First Impressions of Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine
The AR-15 platform, arguably the most versatile firearm in existence, thrives on customization and reliability. Magazines are the lifeblood of any semi-automatic rifle, and the Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine promises both with a dash of visual flair. The combination of Magpul’s proven PMAG design with a unique laser-etched paisley pattern from Weapon Works caught my eye, offering a way to personalize my AR without sacrificing functionality.
My current AR magazines are a mix of standard-issue aluminum GI mags and a few basic black PMAGs. They function well enough, but I was looking for something that would stand out at the range and add a touch of individuality to my rifle. I’d been eyeing some custom cerakoted magazines, but the price was often prohibitive. The Weapon Works offering seemed to strike a good balance between affordability and aesthetic appeal.
The magazine arrived in a simple plastic bag. Upon opening it, the first thing I noticed was the crispness of the paisley design. The laser etching was clean and precise, and the pattern itself was intricate without being overly gaudy. The polymer felt solid and well-made, consistent with the Magpul reputation.
Comparing it to my standard black PMAGs, the only difference, aside from the obvious laser engraving, was the visual. I picked this over a standard PMAG for its unique design. Compared to higher-end steel magazines, I chose this because of the cost.
I was genuinely excited to see how this magazine would perform. The visual appeal was a definite plus, but ultimately, reliability is paramount. I was eager to put it through its paces at the range and see if it could hold up to regular use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The day was mild and sunny, with a slight breeze, perfect conditions for a range day. I ran several drills, including rapid-fire sequences and controlled pairs, to simulate various tactical scenarios.
The magazine loaded easily into my AR-15 and seated with a positive click. I experienced zero feeding issues throughout the first 120 rounds. The magazine performed flawlessly.
Ease of use was as expected from a Magpul PMAG. No break-in period was required. There were no issues encountered during the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine has proven to be a reliable addition to my gear. I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from near-freezing to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has consistently fed ammunition without any hiccups. The magazine continues to function flawlessly.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear. The laser etching has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of fading or scratching, despite repeated loading, unloading, and dropping on various surfaces. The paisley design has remained intact.
Maintenance is simple. I typically wipe down the exterior with a dry cloth after each range session and occasionally disassemble it for a more thorough cleaning, which is easy to do thanks to the flared floorplate. Compared to my older aluminum magazines, the PMAG’s polymer construction is significantly more resistant to corrosion and easier to clean. I find this magazine superior to the basic aluminum GI mags.
Breaking Down the Features of Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine boasts the following specifications:
Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds. This is the standard capacity for AR-15 magazines, providing ample firepower for range use, competition, or tactical applications.
Caliber: .223 Remington/5.56 NATO. It is designed to reliably feed both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition.
Material: Polymer. The use of impact-resistant polymer provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
Compatibility: AR15/M4 compatible weapons (NOTE: Not compatible with SA80 & HK416, or similar, platforms.) This ensures broad compatibility with most AR-15 rifles and carbines.
These specifications contribute to the magazine’s reliability and ease of use. The Magpul polymer construction is known for its strength and resistance to deformation, while the 30-round capacity offers a good balance between firepower and manageability.
Performance & Functionality
The Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine performs its primary function, feeding ammunition into the AR-15, exceptionally well. I experienced no malfunctions related to the magazine, such as failures to feed or double feeds. The magazine’s reliability is further enhanced by its anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower, which ensures smooth and consistent feeding.
Its strengths lie in its durability and reliability. A weakness is the limited customization compared to higher-end magazines with adjustable features. It meets my expectations for a standard-capacity AR magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The Magpul PMAG design is known for its user-friendliness. The flared floorplate makes it easy to grasp and extract the magazine from the rifle, even when wearing gloves. The ribbing along the magazine body provides a secure grip.
The polymer construction makes the magazine lightweight and comfortable to handle. There’s no significant learning curve. It is designed for ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Magpul PMAG is known for its longevity. The polymer construction is highly resistant to impacts, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
Maintenance is straightforward. It is easily disassembled for cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine comes as a complete unit and does not include additional accessories. Customization is primarily limited to the Weapon Works laser-etched designs.
While the magazine itself doesn’t have many customization options, it is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories. The flared floorplate can be replaced with aftermarket options for enhanced grip or visual appeal.
Pros and Cons of Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Reliable feeding: The anti-tilt follower ensures smooth and consistent feeding of ammunition.
Cons
- Limited customization: Fewer customization options compared to some higher-end magazines.
Durable construction: The impact-resistant polymer withstands harsh conditions and heavy use.
Unique aesthetics: The laser-etched paisley design adds a touch of personalization.
Easy maintenance: The magazine is easy to disassemble and clean.
Affordable price: Offers a good balance between performance and cost.
Polymer construction: Some users prefer the feel and weight of metal magazines.
Who Should Buy Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine?
The Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters, range enthusiasts, and those looking to add a touch of personality to their AR-15 without sacrificing reliability. It is also a good choice for anyone building an AR-15 on a budget who still wants a quality magazine.
Those prioritizing maximum customization or demanding extreme durability might want to consider higher-end steel magazines. This also applies to those who require magazines for specific tactical applications.
A magazine loader can be a helpful accessory, especially for extended range sessions.
Conclusion on Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine
The Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine offers a winning combination of reliability, durability, and unique aesthetics. It’s a solid upgrade from standard GI mags.
At $39.99, the price is justified by the quality of the Magpul PMAG and the addition of the laser-etched paisley design. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and visually appealing AR-15 magazine.
If you’re looking to add some flair to your AR-15 without compromising on performance, the Weapon Works PMAG GEN M2 MOE 30 Round AR/M4 Laser Paisley Rifle Magazine is definitely worth considering. Upgrade your rifle’s functionality and style today!