First Impressions of Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine
Rimfire rifles hold a special place in my heart, harking back to my early days of shooting. And Ruger, a name synonymous with quality firearms, consistently delivers dependable rimfire platforms. The Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine promises to extend the utility of those rifles, offering increased capacity for hunting, plinking, and even tactical training scenarios.
What drew me to this particular magazine was the need for higher capacity in my Ruger American Rimfire. I often found myself reloading too frequently during varmint hunts, disrupting my flow and potentially missing opportunities. The promise of 15 rounds of .17 HMR or .22 WMR without constant reloads was incredibly appealing.
Upon receiving the Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine, I was immediately impressed with the solid feel of the polymer construction. It felt more robust than some aftermarket options I’d handled in the past. Compared to the standard 10-round rotary magazine, this BX-15 felt like a significant upgrade in terms of capacity and potential ease of use.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. While the increased capacity was exciting, I was eager to test its reliability. I was hoping this would be a reliable and worthwhile upgrade, not just an extended magazine with feeding issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine at my local shooting range, utilizing both my Ruger American Rimfire .22 WMR and my father’s Ruger 77/17. The weather was typical for early spring, with a slight drizzle and cool temperatures.
The magazine loaded easily and seated firmly in both rifles. Cycling through all 15 rounds, I experienced no failures to feed or eject, which was a pleasant surprise. The larger capacity allowed for more continuous shooting without the constant interruption of reloading.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and numerous range sessions, the Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine has proven remarkably reliable. I’ve run hundreds of rounds through it with various ammunition types, including CCI, Hornady, and Winchester, with consistent performance.
The polymer construction has held up well with no visible signs of wear or cracking. Maintenance is straightforward: I simply wipe it down with a cloth after each range visit, occasionally using a brush to clean any accumulated debris inside the magazine body. Compared to some aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, this Ruger magazine has been a game changer in terms of reliable, high-capacity rimfire shooting.
Breaking Down the Features of Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
Manufacturer: Ruger.
Color: Black.
Fabric/Material: Polymer. The rugged polymer build provides durability while remaining lightweight, crucial for extended use in the field.
Magazine Capacity: 15 Round.
Caliber: .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire and .17 HMR. This versatile magazine is compatible with two popular rimfire calibers, expanding its utility across different rifles.
Gun Make: Ruger.
Gun Model: Ruger 77/17, 77/22, American Rimfire. The magazine is designed specifically for these rifles, ensuring optimal fit and function.
Condition: New.
These specifications are vital because they guarantee compatibility and reliability with specific Ruger rifles. The polymer construction, the 15-round capacity, and multi-caliber compatibility directly impact the overall shooting experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine performs its job admirably, offering reliable feeding and smooth cycling. Accuracy isn’t directly affected, but the reduced need to reload allows for a more consistent shooting rhythm.
Its main strength is its reliability; it consistently feeds rounds without any hiccups. One minor weakness is that loading the last few rounds can require a bit more force, especially with .22 WMR. It has far exceeded my expectations for a high-capacity rimfire magazine, making it a valuable addition to my Ruger American Rimfire.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality is excellent. The polymer is robust, and the overall construction feels solid. The weight is negligible, and the magazine seats securely without any wobble.
It’s user-friendly, with no learning curve. Loading is straightforward, though as mentioned above, loading the last few rounds requires slightly more effort.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the robust polymer construction, the Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine should last for many years with proper care. I anticipate it outlasting many other components of my rifle.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a brush and a wipe-down after use. This ease of maintenance adds to its overall appeal.
Accessories and Customization Options
This magazine is inherently a component accessory itself, enhancing the capacity of compatible Ruger rifles. While no direct customization options exist for the magazine itself, its compatibility with various Ruger rifles allows for broader customization of the overall platform.
The Ruger American Rimfire rifles, in particular, offer a wide range of aftermarket accessories. These include scopes, bipods, and stock upgrades, all of which complement the enhanced functionality provided by the BX-15 magazine.
Pros and Cons of Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 15-round capacity significantly reduces the need for frequent reloads, improving the overall shooting experience. This is especially useful for hunting or extended range sessions.
- Reliable Feeding: Consistently feeds rounds without any malfunctions, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. This reliability is paramount in any magazine.
- Durable Polymer Construction: The rugged polymer material is built to withstand the rigors of regular use, providing long-lasting performance. This durability is crucial for a magazine that is expected to endure various conditions.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple cleaning and maintenance requirements ensure that the magazine remains in top condition with minimal effort. This is a significant advantage for those who prefer low-maintenance gear.
- Compatible with Multiple Ruger Rifles: Works with both the Ruger American Rimfire and Ruger 77/17 / 77/22 platforms, offering versatility and value. This makes it a worthwhile investment for owners of multiple compatible rifles.
Cons
- Loading the Last Few Rounds: Can require a bit more force to load the final rounds, especially with .22 WMR. This can be a minor inconvenience, particularly during rapid reloading scenarios.
- Polymer Construction: While durable, some may prefer a metal magazine for perceived longevity, although the polymer has proven its worth in testing. Although robust, polymer might not appeal to those who prefer the feel and perceived durability of metal.
Who Should Buy Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine?
Perfect for: Hunters targeting small game or varmints, competitive shooters engaging in rimfire competitions, and recreational shooters looking for extended range sessions without constant reloading. Anyone seeking to improve the performance and utility of their compatible Ruger rimfire rifle will benefit from this magazine.
Who should skip this product? Those who prioritize ultra-lightweight gear above all else might find the standard 10-round rotary magazine sufficient. Also, shooters who own rimfire rifles from manufacturers other than Ruger should obviously avoid this magazine due to compatibility issues.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality scope or optic to maximize the accuracy potential of the Ruger American Rimfire. A bipod or shooting rest can further enhance precision, especially when engaging distant targets.
Conclusion on Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine
The Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine is a worthwhile investment for owners of compatible Ruger rifles. It provides increased capacity, reliable feeding, and durable construction.
The price of $34.89 is justified, considering the performance and enhanced capabilities it offers. It transforms a good rimfire rifle into a great one.
I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their Ruger American Rimfire or Ruger 77/17 / 77/22 experience. Ditch the constant reloads and spend more time sending rounds downrange. Pick up a Ruger American Rimfire/77 17 HMR/22WMR BX-15 15 Round Rifle Magazine and experience the difference today!