Gun Guys with Special Guest Bill Rogers - Developing the 47D

Published on March 10, 2020
Duration: 10:34

This video details the collaborative development of the Wilson Combat 47 series magazines, starting with the 47D. Bill Wilson and Bill Rogers discuss the evolution from addressing issues with early 1911 magazines to incorporating design improvements like modified feed lips, enhanced polymer followers, and more durable base pads. The discussion covers the iterative process of magazine development over generations, including adaptations for higher capacities and compact models.

Quick Summary

The Wilson Combat 47 series magazines, including the popular 47D, evolved from addressing durability issues in early 1911 magazines. Bill Rogers' expertise in injection molding led to improved polymer followers and base pads, while iterative design changes enhanced reliability and longevity over generations.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction with Bill Wilson and Bill Rogers
  2. 00:19Collaboration on the 47 Series Magazine
  3. 00:36Origins of the Magazine Design
  4. 00:50Improving Feed Lips and Followers
  5. 01:03Rogers Holster Company and Injection Molding
  6. 01:14Evolution of the Magazine Design
  7. 01:37Issues with Factory Colt Magazines
  8. 01:51The Laka Magazine
  9. 02:07Laka Magazine Durability Issues
  10. 02:22Goals: Durability and Reliability
  11. 02:34Tweaked Feed Lips and Polymer Follower
  12. 02:54The Original 47 Magazine
  13. 03:11Original Base Pad Design
  14. 03:20Base Pad Material Evolution
  15. 03:37Follower and Spring Design Consistency
  16. 03:56Magazine Finish Improvements
  17. 04:02New Improved 47 Series Base Pad
  18. 04:11Evolution to the 47D Magazine
  19. 04:1847D Follower and Spring Design
  20. 04:27Spring Punch Hole for Round Count
  21. 04:34Engineering Challenges of the 47D
  22. 04:49Evolution of Full-Size Magazines
  23. 04:56Compact 47 Series Magazines
  24. 05:05Spring Life in Compact Magazines
  25. 05:21Improving on the 47D: The 500 Series
  26. 05:33Concerns about Cannibalizing Sales
  27. 06:02The 500 Series Magazine Design
  28. 06:15Addressing 47D Issues in the 500 Series
  29. 06:26Sales Performance of 500 Series vs. 47D
  30. 06:45User Loyalty to the 47D
  31. 06:52500 Series Evolution to 9mm
  32. 07:04Compact 500 Series Sizes
  33. 07:14History of Magazine Development
  34. 07:18The Jacques Duff System
  35. 07:30Origins of the Jacques Duff System
  36. 07:37Armand Swenson's Initial Idea
  37. 07:54Developing the Duff System Polymer
  38. 08:12Testing the Duff System Material
  39. 08:25Duff System Durability and Sales
  40. 08:56Armand Swenson's Blessing
  41. 09:13Patent vs. Trademark Strategy
  42. 09:44Knockoffs and Market Competition
  43. 09:50Enjoyable Collaboration Through the Years
  44. 10:02Specialty Holsters Development
  45. 10:11Bill Rogers' Training at Rogers Shooting School
  46. 10:20Conclusion and Channel Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main issues with early 1911 magazines that led to the development of the Wilson Combat 47 series?

Early factory Colt 1911 magazines and aftermarket options like the Laka magazine had significant durability issues. Laka magazines, in particular, were prone to cracking due to their welded corner construction, prompting the need for a more robust and reliable design.

How did Bill Rogers' background influence the design of the 47 series magazines?

Bill Rogers' extensive experience in injection molding, gained from his Rogers Holster Company, was instrumental. This expertise allowed for the development of improved polymer followers and more durable extended base pads, contributing significantly to the magazines' enhanced performance and longevity.

What makes the 47D magazine a best-seller, and how does it differ from earlier models?

The 47D is a best-seller due to its enhanced reliability and durability. It features a different follower design and a spring punch hole for visual round count, representing a significant engineering effort to optimize performance for higher capacity .45 ACP applications.

What is the Jacques Duff system, and what material is it made from?

The Jacques Duff system is a recoil-absorbing component for firearms, originally conceived by Armand Swenson. It is manufactured from a specialized, durable polymer developed from materials used in Otis elevators, offering exceptional longevity compared to earlier prototypes.

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