First Impressions of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a standard capacity magazine designed for the Rock Island Armory 5.0 series 9mm pistols. As someone who has spent over a decade working with various firearms and tactical equipment, magazines are one of the most important parts of the firearm and vital for its optimal and reliable function. A high-quality, reliable magazine is the difference between a smooth shooting experience and constant malfunctions on the range. This magazine promises reliability and durability at a reasonable price, which immediately piqued my interest.
I was looking for a cost-effective solution to increase my magazine capacity for range training with my Rock Island 5.0. The factory magazine is good, but having a few extra magazines on hand makes range sessions far more efficient. After years of relying on magazines from various manufacturers, I was keen to see how Armscor Precision Inc‘s offering would stack up against the competition.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The black finish was even and the steel body gave me confidence in its durability. It felt comparable to magazines from Mec-Gar or Magpul, though those are typically priced higher. I was eager to hit the range and put it through its paces.
I initially considered purchasing magazines from Glock and Sig Sauer, as they have proven reputations for reliability. However, their magazines are significantly more expensive, and since this was primarily for range use, I decided to try the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine. My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism, as magazines can often be a weak point in even well-regarded firearms.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and sunny, perfect for an afternoon of target practice. I loaded the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 17 rounds of standard 115-grain 9mm ammunition and inserted it into my Rock Island 5.0 pistol.
The magazine seated positively and locked into place without issue. I fired multiple strings of shots, focusing on smooth and consistent trigger pulls. The magazine fed rounds flawlessly, without any hiccups or misfeeds. The magazine performed perfectly.
I did notice that the magazine was a little stiff during the first few loading cycles, however, this is to be expected. After loading and unloading the magazine a few times the spring smoothed out nicely.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, the Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The black finish shows only minor scuffs from insertion and removal from the pistol.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each range session, I wipe down the magazine body with a lightly oiled cloth. Periodically, I disassemble it to clean the inside and inspect the spring for any signs of corrosion or damage. The disassembly process is simple.
Compared to some cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, this Armscor Precision Inc magazine significantly outperforms them in reliability. It consistently feeds rounds without issue, unlike some that cause frequent jams. While it may not reach the legendary status of some high-end brands, it certainly provides excellent value for the price.
Breaking Down the Features of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Rock Island Armory 5.0 series 9mm pistols. It has a 17-round capacity, which is a standard high-capacity configuration for 9mm pistols. The magazine body is constructed from steel, which is finished with a black coating for corrosion resistance.
- Caliber: 9mm Luger This ensures compatibility with the widely available and affordable 9mm ammunition.
- Capacity: 17 Rounds Providing ample rounds for range training or defensive purposes.
- Material: Steel Offering robust durability and resistance to deformation under pressure.
- Finish: Black Enhancing corrosion resistance and providing a sleek, tactical appearance.
- Compatibility: Rock Island Armory 5.0 9mm pistols Ensures proper fit and function.
These specifications are crucial for reliable performance. The steel construction ensures the magazine can withstand repeated use and resist damage from dropping or impacts. The 17-round capacity provides a good balance between firepower and magazine size, making it suitable for various applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine performs its job admirably. It feeds rounds smoothly and consistently, contributing to the overall reliability of the firearm. I’ve experienced no failures to feed or other malfunctions directly attributable to the magazine.
One of its strengths is its consistent feeding, while a minor weakness is the initial stiffness of the spring. Overall, this magazine exceeds my expectations given its price point. It performs as well as or better than magazines costing significantly more.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s steel construction feels robust and inspires confidence. Its weight is appropriate for its size and capacity, neither too heavy nor too flimsy. The black finish is evenly applied and provides a good level of corrosion resistance.
The magazine is user-friendly. Its standard design means there’s no learning curve for anyone familiar with pistol magazines. The magazine is very easy to load and seat in the magazine well.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction, I expect this magazine to last for many years with proper care. So far, it has shown no signs of structural weakness or excessive wear. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed to keep it in good working order.
Disassembly is straightforward and requires no special tools. This makes it easy to thoroughly clean and inspect the magazine, ensuring its continued reliability. Simple maintenance is key to the long life of the magazine.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is a standard magazine with no included accessories beyond what’s necessary for its basic function. There aren’t customization options for the magazine itself, though aftermarket magazine pouches and carriers are widely available for 9mm pistol magazines. The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is compatible with any standard 9mm magazine pouch.
Pros and Cons of Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Reliable Feeding: Consistently feeds rounds without malfunctions.
- Durable Construction: The steel body and finish are built to last.
- High Capacity: 17-round capacity provides ample firepower.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the money.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple disassembly and cleaning process.
Cons
- Initial Spring Stiffness: The spring can be a bit stiff during the first few loading cycles, but it smooths out with use.
- Basic Design: Lacks any advanced features or coatings found on some higher-end magazines.
Who Should Buy Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine?
This magazine is perfect for Rock Island Armory 5.0 9mm pistol owners looking for reliable and affordable magazines for range training, competition, or home defense. It’s also suitable for anyone who values durability and consistent performance in their firearm accessories.
Those who require extremely high-end features or coatings, or are willing to pay a premium for a specific brand name, might consider other options. But for the vast majority of shooters, this magazine provides excellent value.
A must-have accessory is a good quality magazine pouch or carrier for convenient storage and quick access during range sessions or competitions. Additionally, a magazine loader can be helpful for those who frequently load multiple magazines.
Conclusion on Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Armscor Precision Inc Rock Island 5.0 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a solid and reliable magazine that offers excellent value for the price. Its durable steel construction, high capacity, and consistent feeding make it a worthy addition to any Rock Island 5.0 9mm pistol owner’s kit. While it may lack some of the advanced features of higher-end magazines, its performance and affordability are hard to beat.
The price is definitely justified. It offers similar performance to much more expensive magazines.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a cost-effective and dependable magazine for their Rock Island 5.0 9mm pistol. Whether you’re a casual shooter, a competitive marksman, or someone who relies on their firearm for self-defense, this magazine is a smart investment. Pick one up and experience the reliability and peace of mind it provides.