First Thoughts on the Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black
The Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black magazine. It is designed for rifles chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum and holds five rounds. Great Lakes Firearms is known for producing reliable, no-frills components for firearms, often catering to the budget-conscious shooter or those looking for functional replacements. My interest was piqued by the promise of a durable, cost-effective magazine for my hunting rifle.
For years, I’ve relied on the standard magazines that came with my 7mm Rem Mag. However, I needed an extra magazine to simplify the reloading process in the field when hunting. So I began my search and selected the Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black based on its price and promises of reliability.
Unboxing the magazine, I was immediately struck by its solid, no-nonsense construction. It felt substantial in my hand, with a matte black finish that seemed resistant to scratches. The build quality appeared robust. I was cautiously optimistic.
Compared to the factory magazine from my rifle and a Magpul AICS magazine I use in a different rifle, the Great Lakes Firearms offering seemed simpler. It lacks the polymer body of the Magpul, but appears sturdier than the factory metal magazine. The price point made it attractive. My initial impression was one of pleasant surprise. It seems like a functional, reliable magazine without any unnecessary frills. It seems perfect for its intended purpose.
Real-World Testing: Putting Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black at my local shooting range. I wanted to gauge its reliability and feeding consistency. I loaded it with five rounds of Federal Premium 150-grain Nosler Partition ammunition.
The magazine seated firmly into my rifle with a reassuring click. Cycling the bolt, I was pleased to see that each round chambered smoothly and without any hiccups. Even after rapid firing strings, the magazine consistently fed rounds into the chamber. There were no failures to feed or eject.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, primarily during hunting season and occasional range trips, the Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black has held up remarkably well. I’ve exposed it to various weather conditions, from dry and dusty autumn days to cold and snowy winter hunts. The finish has proven surprisingly durable. There are only a few minor scratches.
Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a simple wipe-down after use. It has proven easy to maintain. Compared to the factory magazine, I find the Great Lakes Firearms offering to be equally reliable. It is more rugged, which makes me feel more confident when using it in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black
Specifications
The Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black is a magazine designed for rifles chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum. It holds a standard capacity of five rounds. The magazine is constructed from steel with a black finish for corrosion resistance.
- Caliber: 7mm Remington Magnum
- Capacity: 5 Rounds
- Material: Steel
- Finish: Black
- Compatibility: Rifles chambered in 7mm Rem Mag that accept AICS-pattern magazines
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the magazine’s function and durability. The steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of field use. The five-round capacity provides a balance between firepower and weight.
Performance & Functionality
The Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black performs its intended function admirably. It reliably feeds 7mm Rem Mag rounds into the chamber of my rifle. This ensures consistent and accurate shooting.
Its primary strength lies in its consistent feeding and rugged construction. The only potential improvement I can see is a smoother finish on the follower to further minimize friction. The magazine definitely meets my expectations for a reliable and affordable aftermarket magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black sports a simple, functional design. The steel construction gives it a solid, reassuring weight. It feels comfortable in my hand during loading.
There’s no real learning curve. It operates like any standard rifle magazine. The matte black finish gives it a low-profile appearance.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black suggests it will last for many years with proper care. I anticipate it will outlast some of the polymer magazines on the market.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning after use should prevent rust or corrosion. The magazine can be disassembled for more thorough cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black is relatively simple. It doesn’t offer extensive customization options. It’s designed to be a functional replacement or spare magazine.
Because it follows a near-standard AICS pattern, it is compatible with aftermarket magazine pouches and carriers. This allows for carrying on a belt or attaching it to a pack. The standard AICS magazine pouch compatibility is a great enhancement for tactical purposes.
Pros and Cons of Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black
Pros
- Reliable Feeding: Consistently chambers rounds without issue.
- Durable Construction: Steel body withstands rugged use.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the performance.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple to clean and maintain.
- AICS Pattern Compatibility: Works with rifles designed to accept AICS magazines.
Cons
- Basic Design: Lacks some of the ergonomic refinements of more expensive magazines.
- No Capacity Indicator: Does not have round-counting features.
Who Should Buy Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black?
The Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black is perfect for hunters and sport shooters. These users need reliable and affordable magazines for their 7mm Rem Mag rifles. It’s also suitable for anyone seeking durable, no-frills magazines for their AICS-compatible rifles.
Those looking for magazines with advanced features or higher capacity might want to explore other options. Users who prioritize lightweight designs might prefer polymer magazines. A simple sling would be a good enhancement for carrying Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black magazine.
Conclusion on Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black
The Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black is a solid and reliable magazine. It is designed for 7mm Remington Magnum rifles. Its durable construction and consistent feeding make it an excellent choice. It represents a great value for the price.
The $79.99 price is more than justified. Especially considering its durability and reliability.
I would absolutely recommend the Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black to anyone needing an extra magazine for their 7mm Rem Mag rifle. If you’re seeking a dependable, affordable, and no-nonsense magazine, this is an excellent option. Equip yourself with the Great Lakes Firearms 5rd 7mm Rem Mag Black and experience the peace of mind that comes with reliable performance in the field.