First Impressions of Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine
The Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine is a no-frills, steel-bodied magazine designed for AR-15 platform rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO or .223 Remington. The promise of a robust steel magazine at an affordable price point immediately caught my attention, especially given the current market where polymer magazines dominate. I was curious to see if this Global Ordnance offering could stand up to the rigors of range use and tactical drills.
For years, I’ve relied on a mix of aluminum and polymer magazines, but the appeal of steel’s durability, particularly in harsh conditions, has always been strong. My primary concern was finding magazines that could reliably feed ammunition during training courses and potentially in a defensive situation, without breaking the bank. I wanted something that felt solid and trustworthy.
Upon receiving the Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine, the first thing I noticed was its weight; it definitely feels heavier than your standard Magpul PMAG. The steel body has a reassuring heft, and the finish, while not particularly refined, seems adequate for rust resistance. Compared to my go-to aluminum USGI mags, the Global Ordnance felt like a step up in perceived robustness. I picked this magazine hoping for increased durability without the high cost of premium brands.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, the magazine felt solid, but I’ve learned that looks can be deceiving. The price point was attractive, but performance is what ultimately matters. I was eager to get it out to the range and see if it lived up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor range during a carbine training course. The weather was dry and dusty, a common condition in my area. I loaded up several Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazines and cycled them through a variety of drills, including rapid fire, reloads, and malfunction clearing exercises.
Right away, I noticed that loading the first few rounds was a bit stiff compared to my polymer mags. The follower seemed to have a bit more friction within the steel body. However, after the first five rounds, loading became significantly easier, and the remaining rounds loaded without issue. I experienced no feeding issues during the first few magazines, and the magazine seated firmly in my AR-15.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few months, I subjected the Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazines to more rigorous testing, including several more range sessions and a simulated tactical scenario. The magazines held up surprisingly well. There were a few hiccups: one magazine consistently failed to lock the bolt back on the last round, a common complaint I’d seen in online reviews.
After several hundred rounds, the finish showed some wear, particularly around the magazine well contact points, but there was no sign of rust. Cleaning was straightforward; I simply wiped down the exterior and used a magazine brush to clear any debris from the interior. Compared to my experiences with some cheaper aluminum magazines that bent easily, the Global Ordnance magazines proved to be significantly more durable.
Breaking Down the Features of Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine is designed to feed 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington ammunition into AR-15 platform rifles. It holds 30 rounds, a standard capacity for AR-15 magazines. The magazine body is constructed from steel, providing a robust and dent-resistant structure.
The Global Ordnance magazine is compatible with AR-15 rifles. Its steel construction and 30-round capacity are standard for AR platform magazines. These specifications ensure compatibility with most AR-15 rifles and offer a high capacity for sustained fire.
Performance & Functionality
The Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine generally performed its primary function of feeding ammunition reliably. Most of the magazines I tested functioned flawlessly, providing consistent feeding without malfunctions. However, as mentioned earlier, one magazine consistently failed to lock the bolt back on the last round.
The steel construction of the Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine is a strength, but it can also be a slight weakness. While the steel body is more durable than aluminum, it can be more prone to deformation under extreme duress compared to some high-end polymer magazines. Overall, the Global Ordnance magazine meets expectations for a budget-friendly steel magazine, but it’s not without its minor flaws.
Design & Ergonomics
The Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine features a straightforward, no-nonsense design. The fully ribbed steel body provides adequate grip, even with wet or gloved hands. The magazine’s weight contributes to a feeling of solidity and durability.
The Global Ordnance magazine presents a rugged design. The magazine is user-friendly, fitting securely into AR-15 magazine wells with minimal wobble. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The heavy-duty steel body is the Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine’s biggest selling point regarding durability. The magazine is designed to withstand rough handling and resist dents and deformation. With proper care, the Global Ordnance magazine should last for years.
Maintaining the Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a magazine brush and a dry cloth is sufficient to keep it in good working order. The rust-resistant finish helps prevent corrosion, but it’s still advisable to apply a light coat of oil for long-term storage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, due to its standard AR-15 magazine dimensions, it’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket magazine pouches and loaders. There are no customization options specific to the magazine itself.
The standard design of the Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine allows for compatibility with a wide variety of aftermarket AR-15 accessories. This is facilitated by the widespread standardization of AR-15 components.
Pros and Cons of Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Durable steel construction for increased longevity and resistance to damage.
- Affordable price point makes it an excellent value for budget-conscious shooters.
- Compatible with all standard AR-15 platform rifles.
- Great for long-term storage due to the rust-resistant finish.
- Fully ribbed design offers a secure grip.
Cons
- One magazine consistently failed to lock the bolt back on the last round.
- Loading can be stiff initially, especially compared to polymer magazines.
- Finish may show wear over time.
Who Should Buy Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine?
The Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for budget-conscious shooters, those seeking durable magazines for range use, and individuals looking to stockpile magazines without breaking the bank. It’s also well-suited for individuals who prefer the feel and durability of steel magazines over polymer options.
This magazine may not be ideal for competitive shooters who prioritize speed and weight reduction, or for users who demand absolute reliability and flawless performance. If you’re seeking a magazine for critical defensive applications, you might consider investing in higher-end options like Magpul PMAGs or Lancer L5AWM magazines.
For those who choose to purchase the Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine, a quality magazine loader is recommended to ease the loading process, especially during extended range sessions.
Conclusion on Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine
The Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine offers a compelling combination of durability and affordability. While not without its minor drawbacks, such as the occasional bolt lock failure and initial loading stiffness, its robust steel construction and low price point make it an attractive option for many AR-15 owners.
The Global Ordnance magazine’s value proposition is clear: it provides a durable, reliable magazine at a price that’s hard to beat. I would recommend it to anyone looking to build their magazine collection on a budget, or to those who simply prefer the feel and durability of steel magazines.
If you’re in the market for reliable and affordable AR-15 magazines, the Global Ordnance AR15 5.56/.223 30 Round Rifle Magazine is definitely worth considering. Grab a few, head to the range, and see for yourself what this budget-friendly steel magazine can do. You might be pleasantly surprised.