First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine, from Elite Tactical Systems, promises durability and reliability with its clear polymer construction and enhanced features. Coming from years of experience with various AR-15 magazines, I was curious to see if this offering could truly stand up to the rigors of real-world use. Its bold claim of being resistant to heat, cold, UV, and harsh chemicals immediately piqued my interest, especially considering the abuse magazines can endure in tactical and outdoor environments.
My search for the perfect AR-15 magazine is ongoing. I was particularly looking for something that offered reliable feeding, durability in diverse conditions, and easy visual confirmation of the remaining round count. The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine seemed to address all of these concerns.
Upon receiving the magazine, I was initially impressed with its clear polymer body. The material felt robust and the non-tilt follower moved smoothly. Compared to a standard Magpul PMAG, the ETS magazine felt slightly lighter, although the baseplate was noticeably larger. I chose this magazine over other options primarily for its advertised chemical resistance and transparent design.
I walked away feeling cautiously optimistic. While the initial quality seemed promising, I needed to put it through its paces at the range to truly assess its worth. I hoped that the hype lived up to the hype!
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine at my local shooting range. The temperature that day was around 85 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate humidity. I ran several drills, including rapid firing sequences and controlled pairs, to evaluate the magazine’s feeding reliability.
The magazine performed well during the initial testing phase, with no failures to feed or jams. Loading was relatively easy. After about 100 rounds, however, I started to notice some slight friction when seating the magazine on a closed bolt.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and approximately 500 rounds fired through the Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine, its reliability started to show cracks. While it still functioned adequately, I began experiencing occasional failures to feed when using cheaper ammunition. I stored the magazines loaded for two weeks.
There was no significant wear and tear visible on the polymer body, although the feed lips did show slight markings from repeated use. Cleaning was simple; I just used a brush and some solvent to remove carbon buildup. My older PMAGs still offer better performance across a wider range of ammunition types, but the ETS magazine is holding up reasonably well.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine is designed for use with AR-15 platform rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington. It features a 30-round capacity. The magazine body is constructed from a state-of-the-art long fiber polymer.
The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine has a non-tilt follower. The feed lips are designed to resist creep, and the clear body allows for easy visual confirmation of round count and ammunition type. These specs matter because they directly influence the magazine’s reliability, durability, and user-friendliness.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine generally performs its job adequately, but its reliability isn’t on par with the best magazines on the market. Its strength lies in its clear body. The enhanced features like the non-tilt follower are welcome additions, but the magazine is susceptible to malfunctions with some lower-quality ammunition.
The clear body offers a significant advantage for quickly assessing round count. However, the magazine sometimes requires extra force to seat when fully loaded. While the Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine meets most expectations, it falls slightly short of being a truly top-tier option.
Design & Ergonomics
The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine features a smooth polymer body. It is relatively lightweight. The larger baseplate assists with grip during magazine changes.
The smooth sides make it slightly less tactile than magazines with textured surfaces. There is no significant learning curve associated with using the magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine’s long-term durability remains to be seen, but the polymer appears to be resilient. The clear polymer body should withstand typical use. Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward, and the polymer is resistant to most common solvents.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine does not typically come with any included accessories. There are no specific customization options offered by Elite Tactical Systems for this magazine. The magazine is compatible with standard AR-15 magazine pouches and loading devices from various brands.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine
Pros
- Clear polymer body allows for easy visual confirmation of round count and ammunition type.
- Non-tilt follower contributes to more reliable feeding.
- Resistant to heat, cold, UV, and harsh chemicals, offering increased durability in various conditions.
- Lightweight design.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Can be difficult to seat when fully loaded, particularly on a closed bolt.
- May experience failures to feed with lower-quality ammunition.
- Smooth sides offer less tactile grip than magazines with textured surfaces.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters and those seeking an affordable magazine with a clear body for easy round count confirmation. It is well-suited for individuals who prioritize the ability to visually inspect their ammunition.
Those who demand absolute reliability in all conditions or who primarily use low-quality ammunition should skip this product. Must-have accessories include a quality magazine loader and a reliable AR-15.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine offers a unique value proposition with its clear polymer body and enhanced features. The price is certainly justified, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters. The Elite Tactical Systems AR-15 Gen 2 5.56 30 Round Magazine is a decent option for recreational use.
While it may not be the most reliable magazine on the market, its unique features and affordable price make it worth considering. Consider adding a few to your range bag.