Chip McCormick Custom

About Chip McCormick Custom

Chip McCormick Custom was founded in 1986 by competitive shooter Michael "Chip" McCormick to solve magazine reliability issues in competitive shooting.

Frustrated by magazine failures during competition despite having custom pistols from top gunsmiths, McCormick developed his own revolutionary magazine designs.

The company pioneered the first drop-in AR-15 trigger in 1998 and became famous for their "Shooting Star" 1911 magazines in the 1990s.

McCormick himself was a world record holder in Steel Challenge, setting a record time of 6.47 seconds in 1985 and influencing major manufacturers like Kimber.

After Chip McCormick's passing in 2021, Wilson Combat acquired the company, continuing the legacy of precision-engineered firearms accessories.

Popular Chip McCormick Custom Features

Folded Feed Lips

• This innovative design solves the common problem of out-of-spec feed lips found on traditional 1911 magazines.

Rocket Wire Springs

• Features three more coils than standard springs for increased reliability and extended service life.

Two-Axis Leaf Spring Follower

• Ensures reliable slide lock engagement when the magazine is empty for consistent performance.

75% Tighter Tolerances

• Manufactured to much tighter specifications compared to decades-old military standards for superior fit and function.

Drop-In AR-15 Triggers

• Self-contained units that revolutionized the industry by eliminating the need for individual component tuning.

Complete In-House Manufacturing

• Proprietary tooling and 100% Made in USA construction ensures consistent quality control throughout production.

Best-Selling Chip McCormick Custom Products

Railed Power Mags

• The strongest 1911 magazines available, featuring innovative folded feed lips and combat-proven reliability.

Power Mag Series

• Top-of-the-line combat magazines trusted by military special operations and law enforcement units worldwide.

Shooting Star Magazines

• The world-famous original design that established Chip McCormick Custom as a leader in 1911 magazine innovation.

Classic Series Magazines

• Traditional flush-fit GI-style magazines with modern reliability improvements for everyday carry and range use.

CMC Single-Stage AR-15 Triggers

• The original drop-in AR-15 trigger system, with the 3.5lb pull weight being the most popular configuration.

Match Grade Series

• Competition-focused magazines specifically designed for precision shooting and match applications.

Range Pro Series

• Enhanced design magazines built for extended service life and frequent range training sessions.

Popular Uses for Chip McCormick Custom

Military and Law Enforcement

• Combat-proven magazines used by American military special ops units in Afghanistan and Iraq, plus federal and local law enforcement.

Competitive Shooting

• Trusted by USPSA/IPSC competitors, Steel Challenge participants, and Bianchi Cup shooters for match-winning reliability.

Concealed Carry and Self-Defense

• Reliable magazines and triggers provide peace of mind for civilian concealed carry and personal protection applications.

Custom Gun Building

• Professional gunsmiths and custom builders rely on CMC magazines and triggers for high-end 1911 and AR-15 builds.

Recreational Range Training

• Extended service life and consistent performance make CMC products ideal for frequent range sessions and training courses.

Chip McCormick Custom FAQs

QUESTION: Are Chip McCormick Custom magazines compatible with all 1911 pistols?
ANSWER: CMC magazines are designed for full-size Government Model and Commander-length 1911 pistols in various calibers including .45 ACP, 9mm, and .40 S&W.

QUESTION: What makes CMC Power Mags different from Classic Series magazines?
ANSWER: Power Mags feature extended capacity, enhanced durability, and the strongest construction with folded feed lips compared to the traditional flush-fit Classic Series.

QUESTION: Who owns Chip McCormick Custom now?
ANSWER: Wilson Combat acquired Chip McCormick Custom in 2021 after founder Chip McCormick's passing, continuing the brand's legacy of precision accessories.

QUESTION: Are CMC AR-15 triggers drop-in units?
ANSWER: Yes, Chip McCormick Custom pioneered the first drop-in AR-15 trigger design in 1998, featuring self-contained units requiring no individual component tuning.

QUESTION: How do I maintain my Chip McCormick magazines?
ANSWER: CMC magazines feature removable base pads for easy cleaning and stainless steel construction that requires only normal cleaning maintenance.

QUESTION: What capacity options are available for CMC 1911 magazines?
ANSWER: Chip McCormick Custom offers 1911 magazines in 7, 8, and 10-round capacities depending on the specific model and caliber.

QUESTION: Are Chip McCormick products made in the USA?
ANSWER: Yes, all CMC magazines and triggers are 100% manufactured in the United States using proprietary tooling and quality control processes.

QUESTION: What is the most popular CMC AR-15 trigger weight?
ANSWER: The 3.5-pound single-stage trigger is the most popular configuration, available in both curved and flat trigger options.