First Impressions of Ammunition Storage Components ASC AR Family Rifle Magazine Grey Follower .223 Rem Aluminum Grey 20/rd FEB5DFCB
The Ammunition Storage Components ASC AR Family Rifle Magazine Grey Follower .223 Rem Aluminum Grey 20/rd FEB5DFCB promises reliable feeding for your AR-platform rifle with a classic 20-round capacity. This magazine, manufactured by Ammunition Storage Components (ASC), features a durable aluminum body and a grey follower, aiming to provide consistent performance.
I was seeking a reliable and durable 20-round magazine for my AR-15, primarily for range use and situations where a lower profile is preferred over standard capacity magazines. Full-size 30-round magazines can sometimes be unwieldy when shooting from a prone position or when maneuverability is key. The magazine arrived in a simple plastic bag. My initial impression was favorable, noting the clean grey finish and solid feel of the aluminum body.
Compared to my existing steel GI-style magazines and some polymer offerings from Magpul, this ASC magazine appeared to offer a middle ground in terms of construction and weight. I chose this magazine hoping for improved corrosion resistance compared to standard steel magazines, without sacrificing the durability often associated with metal construction. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping that the ASC magazine would deliver reliable feeding and prove its worth through repeated use.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ammunition Storage Components ASC AR Family Rifle Magazine Grey Follower .223 Rem Aluminum Grey 20/rd FEB5DFCB to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing occurred at an outdoor shooting range, focusing on both static drills and more dynamic movement-based shooting. I ran approximately 200 rounds of mixed .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO ammunition through the ASC magazine.
The magazine performed admirably in dry conditions, feeding rounds smoothly without any noticeable hiccups. Loading was relatively easy. After the first use, I was pleased with the initial performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including approximately 1000 rounds fired, the ASC magazine has proven to be a dependable addition to my AR-15 setup. I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from 30°F to 90°F, and in slightly dusty conditions. The finish has held up well, showing only minor signs of wear around the magazine well contact points.
Cleaning is straightforward: a quick wipe down with a cloth and occasional use of a brush to clear debris from the inside. Compared to some cheaper magazines I’ve used in the past that suffered from frequent feeding issues, the ASC magazine has been remarkably reliable. It has definitely exceeded my expectations for a magazine in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Ammunition Storage Components ASC AR Family Rifle Magazine Grey Follower .223 Rem Aluminum Grey 20/rd FEB5DFCB
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Ammunition Storage Components (ASC)
- Caliber: .223 Remington (also compatible with 5.56 NATO)
- Magazine Capacity: 20 Rounds
- Material: Aluminum
- Follower Color: Grey
- Finish: Grey
- Gun Model: AR-15
- Gun Type: Rifle
- Quantity: 1
- Included Accessories: Standard
These specifications translate into a lightweight, durable, and reliable magazine suitable for AR-15 platforms chambered in .223 Rem or 5.56 NATO. The 20-round capacity offers a balance between round count and maneuverability.
Performance & Functionality
The Ammunition Storage Components ASC AR Family Rifle Magazine Grey Follower .223 Rem Aluminum Grey 20/rd FEB5DFCB consistently feeds ammunition without issue. I’ve experienced no failures to feed or double feeds using various brands of ammunition.
The magazine’s aluminum construction provides a durable and relatively lightweight platform, while the grey follower contributes to smooth and consistent feeding. A minor weakness might be the lack of a specific anti-tilt design in the follower, but I haven’t experienced any issues related to this. The magazine meets and mostly exceeds expectations for reliable performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s grey finish gives it a clean, modern look, and the aluminum construction feels robust in hand. The magazine fits snugly into my AR-15’s magazine well, with no excessive wobble.
The magazine is easy to load and manipulate, even with gloves. There is a slight learning curve associated with inserting the magazine quickly under stress, like with any magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the aluminum construction and robust finish, this magazine should withstand considerable use and abuse. Regular cleaning and inspection are all that’s required to keep it in top working condition.
The ASC magazine is easily disassembled for cleaning and maintenance, contributing to its longevity. The simple design means there are few parts that could potentially break or wear out quickly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ammunition Storage Components ASC AR Family Rifle Magazine Grey Follower .223 Rem Aluminum Grey 20/rd FEB5DFCB comes as a standalone magazine with no included accessories. There are no direct customization options for the magazine itself beyond potentially applying aftermarket stencils or markings.
The magazine is compatible with any standard AR-15 magazine pouch or carrying system. It also works with most speed loaders designed for AR-15 magazines.
Pros and Cons of Ammunition Storage Components ASC AR Family Rifle Magazine Grey Follower .223 Rem Aluminum Grey 20/rd FEB5DFCB
Pros
- Reliable feeding with various ammunition types.
- Durable aluminum construction.
- Clean and attractive grey finish.
- Easy to load and maintain.
- 20-round capacity offers a good balance between capacity and maneuverability.
Cons
- No specific anti-tilt follower design (although this hasn’t presented any functional issues in my testing).
- Aluminum may dent more easily than steel under extreme impact.
Who Should Buy Ammunition Storage Components ASC AR Family Rifle Magazine Grey Follower .223 Rem Aluminum Grey 20/rd FEB5DFCB?
This magazine is perfect for: range shooters, hunters who prefer a lower profile magazine, and anyone looking for a reliable and durable alternative to standard capacity magazines. It’s also well-suited for tactical applications where maneuverability is prioritized.
Those who primarily engage in high-volume shooting or require maximum magazine capacity might prefer standard 30-round magazines. Individuals needing extreme durability in harsh environments might consider steel magazines as an alternative.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch for carrying and protecting the magazine.
Conclusion on Ammunition Storage Components ASC AR Family Rifle Magazine Grey Follower .223 Rem Aluminum Grey 20/rd FEB5DFCB
The Ammunition Storage Components ASC AR Family Rifle Magazine Grey Follower .223 Rem Aluminum Grey 20/rd FEB5DFCB is a solid and dependable option for AR-15 owners seeking a reliable 20-round magazine. At $31.99, the price is justified by the magazine’s durable construction and consistent performance.
I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone looking for a quality 20-round option for their AR-15. If you’re in the market for a dependable and well-built magazine, give the ASC 20-round magazine a try.