First Thoughts on the Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin
The Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin promises increased capacity for the often-maligned but undeniably popular Phoenix Arms HP22 and HP22A pistols. It aims to remedy one of the primary criticisms leveled against these budget-friendly .22LR handguns: their limited magazine capacity. For years, I’ve tinkered with firearms, always seeking that perfect balance between affordability and functionality, and the siren song of a higher-capacity magazine for a plinker as ubiquitous as the HP22 is hard to resist.
My own experience with the Phoenix Arms HP22A has been a mixed bag. While its low price made it an attractive entry point into handgun ownership, the standard magazine capacity often felt restrictive during extended range sessions. I was hoping the Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin would solve this issue.
Unboxing the magazine, my initial impression was…underwhelming. The plastic construction felt noticeably cheaper than the already budget-conscious materials of the pistol itself. It certainly didn’t inspire confidence, but I’ve learned not to judge a book by its cover; performance is paramount.
Compared to other .22LR magazines I own (Ruger 10/22 magazines, for example, or those for my S&W M&P 15-22), the Phoenix Arms magazine felt…disposable. I considered other extended magazine options for the HP22A, but many were either unavailable or significantly more expensive. Ultimately, I chose to give this OEM magazine a try, hoping that the Phoenix Arms engineering would deliver a reliable experience, despite the seemingly basic construction.
My first impression wasn’t exactly excitement, but rather cautious optimism. The low price point tempered my expectations, but the promise of increased capacity was enticing enough to warrant further investigation. I was eager to see if the Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin could overcome its initial appearance and prove to be a worthwhile addition to my range kit.
Real-World Testing: Putting Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze and clear skies, providing ideal conditions for testing. I ran a variety of .22LR ammunition through the magazine, from cheap bulk ammo to higher-quality target rounds.
The first few magazines loaded and fired without issue. However, by the third magazine, I experienced several failures to feed, with the rounds not fully chambering. The magazine also felt a little loose in the magazine well.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a few months, the Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin showed some…inconsistencies. The frequency of failures to feed varied, sometimes working flawlessly for an entire magazine, other times failing multiple times in a single loading. The durability of the plastic construction also came into question, as I noticed some slight cracking around the feed lips.
Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward, but the plastic construction made me hesitant to use aggressive solvents. Compared to the standard Phoenix Arms magazine, the extended version offered a higher capacity, but its reliability issues made it a less desirable option. While it offered more rounds, I spent more time clearing malfunctions than actually shooting.
Breaking Down the Features of Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin is designed specifically for the Phoenix Arms HP22 and HP22A pistols. It is chambered in .22 Long Rifle and has a 10-round capacity. Being an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product, it is presumably built to the same specifications as the factory magazine, albeit with an extended capacity.
The most important spec here is the 10-round capacity, as it directly addresses the desire for more rounds between reloads. The .22 Long Rifle caliber ensures compatibility with the HP22 and HP22A, while the OEM origin suggests a certain level of fit and function, even if the execution leaves something to be desired.
Performance & Functionality
The Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin performs adequately, but not flawlessly. It does provide increased capacity, which is its primary function. However, the unreliability significantly detracts from the overall shooting experience.
Its biggest weakness is its tendency to cause failures to feed. I’d estimate a failure rate of around 10-15%, which is unacceptable for reliable shooting. It barely meets expectations, primarily because the increase in capacity is offset by the increased chance of malfunctions.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design is simple and utilitarian, primarily constructed of black plastic. It feels lightweight, but also somewhat fragile. The ergonomics are acceptable; it fits into the magazine well of the HP22A without excessive force, but the looseness is noticeable.
The plastic construction doesn’t inspire confidence, and the overall feel is less refined than higher-quality magazines. There’s definitely a learning curve involved in loading the magazine correctly to minimize feed issues.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin is questionable. After only a few range sessions, I noticed hairline cracks forming around the feed lips. It’s easy enough to clean, but the plastic construction makes it susceptible to damage from harsh solvents.
I doubt it will last for thousands of rounds, especially with regular use. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain functionality, but be gentle to avoid damaging the plastic.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin is itself an accessory, designed to increase the magazine capacity of the HP22 and HP22A. There are no further customization options directly related to the magazine itself. It should be compatible with any speed loaders designed for .22LR magazines, but I did not test this specifically.
Pros and Cons of Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Increased magazine capacity (10 rounds vs. the standard magazine’s capacity).
- Relatively inexpensive compared to other aftermarket options (when available).
- OEM origin ensures basic compatibility with Phoenix Arms HP22 and HP22A pistols.
Cons
- Frequent failures to feed, impacting reliability and shooting enjoyment.
- Questionable durability due to cheap plastic construction.
- Feels loose in the magazine well, contributing to feeding issues.
Who Should Buy Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin?
The Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin might be perfect for budget-conscious shooters who are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions in exchange for increased magazine capacity. It could also be suitable for those who simply want a backup magazine and aren’t overly concerned about absolute reliability. If you are a very casual plinker and patient, then this might be for you.
However, anyone prioritizing reliability and consistent performance should skip this product. Competitive shooters, those using the HP22/HP22A for pest control, or anyone relying on it for self-defense should definitely look elsewhere.
A must-have modification would be to carefully file or sand down any rough edges on the feed lips, which might improve feeding. Otherwise, there aren’t many modifications you can perform on a basic plastic magazine.
Conclusion on Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin
The Phoenix Arms Phoenix Arms 22 LR HP, HP22A 10rd Black Extended – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, OEM Origin is a mixed bag. While it delivers on its promise of increased magazine capacity, its unreliability and questionable durability undermine its value. The price of $24.99 might seem justified at first glance, but the frustration caused by frequent malfunctions makes it a questionable investment.
Personally, I would hesitate to recommend it. The peace of mind that comes with a reliable magazine is worth more than a few extra rounds.
My final thought is this: While the idea is appealing, the execution falls short. Save your money and invest in a more reliable .22LR platform.