First Impressions of Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine
The AR-15 magazine market is flooded with options, from cheap polymer mags to high-end, competition-ready models. The Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine, or ASC mag as it’s often called, aims to strike a balance by offering a stainless steel alternative. Is this magazine a reliable workhorse, or just another metal mag lost in the shuffle?
I’ve always preferred 20-round magazines for their maneuverability and lower profile when shooting from prone or supported positions. My go-to magazines have traditionally been Magpul PMAGs and Lancer L5AWMs, but I was looking for a durable metal magazine to withstand harsh conditions and potential abuse without sacrificing reliability. I was hoping the Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine would fill this gap.
Unboxing the ASC 20-round magazine, my first impression was one of solid construction. The stainless steel body felt robust, and the black oxide coated floor plate added a touch of corrosion resistance, promising longevity. Compared to aluminum GI mags, the ASC felt noticeably heavier, inspiring confidence, but compared to my Lancer magazines, they felt like a step backward in refinement.
I considered Brownells’ aluminum magazines and Okay Industries’ Surefeed magazines, both known for their reliability, but I ultimately chose the Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine to test a stainless steel option. I wanted to see if the hype about stainless steel’s inherent durability and corrosion resistance lived up to reality in magazine form. To be honest, I was cautiously optimistic about the magazine, hoping its rugged exterior translated to consistent performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine at my local shooting range during a carbine course. The weather was sunny and dry, perfect conditions to get a feel for the magazine’s loading and feeding capabilities. Initially, loading the magazine was smooth, although the spring felt a bit stiff compared to my well-worn PMAGs.
During the course, I experienced a significant malfunction: failure to feed the second-to-last round. The bolt would lock back prematurely as if the magazine was empty, a frustrating issue that disrupted the flow of the drills. This malfunction occurred repeatedly with the Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine, and never happened with my other magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range trip, I continued testing the ASC 20-round magazine over several weeks in different conditions. I subjected it to simulated mud and dust environments, as well as a few mag dumps during rapid-fire drills. Unfortunately, the issues with feeding the second-to-last round persisted.
Despite its robust construction, the Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine showed signs of wear after just a few range trips. The black oxide coating on the floor plate began to wear off, revealing the bare stainless steel underneath. Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward, but the internal crevices seemed to trap more debris than my polymer magazines. The Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine did not perform to my standard, and I would not trust my life to it.
Breaking Down the Features of Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine is designed for use with AR-15/M-16 platforms chambered in .223/5.56. It boasts a magazine capacity of 20 rounds, offering a reduced profile compared to standard 30-round magazines. The magazine body is constructed from stainless steel, aiming for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.
The magazine features a 300 Series stainless steel floor plate with a black oxide coating. This aims to increase corrosion resistance and durability in demanding environments. A chrome silicon spring is used to ensure consistent feeding and longevity. The magazine also features an enhanced anti-tilt polymer follower with PTFE, designed to minimize malfunctions and ensure smooth round presentation.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of raw functionality, the Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine falls short of expectations. While loading is generally smooth, the persistent issue with the second-to-last round failing to feed is a significant problem. This is a deal-breaker for any serious shooter who relies on consistent performance. The magazine’s robust construction is overshadowed by its unreliable feeding.
The magazine’s primary strength lies in its potentially superior corrosion resistance, but even that is questionable, given the wear on the floor plate’s coating. Its primary weakness is its tendency to malfunction with the second-to-last round. This issue severely limits its usefulness and cannot be overlooked.
Design & Ergonomics
The stainless steel construction gives the Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine a solid, premium feel. The weight is noticeably heavier than polymer magazines, but not excessively so. However, the magazine lacks any texturing or enhanced gripping surfaces, which could be a drawback in wet or gloved conditions.
The magazine is designed to be compatible with standard AR-15 magazine wells, requiring no modification for use. However, the anti-tilt follower doesn’t seem to fully address feeding issues, despite its intended purpose. The magazine has a steep learning curve due to reliability issues.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel body should, theoretically, contribute to long-term durability. However, the wearing of the black oxide coating on the floor plate raises concerns about overall corrosion resistance. Regular cleaning and inspection are necessary to ensure optimal performance. The Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine requires basic maintenance to ensure longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It is a standalone magazine, focusing on providing reliable feeding. However, it is compatible with most AR-15 magazine pouches and loaders. There are no factory customization options for this magazine.
Pros and Cons of Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Potentially superior corrosion resistance due to stainless steel construction.
- Solid, robust feel.
- Compatible with standard AR-15 platforms.
Cons
- Consistent failure to feed the second-to-last round.
- Black oxide coating on the floor plate wears off easily.
- Stiff spring compared to other magazines.
Who Should Buy Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine?
The Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine might be suitable for individuals prioritizing extreme durability in harsh environments and who are willing to tolerate potential reliability issues. This might include recreational shooters who like the durability of metal magazines.
Anyone relying on their AR-15 for self-defense or professional use should skip this product. The magazine’s reliability issues are unacceptable in high-stakes scenarios. Must-have modifications would include thoroughly testing the magazine before relying on it and potentially replacing the spring and follower if the feeding issues persist.
Conclusion on Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine
The Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine promises durability and corrosion resistance with its stainless steel construction. Unfortunately, the consistent failure to feed the second-to-last round overshadows any potential benefits. While the solid construction and premium feel are appealing, the magazine’s unreliability makes it difficult to recommend, especially given its price point.
At $28.39, the price is comparable to other quality magazines on the market, but the performance does not justify the cost. I cannot personally recommend the Ammunition Storage Components AR-15/M-16 20 Round Rifle Magazine due to its unreliable feeding. Invest in magazines with a proven track record of reliability, such as Magpul PMAGs or Lancer L5AWMs.