The Firestar is a well made pistol, although very heavy. I have one in 40 and it was my carry gun for two years until I got tired of it pulling my pants down. At the time I got it (94), it was very size efficient and I consider the 45 to still be. It has internal rails for the slide like the CZ. The barrel, belled on the front tends to give a solid and consistent lock-up. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I think all support for the Firestar series pistols is no longer. I may be wrong. I would not feel at a disadvantage with it. Mine, and others I've spoken to have had nothing but reliable service form them. As far as regular 1911 magazines, I can't offer advice. Suggest you have the proprietor take a mag from a 1911 and see if it locks in and feeds.