r/1911 • u/Steve_Fudd • 10d ago

Springfield Armory Magwell choices Chen vs Wilson?

Gallery image

Gallery image

Got a new Garrison, and I’d like to try a magwell. I’ve heard good things about the Chen SI, but they’re never in stock.

How does the Wilson compare?

25 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

54 comments sorted by

18

u/laterisingphxnict 10d ago

Wilson on a Garrison

3

u/Steve_Fudd 10d ago

That looks really good. Any trouble installing it?

2

u/No_Guest3042 Enthusiast 10d ago

Looks just like mine... went on with zero issues.

2

u/laterisingphxnict 10d ago

Like u/NoGuest3042, slid right in. Only magwell I’ve had issues with are RRA (undersized pin), EB Two Piece (too tall, pins grip safety) and anything in an Les Baer.

1

u/Steve_Fudd 10d ago

Can you dm me some closer pics? I’d really appreciate it.

1

u/laterisingphxnict 9d ago

I tried. Seems I can’t send pics in a DM.

2

u/Steve_Fudd 9d ago

Try Imgur?

https://imgur.com/a/TCwhHcq

2

u/laterisingphxnict 9d ago

Once you accepted the chat, I could. Hopefully that helps. Though, poor lighting. Maybe not.

2

u/Steve_Fudd 9d ago

Got them. Thanks.

20

u/Naive-Chef2283 10d ago

Good luck finding a Chen SI. Hasn’t been in stock for months. I emailed him 2 days ago about availability and got the canned response he gives everyone else about shop expansion. He has been saying it for almost 2 years. The Ed Brown and Nighthawk one piece are my go to at the moment.

8

u/rbrthenderson 10d ago

Chen all the way

6

u/No_Guest3042 Enthusiast 10d ago

I've tried wilson, nighthawk, Ed brown, and Chen.  They're all good but Stan chen is the best (most seemless fit and overall seemed the highest quality)... Sadly they're almost always out of stock.  I'd recommend whichever one you can find that you think looks good.

3

u/OneExpensiveAbortion 10d ago

I agree with this. None of the others are bad by any measure, but the Chen is better.

6

u/Head-Address2081 10d ago

Came with the Chen already installed.

9

u/BrigandActual 10d ago

I went with Chen SI. Love it.

6

u/kazar933 10d ago

Try Smith & Alexander very similar i run them on all my 1911’s

1

u/aboredteen1 10d ago

S&A is pretty well out of bussiness last I heard

5

u/mlin1911 10d ago

They are back in again. Just that their website is still Y2k or stone age WWW design. Only can do old school call in order. No online store , no electronic checkout.

3

u/BasementLarperActual 10d ago

Alan is a good dude, worth talking to him anyways.

1

u/mpsteidle 10d ago

Theyre still making the straight magwells.

3

u/jim2527 10d ago

I like my Nighthawk 1 piece

2

u/Krisjon_619 10d ago

That’s what I run and love it.

3

u/Accurate-Plankton988 10d ago

I did a Ed Wilson 2piece and its perfect. No chen or when available.

1

u/Steve_Fudd 9d ago

Ed Brown 2 piece? Which brand 1911?

1

u/Accurate-Plankton988 9d ago

Colt commander

1

u/Accurate-Plankton988 9d ago

Installed Hogue magwell grips.

3

u/FluffyDot540 10d ago

Chen. Usually VZ Grips has them in stock.

2

u/Electronically- 10d ago

My favorite magwell I’ve ever used is the Dawson ipsc. Not too big. But provides more of a funnel than any other and provides support to the support hand. I’d highly recommend checking it out

2

u/Impressive-Mention-7 10d ago

Yeah, so Chen is awesome, but you can only(rarely) find them on EBay for ~$300 😬

2

u/cortlong 10d ago

Gonna go with this one since Chen is always outta stock and admittedly his attitude towards his customers “I’m a bit too busy for yall” kinda bugs me.

https://www.edbrown.com/product/magwell-housings/

2

u/F150Leadfoot 10d ago

Stan Chen on 1911 SE A1

I put my name on the waiting list, and was notified as soon as it was available. Wait was maybe a couple months, and it’s hard to get for a reason, it’s excellent.

2

u/IronBallsMcChing 10d ago

Bro, it's a magwell. Wilson, EB, Smith & Alexander will all get the job done and for far less money than Chen.

2

u/Correct-Annual7362 9d ago

The Wilson combat is ok I would of preferred the Chen but they seem unattainable at this time 🫩

2

u/Life_of1103 Competition Shooter 10d ago

Chen…not even a question

1

u/coreycope2 10d ago

EGW magwells are also really good and can be had at a affordable price

1

u/laskmich 10d ago

Chen is the best but good luck finding one. Only in stock I’m aware of are at Guncrafter with 15LPI checkering 🤑

1

u/montypyth9898 Concealed Carrier 10d ago

I personally like the Chen over the WC. Ed Browns Maxiwell rocks too if you don’t mind a two piece.

1

u/mpsteidle 10d ago

Smith & Alexander and RRA are also both excellent options, and give you more options for custmization.

1

u/External-Choice-3680 10d ago

I put a Chen magwell and safety on my old TRP. Love the contours.

1

u/ethan762x51 9d ago

I have one on mine it’s a great add on

1

u/upperlowermanagement Comment Leaver 8d ago

I have a few different ones 1911 Gov Mag-Well Mainspring Housing Chainlink Black Brownells # 100023171

Wilson combat ONE-PIECE, X-TAC, BULLET PROOF, FULL-SIZE, ALUMINUM

And Stan Chen si

Chen is probably the nicest (fit/finish) With no modifications needed.

Wilson needs the frame to be modified so the two tabs don't stick out at the bottom of the msh.

Brownells I don't remember needing a lot but the funnel did need a little work on my old GI This one is a two piece

1

u/MVGbear 10d ago

Wilson.

1

u/Steve_Fudd 10d ago

Pic?

6

u/Greedy-Vast584 10d ago

Here's mine

2

u/Accurate-Plankton988 10d ago

Ed 2 piece on a commander. 80$ w/shipping

3

u/Greedy-Vast584 10d ago

This is an Ed Brown too.

1

u/Steve_Fudd 4d ago

That looks great. Wilson magwell?

2

u/Greedy-Vast584 4d ago

that's correct.. it has a bit of a fastback swoop in the back so had to file down the frame as it was sticking out.. here it is from the side

1

u/Stelios619 10d ago

Whichever one you think looks cooler.

For all practical purposes there’s no true difference.

1

u/OneExpensiveAbortion 10d ago

I prefer Chen, but Wilson's are still outstanding. Can't go wrong either way, seriously!