ltwguns.com

I am in the process of building a 1911 and have always loved magwells. What do the general public of LTW and the gunsmiths like? Pictures would greatly help. I am leaning towards the caspian integral well; any reasons to not go that direction? Thanks,
Ryan

Do not use a build-in Caspian magwell. It limits you to what magazines you can use.

I'm not an LTW smith (though I really wish that would change - what do you say fellas? Want some free help?), but I am in love with the Heinie magwell. It is a bolt on application rather then weld on. I find it easier to get some serious high polishing without the hinder of a welded magwel. Just fit the magwel, remove the screws, remove the magwel...polish till you are happy and reapply the magwell after you are finished with the gun.

Simple, effective, doesn't add length or witdth to the pistol but creates a wide funnel. Most of my personal guns in my future will have this magwel.

Take care,
Bob

My little brother has a gun with a Caspian built in magwell, his is "tactical cut" and he can easily run any mag with a base pad. Nice option, I personally like it. But I am not a magwell guy so my exposure to them in general, is pretty limited.

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https://www.graffcustom.com/

If you can afford to have one installed, IMHO the Heinie magwell is without peer. When I was into IPSC and IDPA I tried many things- S&A's are fine, as are the Dawson's on a Limited or Open gun.

But on an honest single stack, especially if used for carry and defensive training, a properly fitted Heinie magwell is perfect and looks incredible.

Brent

Ned Christiansen's cutting of the bottom of the frame and beveling the resulting mag well and the handgun's grips themselves has proven surprisingly effective for me. It opens up more area than you would think, doesn't add weight (takes it OFF, actually) and is just plain cool.

Let's not get started on Ned! That man is a pioneer to say the least! Incredible work!

I install both Hienie bolt on magwells, as well as my own weld on magwells on a regular basis. The Hienie magells are an excellent chioce for the reasons mentioned... ease of installation, the abilty to high polish a pistol upon finishing or refinishing, and they simply work FANTASTIC! I like welding on magwells also when building tactical weapons. I make my own magwells to a 5/16" thickness because it allows for an even larger funnel. I also use them for undoing or repairing frames that were Bobtail'd incorrectly, but that's another story altogether...

Both magwells call for having a portion of the frame removed to allow installation. If you're unsure at all with installation methods, have a reputable smith install the magwell of your choice. Either magwell you choose, you will not be disappointed.

Connor

Pioneer...?


No, I think when the pioneers get there, they see Ned's footprints already starting to fading away...

Not necessarily 'the' way - just the way I do them.

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CT Brian Custom
'Blending Art With Firepower'

Personally I like magwells but for a different reason; they keep the butt of the grip from biting my palms. I recommend them. I have a Caspian built-in, one weld-on, and several C&S/Wilson/etc. bolt-ons. The built -in and weld-ons are the best looking. However, the bolt-ons offer more flexability.

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It is Persistence, Not Perfection, Which Achieves Results

I have an EGW weld on (copy of the Heinie) on my carry gun and really like the "ledge" that the front provides for better recoil management, not to mention the huge hole for reloads.

The over all grip length remains the same, but it requires cutting down grip panels.

Here is a crappy pic of the gun I just sent out for a makeover.

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-Jim Linch

I prefer the look of the Heinie. I am just about done with another one now. Hope it is the last one I ever do!!!!!

That is fantastic work Todd. I am not a huge fan of magwells on carry guns but those could change my mind.

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Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking."
- General George Patton Jr

My first custom came a S&A magwell that was blended to the frame. It works quite well but makes the gun taller. With my second custom gun I went with the Heinie magwell and it is the bee's knee's IMHO. It doesn't add to the length or width of the gun and for some strange reason the gun just feels better in my hand than any other 1911.

While it isn't and inexpensive mod and it may not be for everyone I like it so much that I am probably going to replace the S&A on the Springfield with the Heinie. I just works for me.

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"Domari Nolo"

Tim, the inletting of those grips to the magwell is simply phenomenal!

Todd, you rock man, nice work as always....

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Stan Chen Customs
http://www.chencustoms.com

Here is one by Pete Single, it is a heavily modified S&A on a full house 9mm SA finished in Ionbonds DLC coating. I will post some pictures of the gun on a separate thread.

Shay, definitely show us some more pictures of that pistol! That mag well looks great, he really opened it up a lot compared to the standard blend.

Wow, please do post pictures of the gun, I am anxious to see more guns that have DLC on them.
-Ryan