SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds Review

First Thoughts on the SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds

The M1 Carbine: a piece of American history, a handy little rifle, and a whole lot of fun to shoot. Feeding it reliably, however, can sometimes be a challenge, especially with aging or questionable magazines. Enter the SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds, promising a blend of affordability and functionality from KCI. It caught my eye as a potential solution to a dwindling supply of trustworthy mags for my own cherished M1 Carbine.

For years, I’ve tinkered with and relied upon the M1 Carbine for everything from casual range days to small game hunting in the dense Pennsylvania woods. Worn-out magazines have led to frustrating jams and misfeeds. My quest for reliable replacements led me to consider the SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds, hoping it would bridge the gap between expensive originals and unreliable aftermarket options.

Upon unboxing, the SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds presents a no-frills, utilitarian aesthetic. The blued steel finish looks decent, though not as refined as some vintage magazines. The weight feels appropriate, suggesting a solid, all-steel construction.

Compared to original GI mags and some polymer offerings, the SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds felt closest to the feel of my old military surplus magazines. I chose it over some cheaper, no-name options due to KCI’s reputation for at least attempting to adhere to mil-spec dimensions. I had also considered ProMag, but their mixed reviews steered me towards this KCI product.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, and the steel construction hinted at durability. My hope was that the SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds would provide consistent feeding and reliable lock-back, something my old mags were failing to deliver.

Real-World Testing: Putting SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds took place at my local outdoor range. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. I ran 105 rounds of Remington and Winchester 30 Carbine ammunition through the magazine.

Right off the bat, loading the magazine was a bit stiff, especially in the last few rounds. However, it locked into my Inland M1 Carbine with a reassuring click. The first three magazines fired flawlessly. However, by the fourth and fifth magazines, I experienced two failures to feed with the Remington ammunition; the rounds nosedived into the feed ramp.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and approximately 500 rounds through the SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds, its performance has been… inconsistent. With Winchester ammunition, it performs admirably, experiencing only one malfunction in around 300 rounds. However, with Remington ammunition, the failure rate increases to about 1 in every 30 rounds.

Visually, the magazine shows no significant wear and tear. The bluing is holding up surprisingly well. Cleaning is straightforward: a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to my original GI mags, the SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds doesn’t quite measure up in terms of reliability. My old mags, even in their worn state, are more forgiving with different ammunition types. It outperforms the super cheap, no-name magazines I’ve tried, which are prone to constant failures.

Breaking Down the Features of SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds

Specifications

• Caliber: .30 Carbine. This magazine is specifically designed for the .30 Carbine cartridge, making it incompatible with other calibers.
• Capacity: 15 Rounds. The reduced capacity compared to the 30-round “banana clips” aligns with some state regulations and personal preferences.
• Material: Blued, Heat-Treated Steel. Steel construction is a notable feature that promises increased durability compared to polymer magazines.
• Spring: Chrome Silicon Wire. The chrome silicon spring is designed for enhanced reliability and longevity, ensuring consistent feeding.
• Follower: Bolt Hold-Open. This feature ensures the bolt locks back after the last round is fired, providing a visual indicator of an empty magazine.

These specifications are crucial for reliable operation. The steel construction and chrome silicon spring contribute to durability and consistent feeding. The bolt hold-open follower is an essential feature for tactical and practical shooting.

Performance & Functionality

The SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds performs adequately, but not flawlessly. It feeds reliably with certain ammunition types. However, its pickiness with different brands is a notable weakness.

Its strength lies in its all-steel construction, which should translate to a longer lifespan. However, the inconsistent feeding is a significant area for improvement. It meets basic expectations for a replacement magazine, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s design is straightforward and functional. Its build quality is acceptable for the price point, although not exceptional. The all-steel construction gives it a solid feel in hand.

It requires no special tools or techniques to load and use, however, the stiffness when loading the last few rounds is noticeable. There’s no significant learning curve. It’s a basic magazine that performs its primary function.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction suggests decent longevity. After 500 rounds, there are no signs of significant wear or damage. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning.

With proper care, the SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds should last a reasonable amount of time. The easy maintenance contributes to its overall usability.

Accessories and Customization Options

This is a magazine; there are no accessories or customization options beyond perhaps different baseplates (though none are explicitly marketed for this KCI mag). It’s compatible with any M1 Carbine built to military specifications.
There are no accessories marketed specifically for this magazine. However, aftermarket magazine pouches designed for M1 Carbine magazines will work.

Pros and Cons of SHK M1 30CARBINE 15RD STEEL MAG – 30 Carbine Caliber, 15 Rounds