Let’s Talk About Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine
The Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine, manufactured by Alexander Arms in collaboration with E-Lander, promises reliable feeding and durability for AR-15 platform rifles chambered in the potent 6.5 Grendel cartridge. This magazine, with its 10-round capacity, is specifically designed to accommodate the unique dimensions of the 6.5 Grendel round, ensuring optimal performance in a variety of shooting applications.
I’ve been running 6.5 Grendel rifles for years, both in AR platforms and a bolt gun, and magazine reliability has always been a sticking point, especially in ARs. I was on the hunt for mags that could consistently feed this cartridge without the common issues of bolt-over-base malfunctions.
My first impression was of a solid, well-built magazine. The steel construction felt robust, and the black coating gave it a tactical aesthetic.
Compared to some of the earlier 6.5 Grendel AR magazines on the market, which were often modified 5.56 mags, the Alexander Arms magazine appeared to be a dedicated design. This gave me more confidence than some of the earlier franken-mags. Initial excitement was tempered with a little bit of apprehension, hoping they would perform better than what I had dealt with in the past.
Real-World Testing: Putting Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine to my local range, which has a mix of indoor and outdoor bays. The weather was partly cloudy, but generally dry. I tested the magazines in my custom AR-15 build chambered in 6.5 Grendel.
The first few rounds went smoothly. However, by the fourth round of the first magazine, I experienced a failure to feed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and about 300 rounds through the two magazines, my initial hope faded. While some rounds chambered without a hitch, I consistently encountered feeding issues. The magazines showed no external wear and tear, but the gritty, sluggish feel when inserting them never improved.
Cleaning was straightforward, but the persistent feeding issues overshadowed any ease of maintenance. Compared to my experience with other AR magazines in different calibers, the Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine fell short in terms of reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Alexander Arms.
- Caliber: 6.5mm Grendel. This is the heart of the magazine’s purpose, designed specifically for this caliber.
- Magazine Capacity: 10 Rounds. This caters to both sporting use and areas with magazine capacity restrictions.
- Gun Model: AR-15. Clearly identifies the rifle platform this magazine is intended for.
- Color: Black. A standard, non-reflective finish that blends well with most AR-15 builds.
- Fabric/Material: Steel. Ensures durability and resistance to deformation under pressure.
- Quantity: 1. Each purchase provides one magazine.
- Number of Rounds: 10. Reinforces the magazine’s capacity.
- Height: 1.2 in. The low profile helps with prone shooting.
- Length: 5.1 in. Overall length contributes to the mag’s profile.
These specifications are vital because they dictate compatibility, capacity, and durability. The steel construction assures it can withstand the stresses of repeated use, while the 6.5 Grendel specific design should guarantee proper feeding and function.
Performance & Functionality
The Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine promises reliable feeding. However, in my experience, the feeding was inconsistent and unreliable. This significantly impacted the magazine’s functionality and my overall shooting experience.
The magazine’s strength lies in its robust steel construction. Its weakness is the feeding issues. While the idea is excellent, the execution falls short.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s steel build provides a reassuring weight and sense of quality. However, inserting the magazine into the AR-15 lower receiver feels gritty and far from smooth. There is a learning curve associated with ensuring the magazine is properly seated, a task that shouldn’t be this cumbersome.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests that the Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine will last a long time. Regular cleaning, while simple, didn’t seem to improve the feeding issues, leaving me concerned about its long-term reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Aftermarket magazine baseplates might be compatible. However, due to the inherent feeding issues, I didn’t explore further customization options.
Pros and Cons of Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine
Pros
- Durable steel construction. The magazine body feels robust and capable of withstanding abuse.
- 6.5 Grendel specific design. Potentially optimized for reliable feeding of the 6.5 Grendel cartridge.
- 10-round capacity. Compliant with regulations in capacity-restricted areas.
Cons
- Inconsistent and unreliable feeding. A major drawback that significantly impacts usability.
- Gritty and sluggish magazine insertion. Detracts from the overall user experience.
Who Should Buy Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine?
The Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine might be suitable for those seeking a durable, steel-bodied magazine for their 6.5 Grendel AR-15, especially if they live in areas with magazine capacity restrictions. However, I’d heavily suggest confirming functionality for your specific build.
Anyone experiencing similar feeding issues with 6.5 Grendel AR magazines should probably skip this product. I would recommend looking for alternatives known for more consistent feeding.
A must-have modification, if you choose to purchase this magazine, might be a thorough polishing of the feed lips and potentially a different follower. However, that requires additional investment and effort to troubleshoot a new magazine.
Conclusion on Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine
The Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine presents a mixed bag. The steel construction and dedicated 6.5 Grendel design are promising on paper, but the inconsistent feeding and gritty insertion detract from the overall experience.
Given the performance issues I encountered, the price of $39.19 feels steep for what you get. I would not recommend it without reservations.
Ultimately, while the Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel 10 Rounds Magazine has potential, the reliability issues prevent me from wholeheartedly recommending it. I suggest exploring other options before settling on this magazine for your 6.5 Grendel AR-15.