Armscor Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Magazine Review

After the Test: My Review of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine

The 1911 platform is legendary, and the .22 TCM cartridge offers a unique, high-velocity shooting experience. When you combine these, you get the Rock Island Armory M22 TCM, a pistol that demands reliable magazines to function at its best. That’s where the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine comes in, promising to deliver the necessary capacity and feeding reliability for this unique firearm. After spending considerable time with these magazines, running countless rounds downrange, I’m ready to share my comprehensive thoughts.

I was looking for a solution to a common problem: consistent feeding in my Rock Island Armory M22 TCM. Factory magazines can sometimes be finicky, and I wanted a reliable backup, especially for longer range sessions or competitive shooting. The promise of a 17-round capacity also intrigued me, offering more time shooting and less time reloading.

Unboxing the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine, I was immediately struck by its solid construction. The steel body felt robust, and the blued finish gave it a professional, if understated, look. It felt heavier than the factory magazine, a possible indicator of stronger internal components.

Compared to the factory-supplied magazine, the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine boasted a higher capacity (17 vs. 10 rounds). I had considered other aftermarket magazines, but the Armscor Precision Inc name and the specific compatibility with my Rock Island pistol swayed my decision. I wanted a magazine specifically designed for this platform, not a generic 1911 magazine that might work.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality seemed excellent, but the true test would be how it performed under fire. I was both excited about the increased capacity and slightly apprehensive about whether it could reliably feed the bottlenecked .22 TCM cartridge.

Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The range offered a variety of scenarios, from static paper targets to steel silhouettes at varying distances. I wanted to evaluate the magazine’s performance with different types of .22 TCM ammunition.

The weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal conditions. However, I also made sure to introduce some “adverse” conditions by deliberately getting the magazine dusty and slightly dirty during loading. I wanted to simulate real-world usage, not just pristine lab conditions. The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine was easy to load, although getting the last few rounds in required a bit of extra force.

During the first few magazines, I experienced a couple of failures to feed. The slide would chamber the round, but it wouldn’t fully seat in the barrel. I attributed this to the magazine being new and the spring needing to break in. After about 50 rounds, the feeding became noticeably smoother.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be quite reliable. The initial feeding issues disappeared after the first range session. I experienced no further failures to feed, even with rapid firing and different .22 TCM ammo brands.

The blued finish has held up well, with no noticeable wear and tear. I have been careful to clean the magazine after each range visit, paying particular attention to the feed lips and follower. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward, although it requires a small punch or similar tool to remove the baseplate.

Compared to my initial experiences with the factory magazine, the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine offers significantly improved reliability and capacity. The factory magazine occasionally suffered from nose-diving rounds, especially when approaching empty. This issue has not been present with the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine.

Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for the Rock Island Armory M22 TCM pistol. It is also advertised as compatible with 9mm Luger, although my testing focused solely on the .22 TCM cartridge. The magazine boasts a 17-round capacity, significantly increasing firepower compared to standard 1911 magazines.

The magazine body is constructed from steel, providing durability and resistance to deformation. The blued finish offers some corrosion resistance, although regular cleaning and lubrication are still recommended. The magazine comes in a 1-pack quantity, making it a cost-effective way to increase your magazine inventory.

The caliber compatibility (.22 TCM and 9mm Luger) is a noteworthy specification, although I would recommend confirming compatibility with 9mm Luger in your specific firearm before relying on this feature. The high capacity is perhaps the most significant specification, allowing for extended shooting sessions and a tactical advantage in certain situations.

Performance & Functionality

The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine performs its primary function – feeding ammunition – very well, especially after the initial break-in period. The magazine reliably presents rounds to the chamber, resulting in consistent cycling of the firearm. The high capacity allows for extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent reloads.

One potential weakness is the initial stiffness of the spring, which can make loading the final few rounds challenging. However, this issue seems to resolve itself with use. The magazine is well-suited for range use, competitive shooting, and even self-defense scenarios where increased capacity is desired.

The magazine has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and capacity. After the initial break-in, it has performed flawlessly. The increased capacity has made range sessions more enjoyable, and I feel more confident carrying the Rock Island M22 TCM for self-defense purposes.

Design & Ergonomics

The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine features a robust steel construction, giving it a solid and durable feel. The blued finish provides a classic look and offers some protection against corrosion. The magazine fits snugly and securely in the magazine well of the Rock Island Armory M22 TCM.

The magazine is relatively user-friendly, although loading the final few rounds can require some effort. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward, but it does require a tool to depress the baseplate locking mechanism. Overall, the design is functional and practical, prioritizing reliability and durability over aesthetics.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction of the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine suggests it should last for a considerable amount of time with proper care. The blued finish provides some protection against corrosion, but regular cleaning and lubrication are still essential. I anticipate that this magazine will provide reliable service for many years to come.

Maintenance is relatively simple. Disassembly involves using a punch or similar tool to depress the baseplate locking mechanism, allowing the baseplate to slide off. The magazine body, spring, and follower can then be cleaned with appropriate solvents and lubricants. Regular maintenance will ensure proper functioning and extend the lifespan of the magazine.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any specific accessories. There are no readily available customization options for the magazine itself.

However, the magazine is compatible with the Rock Island Armory M22 TCM pistol, which has its own range of customization options, such as grips, sights, and triggers. The increased capacity of the magazine can be considered a form of “customization” in that it enhances the functionality and performance of the pistol. Compatibility with aftermarket 1911 magazine pouches is a crucial consideration for concealed carry or tactical use.

Pros and Cons of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine

Pros

• High 17-round capacity significantly increases firepower.
• Reliable feeding after initial break-in, ensuring smooth cycling of the firearm.
• Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance.
• Specifically designed for the Rock Island Armory M22 TCM pistol, ensuring proper fit and function.
• Relatively easy to maintain with simple disassembly for cleaning.

Cons

• Initial stiffness of the spring can make loading the final few rounds difficult.
• Blued finish is not as corrosion-resistant as some other finishes (e.g., stainless steel).

Who Should Buy Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 1911 TCM .22 TCM 17 Round Pistol Magazine?