ltwguns.com

After 3 training classes in the last 6 weeks, I have seen the 'light' when it comes to the addition of a mag-well on a duty/service weapon.

Although, I do not have enough experience with the different type of mag-wells to comment on what I should do. I do know that I do not want to change mags or change bumper pads on my 47Ds.

So, what are my options? The Rogers mag-well option that cuts the frame and welds on to save the length but allow regular mags to be attached?






Or the Mars Armament
Gen3 Version:
Highly modified S&A extended magwell version with lanyard loop.





One stipulation would be I would like/want to maintain my lanyard loop also. So what are the advantages/disadvantages to either course of action?

One nice thing about the S&A is that you can strip a mag from the gun quickly in the case of a malfunction.

I think the only real disadvantage to Rogers' magwell is that Mr. Rogers isn't accepting any work orders.

That said, I think Gen3 magwell isn't available as a standalone option either.

I have Steve's Gen2 version, it also has a lanyard loop. Admittedly, I am yet to make use of the lanyard option... The magwell works, I guess, as expected of S&A magwell. It does add weight and bulk, but makes reloads easier. And yes, access to the front tab of a magazine is a plus.
I think there are different base pads available for 47Ds, but the one I have has just enough stick-out to assure a positive mag insertion.

The one magwell option that I really dig is when the magwell is extensively bevelled, and extended into the MSH. It probably doesn't give a lot off extra side-to-side clearance, but otherwise looks very cool and functional, doesn't lengthen the grip and no frame cutting/welding is involved.

I have a Heinie magwell on one of my guns and all my 1911's going forward will have one. Makes reloads lightning fast yet it doesn't any length or width to the gun. A win/win scenario in my book. With the Heinie you can use any standard milspec MSH including the ones with a lanyard loop.

Pardon the poor picture.

_________________
"Domari Nolo"

Ned does several excellent magwell treatments that vary in size. I forget what he calls it, but I default to calling it a PBFH. Not as huge as a competition magwell, but opens it up significantly w/o adding any length. Basically beveling the MSH and frame as much as possible without adding a sharp edge, it's very cool. I can post some photos if you're interested in what he did on my Colt.

Drop him a line or check out m-guns.com. I think there are photos of some there.

Steve

Another vote for Ned's modification. It adds nothing on the bottom of the gun (actually cuts away a small amount of the frame) and adds greatly (more than I ever thought it would) to the amount of open area at which you're aiming the magazine. In my opinion, Ned's magwell treatment is the best option out there. It's probably cheaper than the others, too.

Is this the specific mag-well we are talking about? taking from a previous thread..

No. What he does in the modification that I'm referring to is to cut a little off of the bottom of the frame and then bevel the opening and the grips/stocks to make a much larger opening. It's not quite as big as a weld-on or other type of added mag well but it doesn't need to be. I've found that you're wasting space with the add-ons. Ned's modification allows you to "hit the hole", so to speak, a lot easier than with a regular-sized opening and without losing anything to a larger opening. I'm sure there is a picture on his site.

thanks for the post, it looks like the magwell is strictly an add on piece? If i could have a choice, i would like to stick to a one piece msh/mag-well

[quote="Harold Mayo"]No. What he does in the modification that I'm referring to is to cut a little off of the bottom of the frame and then bevel the opening and the grips/stocks to make a much larger opening. It's not quite as big as a weld-on or other type of added mag well but it doesn't need to be. I've found that you're wasting space with the add-ons. Ned's modification allows you to "hit the hole", so to speak, a lot easier than with a regular-sized opening and without losing anything to a larger opening. I'm sure there is a picture on his site.[/quote]

roger got ya, it seems like this type of modification seems to be the most popular/beneficial?

something else I haven't considered is modifying my grips (a set of micartas and damascus steel)

Ned's magwell mod is called a "FLH" - fairly large hole. I think LTW gun #2 has it. That's what I meant when I was talking about extensive bevelling and cutting into the MSH.

Yup, FLH is the one. Get it and be well.