First Impressions of Amend2 Mod-3 Short-Action AICS 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 12 Round Magazine
The Amend2 Mod-3 Short-Action AICS 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 12 Round Magazine aims to offer a reliable, affordable polymer magazine option for rifles utilizing the Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) pattern. Amend2 is known for its polymer magazines, and this particular model targets .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO chambered rifles, offering a 12-round capacity optimized for bench shooting. For years, I’ve relied on metal magazines, so I was eager to see how this polymer offering stacked up against my well-worn steel mags.
My need for this magazine stemmed from a desire to have a dedicated benchrest magazine that wouldn’t protrude excessively. Many standard capacity magazines extend well below the chassis, making prone or bench shooting cumbersome. The promise of a shorter profile and the reputation of Amend2 for producing reliable magazines at a reasonable price point led me to give this a try.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt surprisingly robust. The polymer felt dense and rigid, lacking the flimsy feel some cheaper polymer magazines exhibit. Compared to my Magpul PMAG AICS magazines and steel Accurate-Mag magazines, the Amend2 Mod-3 felt lighter, though maybe a little less refined in its molding.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. While the initial feel was good, polymer magazines can be hit or miss, especially in larger calibers like .308. I picked this over others mostly because of the combination of the lower price and the shorter profile that I wanted.
Real-World Testing: Putting Amend2 Mod-3 Short-Action AICS 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 12 Round Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Amend2 Mod-3 primarily at my local shooting range, utilizing my Remington 700 build with an MDT chassis. The conditions were fairly mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze, typical range conditions. Loading the magazine for the first time was a little stiff, requiring more pressure than my steel magazines, as noted by some other users.
However, once loaded, the magazine seated positively into the chassis. Cycling the bolt was smooth, and the rounds fed consistently without any noticeable hiccups. After running about 60 rounds through it during that first session, I didn’t encounter any failures to feed or extraction issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a few months, the Amend2 Mod-3 has proven to be surprisingly reliable. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through it, encompassing various brands of .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition. It still continues to feed very well.
I haven’t observed any significant wear and tear. While there are some minor scuff marks from insertion and removal, the polymer body shows no signs of cracking or deformation. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a cloth is usually sufficient to remove any powder residue or dirt.
Compared to my experiences with other polymer magazines, this one stands out in terms of reliability. It has outperformed some more expensive polymer magazines I’ve used in the past, especially regarding consistent feeding with different types of ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Amend2 Mod-3 Short-Action AICS 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 12 Round Magazine
Specifications
The Amend2 Mod-3 Short-Action AICS 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 12 Round Magazine is specifically designed for rifles accepting AICS pattern magazines. It is chambered for both 7.62x51mm NATO and .308 Winchester cartridges. The magazine has a 12-round capacity.
It is constructed from a sturdy, impact-resistant polymer. Its color is black, and it features an anti-tilt follower. The magazine also contains a heavy-duty, non-memory, and non-corrosive stainless steel spring.
These specifications are significant because they contribute to the magazine’s reliability and durability. The polymer construction offers a good balance of weight and strength, while the anti-tilt follower and stainless steel spring ensure consistent feeding and resistance to corrosion. The ability to Cerakote the magazine also adds to the customization possibilities.
Performance & Functionality
The Amend2 Mod-3 performs its primary job—feeding ammunition—remarkably well. Accuracy isn’t directly influenced by the magazine, but consistent feeding contributes to a more stable shooting platform, allowing for more accurate follow-up shots. The magazine reliably feeds rounds into the chamber, whether you are using .308 or 7.62x51mm NATO.
The primary strength of this magazine is its consistent feeding and reliability. However, the initial stiffness when loading can be a slight drawback. Overall, the magazine meets and exceeds expectations for a polymer magazine in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is good, with a solid feel and clean lines. The textured grip provides a secure hold, even with gloved hands. The magazine is relatively lightweight compared to steel magazines, which can be an advantage during extended range sessions.
There’s a slight learning curve when loading it for the first time, due to the stiffer spring. However, after a few repetitions, it becomes easier to load.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Amend2 Mod-3 is built to last. The high-quality polymer construction ensures resistance to impacts and abrasions. Maintenance is straightforward; simply wipe down the magazine after each use to remove any debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Amend2 Mod-3 does not come with any included accessories. However, the ability to Cerakote the magazine offers customization options for matching the color to your rifle or chassis. Because it follows the AICS pattern, it is compatible with any rifle chassis or bottom metal that accepts AICS magazines, regardless of brand.
Pros and Cons of Amend2 Mod-3 Short-Action AICS 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 12 Round Magazine
Pros
- Reliable Feeding: Consistently feeds both .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition.
- Durable Polymer Construction: Withstands impacts and abrasions without cracking or deforming.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the performance and features.
- Shorter Profile: Ideal for bench shooting and prone positions.
- AICS Compatibility: Works seamlessly with any AICS pattern rifle chassis or bottom metal.
Cons
- Slightly Stiff Loading: Requires more force to load rounds initially compared to steel magazines.
- Rough Molding: Some minor manufacturing defects with the mold leave some rough edges on the plastic.
Who Should Buy Amend2 Mod-3 Short-Action AICS 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 12 Round Magazine?
The Amend2 Mod-3 Short-Action AICS 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 12 Round Magazine is perfect for target shooters, benchrest shooters, and hunters who need a reliable, shorter-profile magazine for their AICS-compatible rifles. It is a great choice for those who want a durable and affordable polymer option.
Competitive shooters looking for every edge might prefer higher-end metal magazines. Those requiring maximum capacity may also want to look at larger-capacity options.
A must-have accessory would be a magazine loader to ease the initial stiffness of loading. Also, consider Cerakoting the magazine to match your rifle’s aesthetics.
Conclusion on Amend2 Mod-3 Short-Action AICS 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 12 Round Magazine
Overall, the Amend2 Mod-3 Short-Action AICS 7.62x51mm NATO/.308 Winchester 12 Round Magazine offers an impressive combination of reliability, durability, and affordability. It is well-suited for a variety of shooting applications, especially those where a shorter magazine profile is desirable. The price is definitely justified, given its performance and build quality.
I would definitely recommend this magazine to anyone looking for a dependable polymer AICS magazine for their .308 or 7.62x51mm rifle. If you’re seeking a reliable, affordable magazine that performs consistently, give the Amend2 Mod-3 a try – you might be pleasantly surprised!