First Thoughts on the Mec-Gar MGRP8520 RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm 20 Extended – 9mm Caliber, 20 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The Mec-Gar MGRP8520 RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm 20 Extended magazine promises to breathe new life into classic Ruger pistols. Manufactured by Mec-Gar, known for producing high-quality OEM and aftermarket magazines, this extended magazine offers a significant capacity boost. The question is: does it live up to the Mec-Gar reputation for reliability and durability?
My Ruger P89 has been a trusted companion for years, but the standard 15-round capacity sometimes felt limiting, especially during training exercises. The search for a reliable high-capacity magazine led me to the Mec-Gar MGRP8520. I was seeking a magazine that would seamlessly integrate with my Ruger, offering both increased firepower and unwavering reliability.
Upon unboxing, the Mec-Gar magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The steel finish appeared durable, and the overall build quality instilled confidence. Compared to some cheaper aftermarket options I’ve seen, the Mec-Gar immediately impressed with its professional appearance.
I considered magazines from ProMag and Triple K, but past experiences with their reliability issues steered me towards Mec-Gar. The initial impression was positive, a sense of quality that suggested this magazine would be a worthwhile investment. I was eager to test its performance and see if it could truly enhance my Ruger’s capabilities.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar MGRP8520 RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm 20 Extended – 9mm Caliber, 20 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Mec-Gar MGRP8520 was at my local shooting range, during a standard pistol practice session. I subjected the magazine to various drills, including rapid-fire strings and tactical reloads. The magazine was tested in my Ruger P89 under relatively clean conditions.
The Mec-Gar magazine performed admirably, feeding rounds smoothly and consistently. I experienced no malfunctions in the first few magazines, which was a promising start. The extended length did take a bit of getting used to initially, but it wasn’t a significant issue.
However, loading the Mec-Gar MGRP8520 to its full 20-round capacity proved challenging without a magazine loader. The spring tension was considerable, making manual loading tiring after a few magazines. Overall, the first use was positive, albeit with a minor loading inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mec-Gar MGRP8520 has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve used it in multiple range sessions and even incorporated it into a few practical shooting matches. The magazine has endured hundreds of rounds without any feeding issues.
The finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear despite being regularly inserted and removed from my pistol and magazine pouches. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, involving disassembly and a quick wipe-down. The spring tension remains consistent, even after repeated use.
Compared to some other aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, the Mec-Gar magazine stands out for its consistent performance. It has significantly outperformed cheaper alternatives, justifying its slightly higher price point. I feel confident relying on this magazine for both training and potential self-defense scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar MGRP8520 RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm 20 Extended – 9mm Caliber, 20 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Specifications
The Mec-Gar MGRP8520 RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm 20 Extended magazine is designed to increase the capacity of compatible Ruger pistols. Its primary specification is its 9mm caliber, ensuring compatibility with standard 9mm ammunition. The magazine boasts a 20-round capacity, offering a significant increase over the standard 10 or 15-round magazines.
The magazine is constructed from steel, providing durability and resistance to deformation. As an aftermarket product, it’s designed to function seamlessly with Ruger P85, P89, P93, P94, and P95 models. The extended design adds length to the magazine, protruding slightly from the base of the grip.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s performance and reliability. The steel construction ensures durability, while the increased capacity enhances firepower. Its aftermarket origin means it’s crucial that it’s well-designed to function flawlessly with the specified Ruger models.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar MGRP8520 magazine performs its job exceptionally well. It reliably feeds rounds into the chamber, minimizing the risk of malfunctions. The increased capacity offers a clear advantage in situations where additional firepower is needed.
The magazine’s primary strength is its consistent and reliable feeding. However, its tight spring requires a magazine loader for efficient full-capacity loading. Overall, the magazine meets and even exceeds expectations for aftermarket magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mec-Gar MGRP8520 has a straightforward and functional design. The steel construction gives it a robust and durable feel. The extended length, while necessary for the increased capacity, does slightly affect the pistol’s ergonomics.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special tools for disassembly or cleaning. The initial loading requires some effort due to the strong spring, but overall, it poses no major challenges. Mec-Gar is known for its strict quality control, and it shows here.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mec-Gar MGRP8520 is built to last. The steel construction and durable finish suggest that it will withstand years of use. Regular cleaning and lubrication will extend its lifespan even further.
The magazine is relatively easy to maintain. Simple disassembly and cleaning are all that’s required to keep it in good working order. With proper care, this magazine should provide reliable service for a long time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar MGRP8520 doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it’s compatible with most standard 9mm magazine loaders. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself.
While there are no direct customization options for the magazine, its compatibility with standard magazine pouches allows for personalized carry solutions. The magazine’s aftermarket design is intended to provide improved performance and capacity without requiring modifications to the host firearm. Reliability and capacity are its key attributes.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar MGRP8520 RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm 20 Extended – 9mm Caliber, 20 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Pros
- High Capacity: Significantly increases the firepower of compatible Ruger pistols, allowing for more rounds downrange before needing to reload.
- Reliable Feeding: Mec-Gar magazines are known for their reliability, ensuring smooth and consistent feeding of ammunition.
- Durable Construction: Made from steel, offering excellent resistance to wear and tear.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple disassembly and cleaning process.
- Improved performance The Mec-Gar Magazine offers improved performance over poorly designed aftermarket magazines.
Cons
- Tight Spring: Requires a magazine loader for efficient full-capacity loading.
- Extended Length: May slightly affect the ergonomics and concealability of the pistol.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar MGRP8520 RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm 20 Extended – 9mm Caliber, 20 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model?
The Mec-Gar MGRP8520 is perfect for competitive shooters and home defense enthusiasts who want to maximize their Ruger’s firepower. It’s also well-suited for individuals who use their Ruger pistols for training purposes and want to minimize reload times. This magazine is a great upgrade to the capacity of your Ruger.
Those prioritizing concealed carry might want to skip this product, as the extended length could make concealment more challenging. Individuals with hand strength limitations may find the tight spring difficult to manage without a magazine loader. In these instances, stick to your original 10 or 15 round magazines.
A must-have accessory is a quality magazine loader. A magazine pouch designed for extended magazines will improve carry comfort. These additions will maximize the usability and convenience of the Mec-Gar magazine.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar MGRP8520 RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm 20 Extended – 9mm Caliber, 20 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The Mec-Gar MGRP8520 RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm 20 Extended magazine is a worthwhile upgrade for owners of compatible Ruger pistols. It significantly increases firepower while maintaining Mec-Gar’s reputation for reliability. The enhanced capacity is a welcome change for any Ruger owner.
At $23.49, the price is justified, considering the quality of construction and the performance benefits. The extended magazine is very reasonably priced. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their Ruger’s capabilities.
If you own a Ruger P85, P89, P93, P94, or P95, and you’re looking for a reliable way to increase your magazine capacity, the Mec-Gar MGRP8520 is an excellent choice. Upgrade your Ruger today and experience the difference!