#Magazines

2021 has been a whirlwind year. I’m sure every single one of you has had a rough go at it over the last dozen months or so but thankfully we have Christmas here to help bring our spirits up a bit after enduring so much. That being said, Christmas often comes with its own stressors and complications but here at TFB, we feel like we should make things just a bit easier for you when it comes to your Christmas shopping whether its last minute or you’re well prepared and just need a few items to round out gifts for the gun enthusiasts in your life. So for the first day of TFB Christmas, we’re going to get you set up with magazines aplenty!

Over the years, I have gone through many magazines. Some have been tossed away while others have been in my collection for longer than I can remember. Despite the fact that I probably have more magazines than I could ever use, I still continue to buy more, experiment with new brands and styles, and even buy more of the ones that I already have. There is a great amount of variety when it comes to AR-15 magazines and in general, it’s really not hard to find a good magazine. However, with options come arguments about what is better and why. About 5 years ago, TFBTV presenter Alex C stated his case as to why he didn’t use Magpul PMAGs. At the time I thought nothing of it since I didn’t own the type of guns he had access to and generally didn’t run into the same problems as he did. However, some recent research and experience have changed my mind about how I look at AR-15 magazines, and perhaps what I’ve found might change your mind as well. Can we truly answer the question about which AR-15 magazines are the best fit for your AR-15?

Mission First Tactical is in the business of making affordable AR-15 accessories and they’ve recently released a new set of magazines specifically designed for the 7.62×51 NATO cartridge. The new MFG Extreme Duty Magazines are now available for use with SAAMI-spec 7.62×51 and .308 Winchester ammunition. The new magazines will be made available in both black and flat dark earth and according to Mission First Tactical, these magazines were made in cooperation with Frank DeSomma from Patriot Ordnance Factory and as such, these magazines are dedicated to his memory.

For many years, the AR-15 magazine game was overwhelmingly split between two main options. You could have regular metal GI mags, which were cheap and plentiful, or Magpul PMAGs, which were widely considered a functional upgrade, and not much else. In recent years, however, some challengers have arisen. While those big two still hold the lion’s share of the market, it’s become increasingly common of late to see shooters employ alternatives, like translucent Lancer mags or Hexmags with their signature “Hexture” surface design.

US and Canada-based Modular Driven Technologies or MDT have announced a new 10 round metal magazine for the short action Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) which they describe as “nearly indestructible”. MSRP on the new AICS magazine is $67.95.

Capacity is king and the Hellcat has just received a big upgrade by the way of the new Springfield Armory 15-round Hellcat Magazines. The Springfield Hellcat already has one of the largest stock magazine capacities in its class but now you’re able to add an extra 4 rounds over the standard flush-fit 11 round magazine in your Hellcat pistol.

Once again, Strike Industries has entered a new product into the Glock aftermarket. If you get excited about feature-packed magazines with low price tags, you’re going to love this. This is the Strike Industries Strike Magazine for Glock G17.

I’ve been quite surprised over the past couple of months at just how many people still seem to be out shooting not only for training but recreationally as well. Despite the ammo shortage, it seems like people are just dying to get out of the house and blast some targets after being coupled up all last year. Schmeisser and ATI have just introduced a new magazine for AK owners with their 60-round AK quad stack magazine.

US Palm has come out with a production version of what has been a long-time inside joke within the AK owners community – a special edition Banana magazine. The Banana magazine is a refreshed version of the US Palm AK-30 magazine which claims to be the most advanced AK magazine currently on the market.

Clearly better? If you own a CZ Scorpion Evo 3, there are now two new magazine options from Elite Tactical Systems that hold either 30 or 40 rounds of 9×19 mm. They are made from transparent polymer so you can see how many rounds you have left and of what type, and they’re compatible with all Scorpion Evo generations. If you have one already or plan to use one, the magazines will work with the ETSCAM-RIFLE speed loader.

A brand new magazine product for the AR-15 platform has come to the market from Magpul with the release of the Magpul PMAG 20 AR 300 B GEN M3 20 round magazine. The new 20 round magazine features a unique design and specialized follower suited for the 300 Blackout cartridge.

There are many critical parts of the AR-15 platform; the fire control group, the bolt, the gas key, the gas tube/block, to list a few, all need to be well-built and reliable. Often overlooked or otherwise taken for granted is the AR-15 magazine – a box with a spring that literally feeds your rifle or carbine with ammo. Without a magazine, Stoner’s little machine becomes a clunky, single shot, auto-ejecting firearm. Call it good planning, cheap insurance or being well outfitted, but stocking up on quality magazines should be a priority. Let’s take a look at the mag lineup from DURAMAG magazines.

When you start to dive deep into the concealed carry market, it is easy to become overwhelmed. There are so many different options whether it’s firearms, holsters, ammo, or magazine holders that it can be difficult to pick at first. Fairly often, it takes a while to find your perfect setup and have a system that works for you. We often talk about how to find the right systems for you and your lifestyle but what about when those things start to wear out? We are often so caught up in finding the perfect setup we don’t think about when we should be looking to refresh or replace our gear. Let’s take a look at certain items and when it’s time to start replacing your gear over time.

Geissele Automatics, initially known for their heavenly triggers and sturdy rail systems for the AR-15 platform, has steadily diversified their retail offerings into  optics mounts, optics and even complete rifles. And I’m a fan – all my guns sport G triggers and most use a Geissele rail system. So when the North Wales, Pennsylvania manufacturer sneakily added AR-15 magazines to their line up, I was very interested to learn more and hopefully get a shot at owning a few. Geissele magazines!

The Sterling submachine gun is often said to have one of the best magazines ever designed. What makes the design so special? Well, it isn’t a STEN magazine for starters. In May 1946, George Patchett patented a new curved magazine which would become one of the Sterling SMG’s most recognisable features. It addressed some of the serious shortcomings of the STEN’s magazine.