First Thoughts on the Amend2 AR15/M4/M16 Banana Magazine – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The Amend2 AR15/M4/M16 Banana Magazine – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin immediately grabs your attention. It’s a bold statement, a splash of color in a world of tactical black and OD green, promising reliable 5.56 NATO feeding in a decidedly non-traditional package. The limited-edition nature of previous “banana mags” from Amend2 created a buzz, so this “for good” version has a lot to live up to.
My interest was piqued by the need for reliable, high-capacity magazines that could handle the abuse of regular range trips and training courses. I’ve grown tired of the same old metal GI mags, seeking something with improved grip and visual flair without sacrificing performance. Upon unboxing, the bright yellow color is immediately striking, and the textured polymer feels solid in hand.
I’ve used Magpul PMAGs and Lancer L5AWM magazines extensively, both known for their reliability and durability. I chose the Amend2 Banana Magazine to add some personality to my AR platform and see if its polymer construction offered a comparable or superior performance. My initial impression is excitement mixed with cautious optimism – it looks great, but will it feed reliably?
Real-World Testing: Putting Amend2 AR15/M4/M16 Banana Magazine – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Amend2 Banana Magazine was at an outdoor range during a tactical carbine course. The weather was dry and dusty, typical of summer in my region. The magazine loaded easily with 30 rounds of 5.56 NATO ammunition, snapping securely into my AR-15’s magwell.
During rapid-fire drills, the magazine fed flawlessly for the first few cycles. However, after several reloads and spending some time lying on the dusty ground, I experienced a couple of failures to feed. The issue seemed to stem from excessive dirt accumulating near the feed lips.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the Amend2 Banana Magazine’s performance has been a mixed bag. It performs well in clean environments but is more susceptible to malfunctions in dusty or sandy conditions than my PMAGs. The textured grip remains excellent even when wet, offering a secure hold during reloads.
I’ve noticed no significant wear and tear on the polymer body, despite repeated use and accidental drops. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cloth removes most debris, but I’ve found compressed air helpful for clearing dirt from the feed lips and follower. While the Amend2 mag looks cool, it doesn’t outperform my tried-and-true PMAGs in terms of overall reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Amend2 AR15/M4/M16 Banana Magazine – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
Caliber: .223 Remington/5.56 NATO. This magazine is specifically designed to function with standard AR-15 ammunition.
Capacity: 30 rounds. Standard capacity for AR-15 magazines, providing ample firepower.
Origin: Aftermarket. Not a USGI magazine, but designed to function in AR-15/M4/M16 platforms.
Material: Advanced polymer. Offers durability and impact resistance while remaining lightweight.
Follower: 4-way anti-tilt, self-lubricating. Ensures smooth and reliable feeding, minimizing malfunctions.
Spring: Heavy-duty, non-memory, and non-corrosive stainless steel. Provides consistent pressure for reliable feeding over time.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability and lifespan. The advanced polymer construction, anti-tilt follower, and stainless steel spring contribute to consistent feeding and durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Amend2 AR15/M4/M16 Banana Magazine performs adequately in controlled environments, feeding rounds reliably during slow and moderate rates of fire. Its strength lies in its high capacity and aggressive texturing for enhanced grip. However, its weakness is a susceptibility to malfunctions in dusty or dirty conditions.
It meets basic expectations for an AR-15 magazine but doesn’t exceed the reliability of industry standards like Magpul PMAGs. Therefore, for the price, it is an average performer.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is generally good; the polymer feels sturdy and the texturing provides a secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands. At the standard 30-round capacity, the weight is comparable to other polymer magazines. The bright yellow “banana” design is its most striking feature, making it easily identifiable.
There’s no significant learning curve; it functions like any standard AR-15 magazine. The enhanced grip texturing is a welcome addition, making reloads easier.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Amend2 Banana Magazine should last a reasonable amount of time. The polymer construction is impact-resistant, but the magazine should be inspected regularly for cracks or damage, especially after heavy use. Maintenance is simple; cleaning with a brush and solvent is sufficient.
Disassembling the magazine for deep cleaning is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. This is due to potentially damaging the feed lips, causing misfeeds.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Amend2 AR15/M4/M16 Banana Magazine doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. While there are no specific customization options for the magazine itself, it is compatible with standard AR-15 magazine pouches and loading devices.
The magazine’s standard dimensions ensure compatibility with a wide range of AR-15 accessories, making it easy to integrate into existing gear setups. You could paint it if the bright yellow is too much!
Pros and Cons of Amend2 AR15/M4/M16 Banana Magazine – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Aggressive texturing provides excellent grip, even in wet conditions.
- Eye-catching “banana” design adds personality to your AR-15.
- High-capacity (30 rounds) provides ample firepower.
- Polymer construction is lightweight and impact-resistant.
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
- More prone to malfunctions in dusty or sandy conditions compared to some other magazines.
- The bright color might not be suitable for tactical applications where concealment is essential.
Who Should Buy Amend2 AR15/M4/M16 Banana Magazine – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
This magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who want to add a bit of fun and personality to their AR-15. It’s also suitable for those who primarily shoot in controlled range environments where cleanliness isn’t a major concern. Competition shooters who want to make a statement will likely enjoy the Amend2 Banana Magazine.
Those who require absolute reliability in harsh conditions, such as law enforcement or military personnel, should probably skip this product. Must-have accessories include a good magazine pouch and a reliable magazine loader.
Conclusion on Amend2 AR15/M4/M16 Banana Magazine – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The Amend2 AR15/M4/M16 Banana Magazine – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin offers a unique blend of personality and functionality. While its reliability may not match the top-tier options in extremely dirty conditions, its eye-catching design and solid construction make it a fun addition to any AR-15 owner’s collection. At $24.99, the price is justified for those seeking a magazine with distinctive flair.
I would recommend this magazine to casual shooters looking to add some pizzazz to their range days. If you prioritize pure reliability above all else, stick with proven standards like PMAGs. Give the Amend2 Banana Magazine a try; you might just find that a little bit of banana yellow makes your range trips a whole lot more fun.