E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine Review

First Impressions of E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine

The E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine is a specialized magazine designed for AR-15 platforms chambered in the 6.8mm Remington SPC cartridge. E-Lander Mags, known for their robust steel magazines tested by military and anti-terror units, aims to provide a durable and reliable feeding solution for this less common but potent caliber. This magazine promises enhanced follower design, improved floorplate, and a resilient protective coating, making it an interesting alternative to standard aluminum or polymer offerings.

I’ve been a 6.8 SPC enthusiast for years, drawn to its superior ballistics compared to 5.56mm, especially for hunting medium game. The persistent problem I’ve faced, however, is consistent magazine reliability. Factory 6.8 SPC magazines are often expensive and sometimes scarce, while some aftermarket options have proven unreliable, leading to frustrating jams and misfeeds during hunts.

Upon receiving the E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine, my initial impression was one of solid build quality. The magazine felt substantial, noticeably heavier than a standard aluminum 5.56 magazine, exuding a sense of durability. The black finish appeared even and well-applied, and the steel construction seemed robust.

Compared to a standard aluminum GI magazine and a polymer Magpul PMAG, the E-Lander Mag felt more rigid. I chose this particular magazine because of E-Lander Mags’ reputation for ruggedness and because I was specifically looking for a steel magazine designed for the 6.8 SPC round, hoping it would improve feeding reliability in my 6.8 SPC AR. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the build quality seemed promising, and I was eager to test its performance at the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was slightly humid, typical for a summer afternoon in the Midwest. I ran approximately 100 rounds of Federal Fusion 6.8 SPC ammunition through the magazine, focusing on rapid-fire drills and controlled pairs.

The magazine initially loaded easily, requiring slightly more effort to seat fully in the rifle compared to standard GI magazines. Throughout the first 50 rounds, I experienced zero malfunctions. The magazine fed smoothly and consistently, and the bolt locked back reliably after the last round.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the E-Lander Mag has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve now put over 500 rounds of various 6.8 SPC ammunition through it, including Federal, Hornady, and some reloads, with only one minor issue. The finish shows some minor wear marks from inserting and removing it from the magazine well, but there are no dents or deformations despite accidentally dropping it a few times on hard surfaces.

Cleaning the magazine is straightforward. The floorplate is easily removable, allowing for thorough cleaning of the interior. The magazine spring and follower are easily accessible and simple to wipe down. Compared to some of the polymer magazines I’ve used, the steel construction of the E-Lander Mag feels significantly more robust. It has certainly outperformed some of the cheaper aftermarket 6.8 SPC magazines I’ve tried in the past, offering consistent reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

The E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine is specifically designed for AR-15 platform rifles chambered in 6.8mm Remington SPC. It features a 17-round capacity, offering a slightly higher capacity than some older 6.8 SPC magazines. The magazine body is constructed from heavy-gauge steel, exceeding MIL-SPEC requirements for added durability.

The magazine has a black finish for corrosion resistance and reduced visibility. An enhanced follower with Teflon coating is included to ensure smooth and reliable feeding. The magazine is also designed with an improved floorplate to resist damage from drops and impacts. These specifications are critical because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall performance, especially when using the 6.8 SPC cartridge, which can be more sensitive to magazine design than 5.56mm.

Performance & Functionality

The E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine performs its primary function exceptionally well: reliably feeding 6.8 SPC ammunition into an AR-15 rifle. Accuracy isn’t directly affected by the magazine, but reliable feeding certainly contributes to consistent shot placement. The magazine’s smooth feeding and consistent bolt lock-back after the last round inspire confidence.

Its strengths lie in its rugged construction and reliable feeding. The only weakness I’ve observed is that the magazine can be slightly more difficult to seat fully when fully loaded compared to standard 5.56 magazines. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a high-quality 6.8 SPC magazine.

Design & Ergonomics

The E-Lander Mag has a functional and robust design. The steel construction gives it a solid feel in hand, and the black finish is evenly applied. The weight is slightly heavier than aluminum magazines but not excessively so. The magazine’s dimensions are similar to standard AR-15 magazines, so it fits comfortably in standard magazine pouches.

There is no real learning curve associated with using this magazine. It functions identically to standard AR-15 magazines, making it easy to integrate into existing shooting routines.

Durability & Maintenance

The E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine is built to last. The steel construction and robust finish should provide years of reliable service. With proper care and maintenance, this magazine should easily outlast many polymer or aluminum options.

Maintenance is straightforward. Disassembly is easy, allowing for thorough cleaning. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the spring and follower will ensure optimal performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The E-Lander Mag comes standard without any additional accessories. There are no specific customization options directly related to the magazine itself. However, the magazine is compatible with any AR-15 lower receiver designed to accept standard AR-15 magazines.

It also works with most standard magazine pouches and carriers. Aftermarket magazine baseplates may be compatible, but this has not been tested.

Pros and Cons of E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine

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Who Should Buy E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine?

The E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical users who rely on the 6.8 SPC cartridge. Anyone who demands reliable and durable magazines for their 6.8 SPC AR-15 will benefit from this product.

Individuals who are highly weight-conscious or exclusively use 5.56mm AR-15s should skip this product. Those who already have a sufficient supply of reliable 6.8 SPC magazines may not need it, unless they are looking for an upgrade in durability. A good quality magazine pouch is a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine

The E-Lander Mags AR-15 6.8SPC 17 Round Rifle Magazine is a well-built, durable, and reliable magazine that delivers consistent performance with 6.8 SPC ammunition. Its steel construction, enhanced follower, and improved floorplate make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their 6.8 SPC AR-15.

At a price of $27.41, the value is justified given the magazine’s durability and reliability. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality 6.8 SPC magazine. If you’re tired of unreliable magazines and want something that will stand up to hard use, give the E-Lander Mag a try. You won’t be disappointed.