, then had it machined out to smooth the contour between the magwell that was just bolted on, and the frame of the pistol. the 1911 had a slight bevel on it from the factory, but this opened it up quite a bit.

need it? I dunno.

like it? yes, I do as a matter of fact.

do you need to do it? that's up to you.

[bartwatkins]

Originally Posted by CHLChris

QUESTION: For a range gun or Home Defense gun (NOT for carry...) is a magazine well worth the extra weight and the extra money?


Background:
I am getting ready to buy a 1911 5", probably a Springfield Armory. I decided on SA because of their superior warranty.

The Stainless Loaded would be great, at $850.



So would the Springfield Black Stainless Target Loaded, at $1000.



My question is about a mag well. They are a little heavier and cost a little money. Are they helpful? Worth the money?

The one piece Smith & Alexander MSH/Magwell combo would work great with either of these pistols. I have an SA Loaded and got one for mine. It does not really weigh much. I do not believe that I noticed the difference at all. They are helpful for quick mag reloads and a must if you ever decide to shoot competitively. The only drawback would be that I would not carry a pistol w/one. They make concealment more difficult.
I generally like the way they look. Are they "worth it" or "necessary" - that is up to you to decide.