First Impressions of Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine promises to solve a common problem for owners of these specific firearms: increased capacity and enhanced reliability. As someone who’s always looking for an edge in both competitive shooting and practical applications, a higher capacity magazine for my Kimber Ten II has been on my radar for a while.
My initial interest stemmed from a desire to reduce reload times during 3-gun competitions. Fumbling with magazines under pressure can cost precious seconds, and the promise of 20 rounds in a single mag was immediately appealing.
Upon receiving the Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction. The magazine feels solid in hand, and the anti-friction coating looks promising. Compared to the standard 10-round magazines that came with my Kimber, this felt like a significant upgrade in terms of capacity and potentially, reliability. I’ve used Mec-Gar magazines in other platforms before and found them to be reliable, so I was optimistic.
I’ve considered other high-capacity 1911 magazines from brands like Wilson Combat and Chip McCormick. However, the Mec-Gar offering stood out due to its more competitive price point and the generally positive reputation of Mec-Gar as an OEM supplier for many manufacturers. I was excited to see if this magazine would live up to the hype, especially considering the challenges some 1911-style pistols can have with aftermarket magazines.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine at my local shooting range during a practice session for an upcoming 3-gun competition. The range offered a good mix of stationary targets and moving challenges, providing a decent assessment of the magazine’s performance.
The magazine loaded easily with all 20 rounds, thanks to the anti-friction coating. I experienced no issues inserting it into my Kimber Ten II, and the magazine seated securely. I ran several drills, focusing on speed reloads and rapid-fire sequences. There were no initial malfunctions, which was a promising start.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it, using a variety of ammunition types, including FMJ, JHP, and various reloads.
There are minimal signs of wear and tear on the magazine body and feed lips. Cleaning is relatively straightforward; a quick wipe-down after each range session has been sufficient. The magazine has consistently outperformed the cheaper, off-brand magazines I’ve experimented with in the past. The Mec-Gar delivers reliable feeding and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the Kimber Ten II and Bul M5petition pistols, both known for their 1911-style double-stack frames. Its key specs are:
- Caliber: Typically .45 ACP or 9mm (depending on the firearm model).
- Capacity: 20 Rounds. This is the primary selling point, offering a significant increase over standard capacity magazines.
- Material: Steel magazine body with an anti-friction coating. The steel construction ensures durability.
- Finish: Black anti-friction coating. This coating reduces friction for smoother feeding and offers enhanced corrosion resistance.
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Kimber Ten II and Bul M5petition pistols. This ensures proper fit and function.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall performance. The 20-round capacity is particularly important for competitive shooters or those who prioritize having more rounds available in self-defense scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine excels in its primary function: reliably feeding ammunition. I experienced very few malfunctions, even during rapid-fire drills.
The magazine consistently locked the slide back on empty, a critical feature for quick reloads. Its strengths lie in its high capacity and reliable feeding, while any potential weakness is the increased weight compared to a standard capacity magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine features a simple, functional design. The steel construction feels solid and inspires confidence, and it’s not overly heavy, considering the 20-round capacity.
The anti-friction coating not only aids in feeding but also makes loading rounds easier. There is a slight learning curve in getting used to the increased length of the magazine, but overall, it is user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine is built to last. The steel body resists dents and bending, and the anti-friction coating seems to be holding up well.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning with a brush and solvent keeps it functioning smoothly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine itself doesn’t require any additional accessories. The magazine is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for double-stack 1911 magazines.
It readily fits aftermarket magazine wells designed for the Kimber Ten II or Bul M5petition, further enhancing reload speed. This allows for a degree of customization.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High 20-round capacity, significantly increasing firepower.
- Reliable feeding, minimizing malfunctions.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Anti-friction coating aids in loading and enhances corrosion resistance.
- Mec-Gar‘s reputation for quality and OEM supply gives confidence.
Cons
- May not fit all 1911 magazine pouches due to its increased length.
- The increased capacity adds some weight compared to standard magazines.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters, particularly those participating in 3-gun events, seeking to minimize reload times. It is also beneficial for anyone who owns a Kimber Ten II or Bul M5petition pistol and wants increased capacity for self-defense or range use.
Those who prioritize lightweight carry or have smaller hands might find the increased size and weight of the 20-round magazine less appealing. A quality magazine pouch designed for high-capacity 1911 magazines is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 20 Round Pistol Magazine is a worthwhile upgrade for owners of these pistols looking for increased capacity and reliable performance. The price is justified by the enhanced firepower and the Mec-Gar name behind it.
I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone serious about competition or self-defense. If you’re looking to enhance your Kimber Ten II or Bul M5petition, this magazine is a solid investment that delivers on its promises.