The DURAMAG SS AR MAG 6.5GR Black BLUE FOLLOWER 26RD – 6.5 Grendel Caliber, 28 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The 6.5 Grendel cartridge has carved out a significant niche for itself in the AR-15 platform, offering impressive ballistics and accuracy in a relatively compact package. The DURAMAG SS AR MAG 6.5GR Black BLUE FOLLOWER 26RD – 6.5 Grendel Caliber, 28 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin aims to be a reliable and high-capacity feeding solution for this increasingly popular caliber. This magazine promises robust construction, smooth feeding, and a generous 28-round capacity, all at a price point that’s hard to ignore.
I’ve been building a dedicated 6.5 Grendel AR for hunting whitetail in thick brush where longer shots are less common, but shot placement is critical, so I was searching for magazines that could handle a higher volume of fire and hold up to field conditions. I needed magazines that were dependable, durable, and offered enough capacity for follow-up shots if necessary. The promise of stainless steel construction and a high-visibility follower immediately caught my eye.
Upon receiving the DURAMAG, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel. The stainless steel body had a reassuring weight, and the black finish appeared evenly applied and durable. The blue follower was indeed very visible, making it easy to ascertain whether the magazine was loaded or empty at a glance.
Compared to the ASC 6.5 Grendel magazines I already owned, the DURAMAG felt noticeably more robust. My previous experiences with Lancer L5 AWM magazines, known for their polymer construction, made me appreciate the DURAMAG’s all-metal build for its potential resilience in harsh conditions. At first glance, I was excited by the prospect of a durable, high-capacity 6.5 Grendel magazine that wouldn’t break the bank.
Real-World Testing: Putting DURAMAG SS AR MAG 6.5GR Black BLUE FOLLOWER 26RD – 6.5 Grendel Caliber, 28 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved a trip to my local shooting range. I loaded the DURAMAG with a mix of Hornady BLACK and Alexander Arms 123gr SST ammunition, simulating the types of rounds I’d use for hunting. The magazine loaded easily into my AR-15 lower, and I immediately noticed that the rounds seemed to seat into the magazine without any excessive force.
During that range session, the DURAMAG performed flawlessly through several rapid fire drills, ejecting the rounds and chambering new ones with consistent efficiency. The magazine functioned flawlessly under moderate shooting conditions. After a few hours of shooting, I noticed a slight amount of residue accumulating on the magazine body, which easily wiped off.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and a couple of weekend hunting excursions, the DURAMAG continues to impress. I subjected the magazine to intentionally rough handling. I wanted to see if it would maintain its reliability in less-than-ideal conditions.
So far, the black finish shows only minor scuffs, primarily around the feed lips where it interfaces with the AR’s upper receiver. Cleaning the DURAMAG is simple, involving a quick wipe-down with a cloth and a brush to remove any accumulated powder residue. Compared to some of the other 6.5 Grendel magazines I’ve used, the DURAMAG has proven to be more reliable in feeding a wider variety of ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of DURAMAG SS AR MAG 6.5GR Black BLUE FOLLOWER 26RD – 6.5 Grendel Caliber, 28 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The DURAMAG SS AR MAG 6.5GR Black BLUE FOLLOWER 26RD – 6.5 Grendel Caliber, 28 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is specifically designed for the 6.5 Grendel (6.5x38mm) cartridge. The magazine body is constructed from stainless steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance and durability. It features a black finish for enhanced protection and a low-profile appearance.
The magazine’s capacity is 28 rounds, which gives you ample firepower for various shooting applications. The DURAMAG incorporates a chrome silicon spring that is known for its consistent pressure and long-lasting performance. An anti-tilt blue follower is implemented to promote reliable feeding and prevent jams.
Performance & Functionality
The DURAMAG performs exceptionally well when it comes to feeding reliability. I experienced zero malfunctions during my testing with various 6.5 Grendel loads. It consistently chambers rounds smoothly and efficiently.
The only slight weakness I observed was the magazine’s increased weight compared to polymer alternatives. However, this trade-off is justifiable considering the added durability and robustness of the stainless steel construction. The DURAMAG has definitely met and, in some cases, exceeded my expectations for a magazine in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The stainless steel body of the DURAMAG inspires confidence, and its black finish provides a tactical appearance. The magazine fits securely into the AR-15 magwell. It allows for easy insertion and removal, even when fully loaded.
The magazine’s design is straightforward, with no sharp edges or unnecessary protrusions. The DURAMAG is user-friendly and requires no special knowledge or tools to operate.
Durability & Maintenance
The DURAMAG’s stainless steel construction ensures a long service life, even under demanding conditions. Its finish resists scratches and corrosion. Basic maintenance involves cleaning the magazine body and follower periodically to remove debris and ensure smooth operation.
The magazine is easily disassembled for cleaning, and replacement parts, such as springs and followers, are readily available if needed. DURAMAG has designed a magazine that’s easy to maintain and built to withstand years of use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The DURAMAG itself doesn’t have many customization options, it’s a magazine. However, it seamlessly integrates with any AR-15 lower receiver designed to accept standard STANAG magazines modified for the 6.5 Grendel cartridge. The high-visibility blue follower is an excellent feature that enhances safety.
The robust stainless-steel construction means the magazine is compatible with a variety of magazine pouches and carrying systems. Overall, the DURAMAG’s compatibility and well-thought-out design make it a valuable addition to any 6.5 Grendel AR-15 setup.
Pros and Cons of DURAMAG SS AR MAG 6.5GR Black BLUE FOLLOWER 26RD – 6.5 Grendel Caliber, 28 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Incredibly reliable feeding with a wide variety of 6.5 Grendel ammunition.
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity in harsh conditions.
- High-capacity 28-round design provides ample firepower.
- The blue anti-tilt follower enhances smooth operation and reduces malfunctions.
- Excellent value for the money, especially compared to other high-end 6.5 Grendel magazines.
Cons
- Slightly heavier than polymer magazines due to stainless steel construction.
- The black finish can show wear marks over time with heavy use.
Who Should Buy DURAMAG SS AR MAG 6.5GR Black BLUE FOLLOWER 26RD – 6.5 Grendel Caliber, 28 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin?
The DURAMAG SS AR MAG 6.5GR Black BLUE FOLLOWER 26RD – 6.5 Grendel Caliber, 28 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical users who rely on the 6.5 Grendel cartridge in their AR-15 platforms. The reliability and high-capacity of this magazine make it an excellent choice for anyone needing dependable performance in demanding situations.
This magazine may not be ideal for users prioritizing ultra-lightweight builds. People prioritizing ultra-lightweight builds should seek lighter polymer magazine options instead.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch designed to accommodate AR-15 magazines. Also, using a dedicated magazine loader can speed up the loading process and reduce fatigue during extended range sessions.
Conclusion on DURAMAG SS AR MAG 6.5GR Black BLUE FOLLOWER 26RD – 6.5 Grendel Caliber, 28 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
In summary, the DURAMAG SS AR MAG 6.5GR Black BLUE FOLLOWER 26RD – 6.5 Grendel Caliber, 28 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is an outstanding magazine that delivers exceptional performance, durability, and value for its price. The stainless steel construction, high-capacity design, and reliable feeding make it a top contender in the 6.5 Grendel magazine market.
At a price of $19.99, the value proposition is undeniable. The DURAMAG offers features and reliability comparable to magazines costing significantly more.
I wholeheartedly recommend the DURAMAG to anyone seeking a dependable and high-capacity magazine for their 6.5 Grendel AR-15. Upgrade your setup today and experience the difference a quality magazine can make!