The C Products Defense Inc DURAMAG Steel 308 Win, 7.62x51mm NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 10rd Black Detachable – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The C Products Defense Inc DURAMAG Steel 308 Win, 7.62x51mm NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 10rd Black Detachable – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promises robust reliability for AR-10 platforms chambered in the popular .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm NATO, and 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges. This 10-round magazine, manufactured by C Products Defense Inc, boasts a durable steel construction and a black finish, piquing the interest of AR-10 owners seeking dependable feeding.
I sought a dependable and affordable 10-round magazine option for my AR-10, primarily for range use and potential hunting applications where magazine capacity is restricted. Many polymer magazines exist, but I was seeking the robustness of steel.
Upon unboxing, the DURAMAG felt substantial, a testament to its steel construction. The black finish appeared even and well-applied, giving an immediate sense of quality.
I compared the DURAMAG to a Magpul PMAG SR25 10-round magazine and a surplus M14 magazine I sometimes use with an adapter. The DURAMAG immediately stood out for its all-steel construction, versus the polymer body of the PMAG.
My initial excitement was tempered by the reported follower issues I’d seen online, making me eager to test its performance. The price point of $19.49 made me cautiously optimistic, hoping it would deliver reliable function without breaking the bank.
Real-World Testing: Putting C Products Defense Inc DURAMAG Steel 308 Win, 7.62x51mm NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 10rd Black Detachable – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the C Products Defense Inc DURAMAG primarily at an outdoor range, using a Daniel Defense DD5 V4 AR-10 rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. Conditions ranged from sunny and dry to slightly drizzly, offering a glimpse of how the magazine performed under different environmental stressors.
Initially, the magazine loaded easily, snapping into the magwell of my DD5 with a reassuring click. The first few rounds chambered without issue, leading me to believe the online criticisms were unfounded, but subsequent rounds proved problematic.
I experienced multiple failures to feed, with the bolt overriding the rounds, failing to strip them from the magazine consistently. This behavior mirrors the user feedback regarding the anti-tilt follower deficiency.
Extended Use & Reliability
After approximately 200 rounds fired over multiple range sessions, the reliability of the DURAMAG remained inconsistent. Some magazines performed slightly better than others, but none achieved acceptable reliability rates.
The black finish held up well, showing minimal signs of wear despite repeated insertions and removals from the magwell. Cleaning was straightforward, with the smooth steel surfaces easily wiping down with a cloth and solvent.
Compared to my experience with Magpul PMAGs, which have consistently delivered flawless feeding, the DURAMAG fell far short. Even compared to surplus M14 magazines used with an adapter (which are inherently less reliable in an AR-10), the DURAMAG proved disappointing.
Breaking Down the Features of C Products Defense Inc DURAMAG Steel 308 Win, 7.62x51mm NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 10rd Black Detachable – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Winchester/7.62x51mm NATO, also compatible with 6.5 Creedmoor. This versatility is a key selling point for owners of multiple AR-10 platforms.
- Capacity: 10 rounds. This makes it suitable for hunting or states with magazine capacity restrictions.
- Origin: Aftermarket. It’s not an OEM product from a major rifle manufacturer.
- Material: 410 Stainless Steel. This provides superior strength and durability compared to polymer magazines.
- Finish: Black T-360 Coating. This coating aims to enhance corrosion resistance and reduce friction.
The stainless steel construction suggests a magazine built to withstand harsh conditions and repeated use, a valuable asset for serious shooters. However, the lack of anti-tilt features in the follower significantly undermines the potential benefits of the robust construction.
Performance & Functionality
The DURAMAG’s primary function is to reliably feed rounds into an AR-10 platform, and this is where it falters. As noted in my testing, it struggled with consistent feeding, leading to frequent malfunctions.
The magazine’s robust construction and potential for long COAL loading are strengths, but the unreliable feeding is a significant weakness. The low price point is attractive, but reliability is paramount.
The DURAMAG fails to meet the basic expectations of a reliable magazine, despite its promise of durability. It underperforms compared to other options on the market.
Design & Ergonomics
The steel construction of the DURAMAG gives it a solid, reassuring feel. However, the added weight of steel compared to polymer is noticeable, especially when carrying multiple loaded magazines.
The DURAMAG is straightforward to use, loading easily and inserting positively into the magwell. The lack of texturing on the magazine body could be an issue for some users in wet or slippery conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The stainless steel construction of the DURAMAG should contribute to its longevity. The T-360 coating provides an extra layer of protection against corrosion.
The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance, requiring no special tools. Regular cleaning and lubrication will likely extend the lifespan of the magazine.
Accessories and Customization Options
The DURAMAG does not come with any specific accessories. Being a standard AR-10 magazine, it doesn’t lend itself to significant customization.
While no specific customization is directly applicable, the steel construction could make it amenable to custom coatings or stippling for improved grip. However, the primary focus should be on addressing the feeding issues before considering cosmetic modifications.
Pros and Cons of C Products Defense Inc DURAMAG Steel 308 Win, 7.62x51mm NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 10rd Black Detachable – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Durable steel construction.
- Compatible with .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm NATO, and 6.5 Creedmoor.
- Relatively low price point.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning.
- Potentially supports longer COAL rounds.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding due to follower design.
- Increased weight compared to polymer magazines.
- Lack of texturing on the magazine body.
Who Should Buy C Products Defense Inc DURAMAG Steel 308 Win, 7.62x51mm NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 10rd Black Detachable – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The C Products Defense Inc DURAMAG might appeal to shooters seeking a very inexpensive and robust 10-round magazine for their AR-10, provided they are willing to potentially troubleshoot feeding issues and possibly modify the follower. It could be useful for range training, if malfunctions are viewed as training opportunities.
Anyone prioritizing consistent and reliable feeding should avoid this product. Those using high-end AR-10 rifles for competition or hunting would be better served by investing in higher-quality magazines like Magpul PMAGs.
A must-have modification would be to replace the follower with an aftermarket anti-tilt follower. This may improve reliability, but adds to the overall cost.
Conclusion on C Products Defense Inc DURAMAG Steel 308 Win, 7.62x51mm NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 10rd Black Detachable – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The C Products Defense Inc DURAMAG Steel 308 Win, 7.62x51mm NATO, 6.5 Creedmoor AR-10 10rd Black Detachable – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin presents a mixed bag. Its durable steel construction and affordable price are appealing, but the unreliable feeding negates these advantages.
The price is justified only if the user is prepared to address the follower issue. Otherwise, the frustration and potential for malfunctions outweigh the cost savings.
I cannot recommend this magazine in its current form. The inherent unreliability makes it unsuitable for serious use. Investing in a higher-quality magazine will save frustration and ensure consistent performance. Look elsewhere for reliable AR-10 magazines.