First Thoughts on the Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Rimfire pistols, especially the Ruger Mark II, are classics for a reason. They offer affordable, reliable fun at the range, and they’re excellent platforms for introducing new shooters to the sport. A reliable magazine is crucial for any firearm, and the Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model promises to be a cost-effective alternative to factory magazines. The promise of a blued steel magazine from Mec-Gar, a respected OEM manufacturer, got me excited about extending my range time with my trusty Mark II.
I was looking for reliable, affordable magazines to supplement the single factory magazine that came with my used Ruger Mark II. High capacity isn’t a concern for me; I just wanted a few extra mags to avoid constant reloading at the range. The price point of $15.99 made the Mec-Gar magazines an attractive option compared to the pricier Ruger factory magazines.
Upon receiving the magazines, I immediately noticed the blued finish. It was even and consistent, though perhaps not quite as deep as the bluing on the Ruger pistol itself. The weight felt comparable to the factory magazine, and the steel construction seemed solid.
Compared to the factory Ruger magazine, the Mec-Gar felt slightly less refined. The follower button felt a little rougher, and the overall fit and finish weren’t quite as polished. I also considered ProMag magazines, but the mixed reviews pushed me towards Mec-Gar, hoping for better reliability based on their OEM experience.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The magazines appeared well-made for the price, but the slightly rougher feel compared to the factory magazine gave me a slight pause. I was eager to test them at the range and see if they lived up to the positive reviews I had read online.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model at my local outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. The temperature was around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. I ran several different brands of .22 LR ammunition through the magazines, including CCI Mini-Mags, Federal AutoMatch, and Winchester Super-X.
The initial experience was unfortunately disappointing. I experienced frequent failures to feed with both Mec-Gar magazines, regardless of the ammunition used. Rounds would often get stuck halfway into the chamber, or the slide would fail to strip a round from the magazine altogether.
The Mec-Gar mags definitely needed more attention than the factory mag. The first round would often require a tap on the back of the slide to fully chamber, and subsequent rounds were frequently problematic. This was unexpected given Mec-Gar’s reputation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and hundreds of rounds, the reliability of the Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model did not significantly improve. I continued to experience frequent failures to feed, even after thoroughly cleaning and lubricating the magazines. The factory Ruger magazine, however, continued to function flawlessly with the same ammunition.
The blued finish has held up well, showing no signs of wear or rust. However, the internal components seem to be the source of the reliability issues. Cleaning is straightforward, but the disassembly and reassembly of the magazine can be a bit fiddly.
Compared to my experience with other aftermarket magazines, the Mec-Gar performance was below average. While I’ve had mixed results with other brands, I expected better from Mec-Gar given their OEM experience. Ultimately, these magazines did not meet my expectations for reliable performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Specifications
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle. This is the standard rimfire caliber for the Ruger Mark II and readily available.
Capacity: 10 Rounds. A standard capacity for Ruger Mark II magazines.
Finish: Blued Steel. Provides corrosion resistance and a traditional look.
Model: Ruger Mark II. Specifically designed for the Ruger Mark II pistol.
Origin: Aftermarket. Manufactured by Mec-Gar, not Ruger.
Aftermarket Origin: Being aftermarket allows a lower price point but must maintain proper functionality. The price point isn’t helpful if reliability is poor.
These specifications are critical for a reliable magazine. The correct caliber and model ensure proper fit and feeding. The blued steel construction should provide adequate durability and corrosion resistance.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model unfortunately falls short in terms of performance and functionality. Its primary function, reliably feeding ammunition, is inconsistent at best. The failures to feed significantly detract from the shooting experience.
The magazine’s main weakness is its unreliable feeding. Despite multiple attempts to troubleshoot the issue, the magazine continues to cause malfunctions. The magazine does not meet my expectations of a reliable aftermarket magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality seems adequate for the price point. The steel construction and blued finish give the magazine a solid feel. However, the rough follower button and slightly less refined finish compared to the factory magazine are noticeable drawbacks.
The magazine is easy to load, but the follower button can be a bit stiff. Disassembly and reassembly for cleaning require some dexterity, but it’s manageable. There is a small learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The blued steel construction suggests reasonable durability. The finish has held up well during testing, showing no signs of wear or rust. Regular cleaning and lubrication are recommended to maintain optimal performance.
The magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. However, the reliability issues are a more immediate concern than long-term durability. Easy maintenance is helpful.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories or customization options for the Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model. It is a standalone replacement magazine. The magazine is designed to be compatible with the standard Ruger Mark II pistol and factory components.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Pros
- Affordable price point compared to factory magazines.
- Blued steel construction provides reasonable durability.
- Standard 10-round capacity.
- Compatible with Ruger Mark II pistols.
- Easy to load.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding; frequent failures to feed.
- Rough follower button compared to the factory magazine.
- Less refined finish than factory magazines.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model?
This magazine might be suitable for very budget-conscious shooters who are willing to accept potential reliability issues. If you’re willing to experiment with different ammunition and perform some tuning or polishing, you might be able to get it to function reliably. Perhaps for a plinker who isn’t concerned about frequent malfunctions.
If you prioritize reliability and consistent performance, you should skip this product and invest in factory Ruger magazines. A must-have accessory would be a reliable magazine loader to help with the loading process, although it won’t solve the feeding issues.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model presents a mixed bag. While the price is attractive, the unreliable feeding issues outweigh the cost savings. Ultimately, a magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed ammunition, and this magazine falls short.
The value proposition is questionable. The lower price is negated by the frustration of frequent malfunctions. I would not personally recommend this magazine to anyone who values reliable performance.
Consider investing in factory magazines or exploring other aftermarket options with better reviews. Reliability trumps price when it comes to firearm magazines. Avoid the frustration and invest in quality.