Mission First Tactical Window EXD AR-15 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem/.300 AAC 30 Round Rifle Magazine Review

First Impressions of Mission First Tactical Window EXD AR-15 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem/.300 AAC 30 Round Rifle Magazine

Magazines. They are the bane of every AR-15 owner’s existence, aren’t they? A great rifle means nothing if it can’t feed reliably, and finding magazines that offer both durability and consistent performance can feel like searching for a unicorn. Enter the Mission First Tactical Window EXD AR-15 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem/.300 AAC 30 Round Rifle Magazine, promising enhanced strength, visual round count, and broad platform compatibility.

After years of dealing with everything from GI surplus to high-end competition mags, I was eager to see if these Mission First Tactical magazines could stand up to the test. My primary motivation was to find a reliable magazine that could handle both 5.56 and .300 AAC Blackout rounds without issue, and the visual round count was a definite plus.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the robust feel of the polymer. The ribbed gripping surface felt secure in my hands, and the dual-side windows gave it a modern, almost tactical look. Compared to my older Magpul PMAGs and some cheaper aluminum magazines, the Mission First Tactical Window EXD magazine felt noticeably more solid. I was definitely excited to get it out to the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mission First Tactical Window EXD AR-15 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem/.300 AAC 30 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Mission First Tactical Window EXD magazines was at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was typically unpredictable, with intermittent rain and a fair amount of mud. I loaded up five magazines with a mix of 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition, and another three with .300 AAC Blackout to see how it handled the different calibers.

The magazines seated firmly and easily into my AR-15 lower receivers. Initially, I did notice a slightly tighter fit compared to my older magazines, but this soon eased up after a few insertions and removals. I experienced zero failures to feed or extract across all the magazines, even when running drills that involved rapid firing and magazine changes in less-than-ideal conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

Several months and hundreds of rounds later, the Mission First Tactical Window EXD magazines have continued to impress me. They’ve been through several range trips, a couple of rainy outdoor training sessions, and even a dusty carbine course. They are still performing flawlessly.

I have yet to see any significant signs of wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic scuffs. Cleaning these magazines is incredibly straightforward; the tool-less disassembly makes it easy to pop off the floor plate and wipe down the internals. Compared to some of the older metal magazines I used to run, which would often require more intensive cleaning to prevent corrosion, the Mission First Tactical Window EXD is a breeze to maintain.

Breaking Down the Features of Mission First Tactical Window EXD AR-15 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem/.300 AAC 30 Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

The Mission First Tactical Window EXD AR-15 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem/.300 AAC 30 Round Rifle Magazine is designed to hold 30 rounds of 5.56x45mm NATO, .223 Remington, or .300 AAC Blackout ammunition. It is constructed primarily from a next-generation long glass fiber polymer, which enhances its strength and durability. The magazine also features dual-side anti-glare transparent windows with numerical markers for quick visual round count.

The Mission First Tactical Window EXD incorporates a long-life USGI-spec stainless steel spring and a four-way anti-tilt self-lubricating follower. A flared floor plate aids in easier magazine handling, and the oversized bolt catch ensures reliable bolt hold-open after the last round. It is also important to note the inclusion of a paint pen dot matrix for easy identification and marking.

Performance & Functionality

The Mission First Tactical Window EXD performs admirably, delivering consistent and reliable feeding across various AR-15 platforms. The enhanced strength of the polymer construction makes it exceptionally resistant to impacts and deformation. This ensures that the magazine can withstand the rigors of tactical use and high-volume shooting sessions. The high-visibility indicator coil on the spring, coupled with the dual-side windows, provides an accurate and intuitive way to monitor round count.

One of the key strengths of this magazine is its ability to handle different calibers without compromising performance. Whether I was shooting .223, 5.56, or .300 AAC Blackout, the Mission First Tactical Window EXD consistently delivered reliable feeding. The only area where I could see potential improvement is the initial tightness of the magazine fit, although this did ease up over time.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Mission First Tactical Window EXD is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The ribbed front and rear gripping surface offers a secure hold, even with wet or gloved hands. The flared floor plate makes magazine changes faster and more efficient. The build quality is excellent, with the polymer construction feeling solid and well-engineered.

The Mission First Tactical magazine is surprisingly lightweight, especially considering its robust construction. This contributes to improved handling and reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The design is user-friendly, with tool-less disassembly making maintenance quick and easy.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mission First Tactical Window EXD is built to last. The next-generation long glass fiber polymer is incredibly durable, capable of withstanding significant abuse without cracking or deforming. The stainless steel spring resists corrosion, ensuring long-term reliability.

Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe-down and occasional cleaning of the internals are all that’s needed to keep these magazines running smoothly. The tool-less disassembly feature significantly simplifies this process.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mission First Tactical Window EXD AR-15 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem/.300 AAC 30 Round Rifle Magazine does not come with any specific accessories, as it is a standalone product. However, its compatibility with standard AR-15 platforms means that it works seamlessly with a wide range of aftermarket accessories.

The magazine features a paint pen dot matrix, allowing users to easily mark and identify their magazines. The flared floor plate can also be swapped out for different designs, although the stock floor plate is already highly functional.

Pros and Cons of Mission First Tactical Window EXD AR-15 5.56x45mm/.223 Rem/.300 AAC 30 Round Rifle Magazine