Mec-Gar MGPB9613 Beretta 96 Magazine 13RD 40S&W Anti-Friction – 40 S&W Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin Review

First Thoughts on the Mec-Gar MGPB9613 Beretta 96 Magazine 13RD 40S&W Anti-Friction – 40 S&W Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin

The Beretta 96, chambered in the potent .40 S&W, has always been a favorite of mine for its robust design and reliable performance. Finding magazines for it that strike the right balance between capacity, durability, and affordability can be a challenge. Enter the Mec-Gar MGPB9613 Beretta 96 Magazine 13RD 40S&W Anti-Friction – 40 S&W Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin, promising a high-capacity flush fit at a reasonable price.

My journey with the Beretta 96 began when I needed a reliable sidearm for duty carry, something with stopping power and a comfortable grip. Original Beretta magazines can be expensive, and aftermarket options can be hit or miss, so I was on the lookout for a dependable alternative. The Mec-Gar magazine caught my eye with its promise of quality and a slightly increased capacity over the standard 11-round magazines.

Upon receiving the Mec-Gar magazine, my first impression was that it felt solid and well-constructed. The steel body had a nice weight to it, inspiring confidence. Compared to some other aftermarket magazines I’ve tried, this one felt much more robust, rivaling the quality of the factory Beretta mags.

I considered ProMag and some generic brands, but Mec-Gar‘s reputation for manufacturing high-quality magazines for various firearms manufacturers ultimately swayed my decision. My first impression was positive; I was eager to see how it performed at the range. This aftermarket option felt like a serious contender, a potential game-changer for my Beretta 96 setup.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar MGPB9613 Beretta 96 Magazine 13RD 40S&W Anti-Friction – 40 S&W Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, a controlled environment perfect for assessing magazine reliability. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid magazine changes and various shooting positions. The Mec-Gar magazine fed smoothly and consistently throughout the first few hundred rounds.

I tested it in varying conditions, including after leaving it in the sun to heat up, and after a light drizzle, to mimic real-world use. The magazine continued to perform flawlessly. I appreciated the ease of loading and the positive engagement when locking into the Beretta 96. No malfunctions were observed, giving me a high degree of confidence in its reliability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Mec-Gar magazine has proven to be a dependable addition to my Beretta 96 setup. It has seen action in training courses and even a couple of practical shooting competitions. The finish shows some minor wear from repeated insertion and removal, but the magazine body remains structurally sound.

I’ve paid particular attention to cleaning and maintenance, which involves disassembling the magazine, wiping down the internal components, and applying a light coat of lubricant. This process is straightforward, and the Mec-Gar magazine is easy to disassemble and reassemble. Compared to other magazines I’ve used in the past, this one seems to require less frequent cleaning, thanks to its anti-friction coating.

Previously, I had used some cheaper, no-name magazines that would occasionally cause feeding issues after just a few range sessions. The Mec-Gar magazine has significantly outperformed those alternatives, providing consistent and reliable performance. It’s a clear upgrade that enhances the overall shooting experience with my Beretta 96.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar MGPB9613 Beretta 96 Magazine 13RD 40S&W Anti-Friction – 40 S&W Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin

Specifications

The Mec-Gar MGPB9613 Beretta 96 Magazine is specifically designed for the Beretta 96 chambered in .40 S&W Caliber. It boasts a 13-round capacity, offering a slight increase over the standard 11-round factory magazines. The magazine is constructed from steel, ensuring durability and resistance to deformation under pressure.

As an aftermarket origin magazine, it’s designed to meet or exceed the specifications of the original Beretta magazines. The flush fit design ensures that it doesn’t protrude excessively from the grip, maintaining a comfortable and concealable profile. These specifications translate to enhanced firepower and a more streamlined profile compared to factory mags.

Performance & Functionality

The Mec-Gar MGPB9613 Beretta 96 Magazine performs admirably, providing consistent and reliable feeding of .40 S&W rounds. The increased capacity is a definite plus, giving you more rounds downrange before needing to reload. Its enhanced reliability allows for consistent performance, making it a dependable choice.

The strengths of this magazine lie in its robust construction and dependable feeding. One potential weakness might be its steel construction making it more susceptible to rust if not properly maintained. Overall, it exceeds expectations for an aftermarket magazine. Its increased capacity and flawless performance are outstanding.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mec-Gar magazine features a steel construction that feels solid and well-built. The weight adds to the overall feel of quality. The flush fit design ensures a comfortable grip and helps with concealability if you carry your Beretta 96.

The magazine is user-friendly, with a smooth insertion and release mechanism. There is no noticeable learning curve associated with its use. This makes it suitable for both experienced shooters and those new to the Beretta 96 platform.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction of the Mec-Gar MGPB9613 Beretta 96 Magazine suggests that it will last for many years with proper care. The anti-friction coating contributes to its long-term reliability. Maintaining the magazine is relatively easy, requiring only occasional disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication.

Spare parts are not readily available for individual magazine components, however, a complete magazine replacement is a more viable option if needed. This simplifies the maintenance process and ensures continued reliable performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mec-Gar MGPB9613 Beretta 96 Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it’s a self-contained unit. There aren’t any readily available customization options. The magazine is designed to be compatible with standard Beretta 96 magazine pouches and carriers.

It also works well with various aftermarket basepads designed for Beretta 96 magazines, offering some limited customization options. These options, while not extensive, provide some flexibility in tailoring the magazine to your specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar MGPB9613 Beretta 96 Magazine 13RD 40S&W Anti-Friction – 40 S&W Caliber, 13 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin