First Impressions of Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine promises enhanced reliability and capacity for competitive shooters using the Tanfoglio/EAA Witness platform. Mec-Gar is a well-respected name in the magazine industry, known for producing high-quality OEM magazines for numerous firearms manufacturers. This particular magazine aims to provide a competitive edge with its increased capacity and robust construction, catering specifically to the .38 Super caliber.
I’ve been running a custom-built Tanfoglio Witness in .38 Super for several years in local IPSC competitions, and my biggest frustration has always been magazine capacity. The standard magazines often required frequent reloads, impacting my stage times. I was looking for a higher-capacity, reliable magazine that could withstand the rigors of competitive shooting, and the Mec-Gar offering seemed to fit the bill.
Upon receiving the Mec-Gar magazine, I immediately noticed the solid feel and quality finish. The anti-friction coating looked slick and durable, and the grey aluminum plus 2 floorplate added a touch of class. Compared to the factory magazines, it felt noticeably more substantial and well-made. I had been considering magazines from other manufacturers, but Mec-Gar’s reputation for reliability and their specific focus on the Tanfoglio platform ultimately swayed my decision.
My first impression was definitely positive. I was excited to test it out at the range and see if it lived up to the hype. It seemed like a well-engineered magazine designed to improve the performance of my competition pistol, a significant improvement over the frustrating experience of constantly reloading during timed events.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local shooting range, during a practice session for an upcoming IPSC match. I ran several drills, focusing on speed reloads and transitions between targets. The magazine performed flawlessly during these initial runs.
The magazine seated positively and ejected cleanly every time, even during rapid-fire sequences. I experienced no failures to feed or double feeds, which was a significant improvement over some of my older, worn-out magazines. I did not notice any problems loading or unloading, even with the full complement of ten rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple practice sessions and two full IPSC matches, the Mec-Gar magazine has proven to be incredibly reliable. There are only minor signs of wear on the anti-friction coating. I regularly clean the magazines after each use, and they are very easy to disassemble and reassemble.
The spring tension remains consistent, and the magazine continues to feed smoothly and reliably. It far outperforms my older factory magazines, which have become increasingly prone to malfunctions over time. I would consider this to be a premium magazine, more than worthy of use in competition or even for self-defense.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for large-frame Tanfoglio/EAA Witness pistols chambered in .38 Super. It features a 10-round capacity. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated carbon steel for enhanced durability.
The magazine is finished with an anti-friction coating to ensure smooth feeding and ejection. It also has a high-impact polymer follower for reliable round presentation. The spring is made from high tensile music wire, ensuring consistent tension and long-term reliability. Finally, it features a grey aluminum plus 2 floorplate.
These specifications are crucial for competitive shooting. The increased capacity reduces the need for frequent reloads. The durable construction ensures the magazine can withstand the wear and tear of rigorous use. The anti-friction coating and high-quality spring contribute to reliable feeding and ejection.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine performs exceptionally well. Its reliability is the standout feature. It consistently feeds and ejects rounds without any malfunctions.
The magazine greatly enhances the shooting experience by allowing more time shooting and less time reloading. The only aspect that could be improved is the price, as it is more expensive than some other aftermarket magazines. It significantly exceeds expectations in terms of reliability and durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mec-Gar magazine is well-designed and feels solid in hand. The anti-friction coating not only enhances performance but also provides a smooth, comfortable feel. The magazine is easy to grip and insert into the pistol, and the plus 2 floorplate adds just enough length for a secure hold during reloads.
There is virtually no learning curve. The design is intuitive and user-friendly. It seamlessly integrates with the Tanfoglio Witness pistol.
Durability & Maintenance
The heat-treated carbon steel construction and anti-friction coating suggest that the Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine is built to last. After several months of use, there are no signs of significant wear or damage. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that is needed to maintain its performance.
The magazine is simple to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance. Replacing the spring or follower, if necessary, is also straightforward. The durability of the magazine ensures a long service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. However, the dimpled design of the tube accepts standard Mec-Gar floorplates, springs, and followers, allowing for some degree of customization. This compatibility with other Mec-Gar components makes it easy to replace parts or upgrade the magazine if desired.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Reliable feeding and ejection, significantly reducing malfunctions.
- Durable construction with heat-treated carbon steel and anti-friction coating.
- Increased 10-round capacity, ideal for competitive shooting.
- Easy to disassemble and maintain.
- Positive seating and clean ejection.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some other aftermarket magazines.
- Aluminum floorplate can show wear over time.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters using Tanfoglio/EAA Witness pistols in .38 Super who need increased capacity and reliable performance. It is also an excellent choice for anyone who wants to upgrade the reliability of their Tanfoglio Witness pistol. Someone who primarily uses their Tanfoglio for recreational shooting at the range may be content with lower-capacity, less expensive options.
A must-have accessory to go along with this magazine would be a quality magazine pouch designed for competition use, allowing for quick and easy reloads during timed events.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Witness/Tanfoglio Large Frame Competition .38 Super 10 Round Pistol Magazine is a high-quality, reliable magazine that delivers exceptional performance. The price is higher than some alternatives, but the enhanced reliability and increased capacity make it well worth the investment for serious shooters. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to improve the performance of their Tanfoglio Witness pistol in .38 Super.
If you are tired of malfunctions and want a magazine that you can depend on, then this is the magazine for you. Upgrade your Tanfoglio Witness today and experience the difference.