First Impressions of MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52
The MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52 promises to be a game-changer for Mini-14 owners seeking significantly increased firepower. Manufactured by MWG Company, this 90-round drum magazine aims to eliminate constant reloading at the range or in tactical scenarios, providing a substantial advantage in situations where volume of fire is crucial. Let’s dive in and see if this high-capacity magazine lives up to the hype.
I’ve spent years dealing with the Mini-14, a rifle that, while reliable and accurate, has always been hampered by relatively low-capacity magazines. I needed a solution for hog hunting where follow-up shots are frequently necessary, and constantly swapping magazines became tedious and time-consuming. I was looking for something that offered increased capacity without sacrificing reliability.
Upon unboxing, the MWG Company drum immediately stands out due to its size. It’s constructed from a robust polymer, and while it feels substantial, it doesn’t seem excessively heavy for its capacity. The build quality appears solid, with no obvious flaws or weaknesses.
Compared to standard Ruger 5-round or even aftermarket 30-round magazines, the MWG Company drum is a different beast altogether. I considered a few high-capacity options from other manufacturers, but the positive reviews regarding MWG Company‘s reliability, coupled with the impressive 90-round capacity, ultimately swayed my decision. I was excited to see if the promise of minimizing reloading downtime would be delivered.
Real-World Testing: Putting MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52 to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52 to my local shooting range for its maiden voyage. The range offered a variety of distances, allowing me to test the magazine’s impact on accuracy and handling at different ranges. The weather was clear and dry, providing ideal conditions for shooting.
The first few rounds were smooth, but after about 30 rounds, I experienced a couple of failures to feed. It seemed the drum needed a bit of breaking in to achieve consistent reliability. After those initial hiccups, and following the manufacturer’s recommendation to never disassemble the drum, the magazine ran flawlessly for the remaining 60 rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a couple of hog hunts, the MWG Company drum has proven to be significantly more reliable. It requires a firm seating to ensure proper feeding, but once locked in, it generally performs admirably. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it now, and the initial failures have largely disappeared.
The polymer construction seems durable, showing no significant wear and tear despite being bumped around in the field. Cleaning is straightforward, primarily involving wiping down the exterior; the manufacturer strongly advises against disassembling the drum. This drum outperforms other high-capacity options I’ve tried in the past, particularly in terms of consistent feeding after the initial break-in period.
Breaking Down the Features of MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52
Specifications
The MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52 is specifically designed for the Ruger Mini-14 chambered in .223 Remington (also compatible with 5.56mm NATO). It boasts a 90-round magazine capacity, a substantial increase over standard Mini-14 magazines. The body is constructed from advanced, lightweight polymer materials, which contribute to its relatively low weight despite the high capacity.
The snail-drum design is innovative, allowing for a large number of rounds to be stored in a compact form factor. This helps maintain a reasonable profile on the rifle, although it is undeniably larger than a standard magazine. The caliber is .223 Remington, making it compatible with a wide range of readily available ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the MWG Company drum is to provide a significant increase in firepower for the Mini-14, and it largely succeeds in this regard. Once broken in, the magazine feeds reliably, allowing for rapid follow-up shots and reduced reloading downtime. However, the initial break-in period can be frustrating due to occasional failures to feed.
A key strength is the sheer capacity – 90 rounds is a lot of .223, offering a distinct advantage in situations requiring sustained fire. The primary weakness lies in its initial unreliability out of the box. It certainly meets my expectations of providing high-capacity firepower once fully functional, although the journey to get there wasn’t entirely smooth.
Design & Ergonomics
The polymer construction keeps the weight manageable, although the drum does add noticeable bulk to the rifle. It’s reasonably comfortable to hold and doesn’t significantly interfere with shouldering the weapon. The build quality feels robust, suggesting the drum can withstand the rigors of field use.
There is a slight learning curve associated with loading the drum efficiently, and ensuring it’s properly seated in the magazine well. The manufacturer states that the drum should never be disassembled, limiting the user’s ability to perform detailed cleaning or repairs. This adds a layer of complexity to long-term maintenance.
Durability & Maintenance
The MWG Company drum is constructed from durable polymer materials designed to withstand heavy field use. Time will tell how long it lasts, but so far, it’s showing no signs of cracking or breaking. Maintenance primarily involves wiping down the exterior with a cloth; disassembly is strictly prohibited, simplifying cleaning but limiting repair options.
Accessories and Customization Options
The MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52 does not come with any included accessories beyond the magazine itself. Customization options are limited to the ammunition you choose to load. The drum is designed specifically for the Mini-14 platform, so compatibility with accessories designed for other rifles (such as AR-15 magazines) is not applicable.
Pros and Cons of MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52
Pros
- Extremely High Capacity: Holds 90 rounds, significantly reducing reloading downtime.
- Durable Polymer Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of field use.
- Enhanced Firepower: Provides a significant advantage in situations requiring sustained fire.
- Reliable (After Break-In): Once fully functional, the drum feeds consistently.
- Relatively Lightweight: Despite its size, the polymer construction keeps the weight manageable.
Cons
- Initial Unreliability: Requires a break-in period to achieve consistent feeding.
- Non-Disassemblable: Cannot be disassembled for detailed cleaning or repairs.
Who Should Buy MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52?
The MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52 is perfect for Mini-14 owners who need increased firepower, such as hog hunters, competitive shooters in certain divisions, or individuals prioritizing self-defense scenarios where volume of fire may be crucial. It is also suited for those who value minimizing reloading time.
This product should be skipped by those who prioritize absolute reliability straight out of the box. It is also not recommended for casual shooters who don’t require high-capacity magazines or those uncomfortable with the idea of not being able to disassemble the magazine for cleaning. A high-quality optic to take advantage of the increased firepower is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52
The MWG Company MWG-223-90B – MINI 14 223 REM 90RD DRUM D7438C52 is a worthwhile investment for Mini-14 owners seeking a substantial increase in firepower, provided they are willing to endure the initial break-in period. At $129.99, the price is justified by the sheer capacity and potential for increased effectiveness in various shooting scenarios.
I would personally recommend it, but with the caveat that it may require some patience to achieve optimal performance. If you need a high-capacity magazine that will run reliably after a bit of a break-in period, then go ahead and purchase this drum.