Duramag 5.56mm/.223/300BLK Crimped From 30 Round to 5 Round Aluminum Magazine Review

First Impressions of Duramag 5.56mm/.223/300BLK Crimped From 30 Round to 5 Round Aluminum Magazine

The Duramag 5.56mm/.223/300BLK Crimped From 30 Round to 5 Round Aluminum Magazine attempts to bridge the gap between capacity restrictions and the need for reliable feeding in an AR-15 platform. It’s a 5-round magazine designed to fit AR-15 rifles chambered in 5.56mm NATO, .223 Remington, and .300 AAC Blackout, and it achieves this reduced capacity by crimping a standard 30-round magazine body. The promise is a magazine with the robust build of a full-size, but compliant with capacity limitations—a proposition worth exploring for those in restrictive states or engaging in specific types of hunting.

Living in a state with evolving magazine capacity laws, I was looking for a reliable, legally compliant option for my AR-15. Standard capacity magazines are great, but not always permissible, and I wanted something more substantial than a dedicated short 5-round magazine, hoping for better feeding and handling characteristics.

Upon receiving the Duramag, my initial impression was…underwhelming. While the aluminum body felt reasonably sturdy, the crimps were visibly crude, appearing almost like dents hammered into the sides. Compared to a standard 30-round Duramag, or even a purpose-built 5-round polymer magazine from Magpul, the crimped Duramag felt like a compromise, and not a particularly elegant one. I also own some Amend2 10 round magazines which feel much more purpose built.

I picked the Duramag because I was hoping for the durability of a metal magazine with a more natural feel in my AR-15 compared to the shorter magazines on the market, but I must admit I was both surprised and disappointed by the execution of the crimping. It just didn’t inspire confidence.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Duramag 5.56mm/.223/300BLK Crimped From 30 Round to 5 Round Aluminum Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test took place at an outdoor range during a typical overcast day. I ran the Duramag through my AR-15, alternating between .223 and 5.56 ammunition to see how it handled different loads. Loading the magazine proved a bit finicky because the crimps inside don’t give you much room for error.

The biggest problem arose early: the magazine didn’t seat reliably. It seemed the crimps, while limiting capacity, also interfered with the magazine well, requiring extra force to lock in. Furthermore, even when locked, I experienced a couple of failure-to-feeds in the first 20 rounds, suggesting the crimps were affecting the follower’s movement.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions, the Duramag has neither improved nor completely failed. The seating issue persists, and I still encounter occasional feeding problems, especially with .223 rounds that are slightly shorter. Durability-wise, the aluminum body shows no significant wear, but the black anodized finish around the crimps has started to chip, revealing the bare metal beneath.

Cleaning the Duramag is straightforward, though the crimps make it slightly harder to wipe down the interior. Compared to my other magazines, the Duramag requires more frequent cleaning to ensure consistent feeding. I’m definitely disappointed, it doesn’t live up to a standard Duramag.

Breaking Down the Features of Duramag 5.56mm/.223/300BLK Crimped From 30 Round to 5 Round Aluminum Magazine

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Duramag.

• Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO, .223 Remington, .300 AAC Blackout. This multi-caliber compatibility is a key selling point, allowing use in various AR-15 configurations.

• Capacity: 5 Rounds. Achieved by crimping the sides of a standard 30-round magazine body.

• Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum. The use of aircraft-grade aluminum ensures durability and resistance to corrosion.

• Finish: Black Anodize. The anodized finish provides a protective layer against scratches and wear.

• Gun Compatibility: AR-15 Platform. Specifically designed for use in AR-15 rifles and pistols.

• Additional Features: Lightweight and durable. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down without sacrificing strength.

These specifications suggest a robust and versatile magazine, but the crimping method introduces potential compromises in performance. The theoretical durability of the aluminum is undermined by the crimps and the reliability of the magazine is diminished by the capacity reduction method.

Performance & Functionality

The Duramag attempts to provide reliable 5-round capacity for AR-15 platforms. However, its performance is inconsistent due to the crimping which can cause seating issues and feeding problems.

The magazine’s strength lies in its durable aluminum construction, but its weakness is the execution of its capacity reduction, which undermines the functionality. It meets expectations for durability but falls short in reliability and ease of use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Duramag’s design is based on the standard AR-15 magazine profile but with visible crimps. The aluminum build provides a solid feel but the crimps detract from the overall aesthetic and contribute to ergonomic issues during loading and seating.

There’s a slight learning curve due to the tighter internal space, requiring more deliberate loading. The crude appearance of the crimping adds an element of visual awkwardness.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum body of the Duramag is inherently durable, promising a long service life. The anodized finish offers good resistance to corrosion, though chipping around the crimps is a concern.

Maintenance is relatively easy, involving standard cleaning procedures. However, the crimps make internal cleaning slightly more tedious.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Duramag doesn’t offer specific customization options beyond its standard configuration. There are no accessories that directly enhance its performance.

It is compatible with standard AR-15 magazine pouches and carriers, but its unique shape might require some adjustment. There are no readily apparent modifications that can improve it, short of attempting to undo the crimps, which would be illegal in many places and potentially damage the magazine further.

Pros and Cons of Duramag 5.56mm/.223/300BLK Crimped From 30 Round to 5 Round Aluminum Magazine