HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 Review

Let’s Talk About HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308

The HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 is a polymer magazine designed for rifles utilizing the AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) magazine well. Manufactured by HERA Arms, this magazine boasts a 5-round capacity and aims to provide reliable feeding for .308 Winchester ammunition. I was seeking a durable and dependable magazine for my precision rifle build, and the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 seemed like a viable option.

I recently completed a custom .308 build with an AICS compatible chassis. Finding reliable magazines at a reasonable price point can be challenging, so I was on the lookout for a magazine that balanced quality and affordability. Many AICS magazines are quite expensive, leading me to consider the HERA Arms offering as a more budget-friendly alternative.

Upon receiving the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308, I was immediately impressed with the robust feel of the polymer construction. It felt solid and well-made, unlike some cheaper polymer magazines I’ve handled in the past. The texture provided a good grip, and the overall design appeared functional and clean.

Compared to a Magpul PMAG AICS magazine, the HERA Arms felt slightly more rigid. The Magpul PMAG offers a known track record, but I wanted to explore alternatives, especially with the reported seating issues and other user feedback associated with Magpul variants. This led me to trying out the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308.

My first impression was positive; I was excited to test its performance at the range. However, the user feedback regarding fitment issues with certain stocks, particularly the Magpul Hunter Lite, gave me some cause for concern. Ultimately, I decided to test it in my own rifle setup regardless.

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Real-World Testing: Putting HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 at my local shooting range, primarily using my custom .308 rifle with an AICS-compatible chassis system. The weather was clear and dry, providing optimal conditions for testing. I wanted to evaluate its feeding reliability and ease of use.

During initial testing, I immediately experienced seating issues with the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308. While the magazine appeared to fit the magazine well, it didn’t lock into place without significant force and manipulation. Cycling the bolt and chambering rounds was rough, leading to several failures to feed.

The magazine required a substantial amount of force to seat properly, and even then, the bolt felt sluggish when stripping rounds. It was nowhere near the smooth, reliable feeding I expect from an AICS magazine. This was quite disappointing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and attempts to improve seating, the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 did not exhibit any significant improvements in reliability. It continued to require excessive force to seat correctly and consistently failed to feed properly. Disappointingly, the magazine remained largely unreliable, negatively affecting shooting sessions.

Regarding durability, the polymer construction held up well, showing no signs of cracking or deformation despite the constant manipulation. However, given the feeding issues, the robust build quality became less relevant. The aesthetic appeal and initial solid feel were quickly overshadowed by the poor performance.

Maintenance was straightforward; I simply wiped down the magazine with a cloth and applied a light coat of lubricant to the interior. However, cleaning did not improve the magazine’s performance or resolve the seating issues. The cleaning process itself was easy, but ultimately, a clean, non-functioning magazine is still a non-functioning magazine.

In comparison to other AICS magazines I’ve used, the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 fell far short of expectations. Magpul PMAGs and metal AICS magazines I’ve tested have performed flawlessly in my rifle. The HERA Arms offering simply could not compete.

Breaking Down the Features of HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308

Specifications

The HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 is a 5-round capacity magazine designed for rifles that accept AICS-pattern magazines. It is chambered in .308 Winchester and constructed from a durable polymer material. Its black color provides a tactical look, and it is sold as a single unit.

The 5-round capacity is suitable for hunting and precision shooting applications where a higher capacity isn’t necessary. The polymer construction keeps the weight down, but the fit and feeding issues negatively impact the user experience. The .308 Winchester chambering makes it compatible with a wide range of rifles, provided the AICS magazine compatibility works as intended.

Performance & Functionality

Unfortunately, the performance of the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 was subpar in my testing. The magazine repeatedly failed to seat properly and caused feeding issues, rendering it unreliable. While the polymer construction felt durable, this positive attribute was negated by the poor functionality.

The primary weakness lies in the magazine’s inability to consistently and reliably feed ammunition. This issue overshadows any potential strengths. It did not meet my expectations for a magazine designed for precision rifles.

Design & Ergonomics

The HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 features a textured polymer exterior that provides a decent grip, and the overall design is relatively simple and clean. The magazine is lightweight, which is advantageous for reducing overall rifle weight. However, the poor fit and unreliable feeding issues detract from the ergonomic advantages.

While the design appears user-friendly, the significant force required to seat the magazine creates a poor user experience. There is no inherent learning curve, but the lack of reliable feeding and the difficulty of seating the magazine render any potential design advantages moot. The seating process itself is far from smooth.

Durability & Maintenance

The polymer construction of the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 suggests that it should be reasonably durable. It didn’t show any immediate signs of wear and tear during testing, despite the forceful seating attempts. The materials used seem capable of withstanding regular use.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove debris and residue. The magazine is easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning. Easy maintenance, unfortunately, doesn’t compensate for its core functional flaws.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 does not require any additional accessories for basic functionality, as it’s a standalone magazine. There are no specific customization options directly applicable to the magazine itself. While aftermarket followers might improve performance, this wasn’t tested.

The magazine is designed to be compatible with any rifle chassis or stock that accepts AICS-pattern magazines. However, as indicated by my testing and other user feedback, compatibility issues may arise with certain stock systems, limiting its universal usability. This compatibility issue needs to be addressed by HERA Arms.

Pros and Cons of HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308

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Who Should Buy HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308?

The HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 might be suitable for users who are willing to experiment with minor modifications to improve seating and feeding, and who are using an AICS-compatible chassis that is known to work well with polymer magazines. If you have a very forgiving magazine well, it might work.

However, those seeking a reliable and consistent magazine right out of the box should skip this product. Precision shooters and hunters relying on flawless feeding will likely find this magazine disappointing. It’s a pass for anyone seeking a guaranteed drop-in solution.

A must-have modification might be a different follower, but this would require further research and experimentation. Unfortunately, the out-of-the-box performance doesn’t inspire confidence in its usability.

Conclusion on HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308

Overall, the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 fell short of my expectations, mainly due to its unreliable feeding and difficult seating. While the polymer construction is durable and the design is simple, the functional issues outweigh the positive attributes. The initial promise quickly faded.

At a price of $39.94, the value proposition is questionable, considering the unreliable performance. There are other AICS magazines on the market that offer better reliability and functionality at a similar or slightly higher price point. The price doesn’t justify the hassle.

I would not personally recommend the HERA Arms H7 Magazine .308 based on my testing experience. Its unreliability makes it unsuitable for serious use in precision shooting or hunting applications. Seek out alternatives with a proven track record of reliable feeding and better stock compatibility.