mine has the heel release. took some getting used to, but i got it figured out, and am pretty quick with mag changes. i hear you on mags glad the one i got came with 4. i find them occasionally, but they’re usually around $60 each. that’s one advantage of the heel release though- you get used to holding onto the mag rather than just dropping it.
i’ve also got a colt commander in .38 super, never had a problem with either feeding- they even do great with my +P handloads.
I’ve had a couple Colts, all of them were picky.