Black River 12 Gauge MAG 10 MAGAZINE 10 Round RD BLACK – 10 Rounds Review

First Thoughts on the Black River 12 Gauge MAG 10 MAGAZINE 10 Round RD BLACK – 10 Rounds

The Black River 12 Gauge MAG 10 MAGAZINE 10 Round RD BLACK – 10 Rounds promises to solve a common issue for shotgun owners who want increased capacity without sacrificing reliability. This 10-round magazine, manufactured by Black River, is designed to fit a wide array of popular AR-12 style shotguns, offering an alternative to the standard 5-round magazines often supplied. I was immediately drawn to its claimed compatibility and enhanced features like the stainless steel spring and anti-tilt follower, hoping it would be a worthwhile upgrade for my shotgun.

I had been struggling with the limited capacity of my factory 5-round magazines during 3-gun competitions; constantly reloading slowed me down significantly. Finding a reliable high-capacity magazine that wouldn’t cause malfunctions was paramount. The Black River MAG 10 seemed to offer the perfect balance of capacity and reliability based on its advertised features.

Upon unboxing, the Black River MAG 10 felt robust, with a solid steel body and a reassuring weight. The black finish looked durable, and the aggressive texturing on the front and rear offered a secure grip. Compared to the factory polymer magazines, the Black River felt significantly more substantial.

I considered other high-capacity magazines from brands like ProMag and SGM Tactical, but online reviews suggested mixed reliability. The Black River seemed to garner more positive feedback regarding feeding and overall build quality. My initial impression was excitement tempered with cautious optimism – I was eager to test its performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Black River 12 Gauge MAG 10 MAGAZINE 10 Round RD BLACK – 10 Rounds to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Black River MAG 10 was at my local shooting range, where I ran it through my Garaysar Fear-109 12-gauge shotgun. I fired a mix of birdshot, buckshot, and slugs to assess its feeding reliability with different loads. The magazine seated firmly with a reassuring click, and the initial cycling of the action felt smooth.

The Black River MAG 10 performed flawlessly through the first 50 rounds. It was a major improvement over my previous magazines! Loading was straightforward, and there were no instances of failure to feed or double feeds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a local 3-gun match, the Black River MAG 10 has proven to be a reliable addition to my shotgun. There are some minor scratches in the finish. However, it holds up well, even after being dropped on gravel and concrete.

Cleaning the magazine is also relatively easy; the tool-less disassembly allows for quick access to the internals. Compared to some other aftermarket magazines I’ve tried, the Black River MAG 10 consistently outperforms them in terms of feeding reliability and overall durability. It gives me the confidence I need during competition.

Breaking Down the Features of Black River 12 Gauge MAG 10 MAGAZINE 10 Round RD BLACK – 10 Rounds

Specifications

• Capacity: 10 Rounds. This is a significant upgrade over the standard 5-round magazines, providing more firepower and reducing the need for frequent reloads.
• Material: Steel Body. The steel construction enhances durability and ensures long-term reliability, even under harsh conditions.
• Spring: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel spring is resistant to corrosion and maintains consistent tension for reliable feeding.
• Follower: Four-Way Anti-Tilt. This design helps prevent the follower from binding within the magazine, ensuring smooth and consistent feeding of shells.
• Compatibility: Akdal – MKA 1919, Armsco, Armelegant, ATI, Barak, Best Arms, Black Aces, Century, Charles Daly, Citadel, Escort, Fed Arm, Garaysar, G-Force, LKCI Vezir, Panzer Arms, Radikal Arms, Rock Island, SDS Imports, Tri Star, T R Imports, Tactical Typhoon Defense. The wide compatibility makes it a versatile option for owners of various AR-12 style shotguns.
• Floor Plate: Enhanced, flared design. The flared floor plate improves handling and aids in magazine extraction, even with gloves on.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and ease of use. The steel body and stainless steel spring contribute to its robustness, while the anti-tilt follower ensures consistent feeding.

Performance & Functionality

The Black River MAG 10 performs exceptionally well, consistently feeding a variety of 12-gauge loads without issue. Its increased capacity and reliable feeding give a competitive edge. In the field, it translates to fewer reloads and more time focused on the target.

The magazine’s main strengths are its reliability and increased capacity. A minor point for improvement would be the ease of loading the last few rounds. Despite being difficult to load, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a high-capacity shotgun magazine.

Design & Ergonomics

The Black River MAG 10 features a durable steel construction and ergonomic design. The aggressive texturing provides a secure grip, and the flared floor plate aids in magazine changes. The weight feels balanced and the magazine seats securely in the shotgun.

The tool-less disassembly makes cleaning and maintenance straightforward. The only minor issue is the initial stiffness of the magazine spring, but it loosens up with use.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction ensures that the Black River MAG 10 is built to last. After several months of regular use, there are no signs of significant wear or damage. Routine cleaning and lubrication are all that is needed to keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Black River MAG 10 doesn’t come with any additional accessories, but it is designed to be compatible with a wide range of AR-12 style shotguns. Aftermarket magazine pouches designed for AR-15 magazines typically work well with the MAG 10. There aren’t specific customization options for the magazine itself, but its compatibility with various shotgun models means that it can be paired with other accessories like different stocks or forends for your firearm.

Pros and Cons of Black River 12 Gauge MAG 10 MAGAZINE 10 Round RD BLACK – 10 Rounds

Who Should Buy Black River 12 Gauge MAG 10 MAGAZINE 10 Round RD BLACK – 10 Rounds?

The Black River MAG 10 is perfect for 3-gun competitors, tactical shooters, and anyone looking to increase the capacity of their AR-12 style shotgun. It is also great for hunters or sport shooters. It provides a reliable and durable solution for those wanting to reduce the frequency of reloads.

Those who should skip this product are individuals who live in areas with magazine capacity restrictions or those who prefer the lighter weight of polymer magazines.

Must-have accessories would include a good quality magazine pouch for easy access during competitions or tactical scenarios.

Conclusion on Black River 12 Gauge MAG 10 MAGAZINE 10 Round RD BLACK – 10 Rounds

Overall, the Black River 12 Gauge MAG 10 MAGAZINE 10 Round RD BLACK – 10 Rounds is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to upgrade their AR-12 style shotgun. At $38.49, the price is justified considering the increased capacity, reliable feeding, and durable construction.

I would highly recommend this magazine to anyone seeking a performance boost for their shotgun. It has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my gear. Take your shotgun to the next level with the Black River MAG 10!