The CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promised something many AR-15 owners chambered in the hard-hitting .450 Bushmaster desperately need: reliable feeding. Aftermarket magazines for less common AR calibers can be a gamble, but CPD (presumably Check-Mate Industries, though not explicitly stated) has a reputation for solid steel magazines, and I was hopeful this would be the answer to my .450 Bushmaster feeding woes. My biggest concern was consistent feeding of the large-diameter rounds in a standard AR-15 magazine well.
My interest in this magazine stemmed from chronic failures-to-feed with other .450 Bushmaster magazines in my AR pistol build. The rifle was effectively unusable due to these constant issues. I had tried modifying other magazines, but the results were never consistent.
Upon receiving the CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin, my initial impression was positive. The magazine felt robust, constructed from blackened stainless steel that promised durability. It felt noticeably more substantial than some of the aluminum magazines I’ve used in the past. Comparing it to a standard .223 magazine, the CPD offering clearly had thicker walls and a more robust follower designed to handle the larger .450 Bushmaster cartridge. I’ve also used magazines from Magpul (modified with aftermarket followers) and ASC, but neither provided consistent feeding. While the Magpul offered potential, the modification was never fully reliable. The ASC magazine felt flimsy in comparison to the CPD offering. Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been burned before by aftermarket magazines, but the solid construction of the CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin gave me a glimmer of hope.
Real-World Testing: Putting CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin took place at my local outdoor range. The weather was clear and dry, providing optimal conditions for testing. I loaded the magazine with seven rounds of Hornady .450 Bushmaster ammunition and inserted it into my AR-15 lower receiver, which is mated to a PSA (Palmetto State Armory) upper chambered in .450 Bushmaster.
Initially, I experienced one failure to feed within the first 14 rounds. However, after that initial hiccup, the magazine ran flawlessly for the next 40 rounds. The .450 Bushmaster round is known for its recoil, but the magazine reliably fed each round into the chamber without issue after the initial failure. I made sure to test the magazine with rapid fire, slow fire, and with the rifle supported and unsupported to see if I could replicate any feeding issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin has proven to be significantly more reliable than my previous attempts at .450 Bushmaster magazines. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds through it, and the feeding issues have been minimal – only two malfunctions since that initial range trip. The blackened stainless steel finish shows no signs of wear, even after being subjected to rough handling and being loaded/unloaded repeatedly.
Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient. I occasionally disassemble it to clean the interior, but it rarely accumulates much debris. Compared to my previous experiences, this magazine is a game-changer. The consistent feeding has made my .450 Bushmaster AR-15 pistol a viable hunting and defensive weapon, which was the original goal.
Breaking Down the Features of CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: .450 Bushmaster. This is the defining feature, as it’s designed specifically for this large-bore AR cartridge.
- Capacity: 7 rounds. This capacity balances the need for firepower with the physical limitations of fitting these large rounds into a standard AR-15 magazine well.
- Origin: Aftermarket. This signifies that it’s not a factory magazine from a major firearms manufacturer but rather a specialized product from a third-party supplier.
- Material: Blackened Stainless Steel. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability for reliable performance in various environments.
These specifications are critical because they directly address the challenges of reliably feeding the .450 Bushmaster cartridge in an AR-15 platform. The larger cartridge requires specific geometry and robust materials in the magazine to ensure proper function. The 7-round capacity is a trade-off, but it’s a necessary one to maintain reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin performs its job admirably. It feeds rounds into the chamber with far greater consistency than other magazines I’ve tried. The initial failure I experienced was likely due to the magazine being brand new.
The magazine’s greatest strength is its reliability. The robust stainless steel construction and well-designed follower contribute to smooth feeding. A minor weakness is the limited 7-round capacity, but this is understandable given the size of the cartridge. Overall, it significantly exceeds my expectations. It transformed a largely unusable firearm into a reliable and enjoyable one.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality is excellent. The stainless steel feels substantial and durable. The blackened finish provides a sleek, professional look and adds to the corrosion resistance.
The magazine is user-friendly; it loads easily and inserts smoothly into the magazine well. There is no real learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the stainless steel construction, the CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin should last a very long time with proper care. The finish seems resistant to scratches and wear.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. Disassembly is also straightforward for a more thorough cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is a magazine, so there are no real accessories or customization options beyond perhaps different colored followers (if available). Compatibility with aftermarket magazine pouches is good, as it adheres to standard AR-15 magazine dimensions.
Pros and Cons of CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Reliable feeding of .450 Bushmaster rounds.
- Durable blackened stainless steel construction.
- Easy to load and maintain.
- Significantly improves the functionality of .450 Bushmaster AR-15s.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Limited 7-round capacity.
- Initial failure to feed may occur (but usually resolves after a few rounds).
Who Should Buy CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for hunters who use .450 Bushmaster AR-15s for deer or hog hunting. It is also ideal for shooters who want a reliable magazine for their .450 Bushmaster AR-15 for recreational shooting or home defense. Anyone struggling with feeding issues in their .450 Bushmaster AR-15 will greatly benefit from this magazine.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who don’t own a .450 Bushmaster AR-15. Individuals looking for a high-capacity magazine may also find the 7-round capacity limiting.
A must-have accessory is a quality magazine pouch designed for AR-15 magazines. No modifications are necessary; the magazine works well out of the box.
Conclusion on CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is a worthwhile investment for anyone who owns a .450 Bushmaster AR-15 and values reliability. It’s significantly improved the functionality of my .450 Bushmaster AR pistol.
At $22.49, the price is justified given the magazine’s performance and durability. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing that your rifle will reliably feed rounds when you need it most.
I would absolutely recommend the CPD MAGAZINE AR15 .450 BUSH- – 450 Bushmaster Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to anyone looking for a reliable .450 Bushmaster magazine. If you’re tired of feeding issues plaguing your .450 Bushmaster AR-15, give this magazine a try. You won’t be disappointed. Add this to your cart today and experience the reliability you’ve been searching for.