I'm new to the 1911 platform and I've got a Colt government 1911 that I just inherited. This thing is from 1917 and it could be in better shape. Because of how special it is to me, I won't be changing it. But I do occasionally shoot it. But I want another 1911 to shoot, a modern stainless version.
I really don't want to pay the money for the Colt name, when I can get the quality that I want from a lesser priced model. I really like some of the S&W 1911 models that I've seen.
My concern is the interchangeable nature of the magazines. I've got mags for the Colt. I don't want to have to buy separate mags for the S&W. It needs to be a perfect interchange.
With the price of quality mags being what they are. I could easily make up the difference in price on the pistols, if I've got to buy separate new mags. I'd prefer not to do that, and save the money. Besides there's some things that I like on the Smith vs. the Colt. But if the mags don't perfectly adapt from one gun to the other, then this is a deal breaker for me. Since I'm starting from scratch, I'll either go with a Smith, or a Colt. But I don't want 10 identical mags for each. Only distinguished from the other by some arbitrary means, like paint. I want to be able to grab either or both guns, and all ten loaded mags. Then go to the range with zero issues. Any thoughts or experiences on this is appreciated. Since there's a whole lot of info out there, but I can't find specifics. But it seems that there can be slight variations. I'm using Wilson Combat mags btw.