First Thoughts on the ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model
The AR-15 platform is only as reliable as its magazines, a lesson I’ve learned firsthand after years of hard use and demanding conditions. When I first saw the ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model, its flat dark earth (FDE) finish and translucent polymer body immediately caught my eye. The promise of improved feed lip geometry and a lifetime warranty were compelling, especially at the attractive price point.
For years, I’ve battled magazine-related failures in ARs, everything from feed issues to cracked bodies, mostly with GI-spec aluminum mags. I needed magazines that could withstand the rigors of training and competition without breaking the bank. My usual go-to is Magpul PMAGs, but I was looking for something with a window to easily see the remaining rounds and a different aesthetic.
The ETS Group magazine arrived in a simple, clear plastic package. The FDE color was a nice, consistent tone, and the translucent polymer felt surprisingly robust. Compared to a standard aluminum GI magazine or a first-gen PMAG, the ETS Group magazine felt slightly more substantial in hand. My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism, hoping this would be a reliable option for my AR.
Real-World Testing: Putting ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I brought a half-dozen of these ETS Group magazines to my local outdoor range for initial testing. I ran them through two different AR-15s: a custom-built rifle with a mid-length gas system and a stock Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport II. The magazines loaded easily and locked into both rifles with a positive click.
The first few magazines cycled flawlessly, with no failures to feed or eject. The translucent body made it easy to visually confirm the round count at a glance. However, after about 100 rounds in the mid-length rifle, I experienced two failures to feed with one of the magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range session, I continued to use the ETS Group magazines over the next few months in various training scenarios. This included running drills in dry, dusty conditions and a few rainy range days. The magazines held up well, showing only minor cosmetic wear and tear.
One concern I had was the long-term durability of the polymer feed lips. However, after several hundred rounds through each magazine, there was no noticeable wear or cracking. Cleaning was relatively easy; the floorplate design allows for quick disassembly without tools. Ultimately, these magazines proved to be more reliable than I initially expected, though the initial failures to feed were a slight cause for concern.
Breaking Down the Features of ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model
Specifications
The ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model is designed to hold 30 rounds of .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO ammunition. It is specifically made for AR-15 platform rifles. The magazine body is constructed from advanced translucent polymer, offering both visual round count and impact resistance.
The magazine features a no-tilt follower, designed for reliable feeding, and a larger over-insertion tab to enhance magazine retention. The FDE finish provides a tactical appearance. It is an aftermarket product, meaning it isn’t manufactured by the original firearms manufacturer.
Performance & Functionality
The ETS Group magazine generally performs its primary function well, reliably feeding rounds into the AR-15 platform. The improved feed lip geometry does appear to enhance compatibility across different AR-15 receivers. The no-tilt follower is effective in preventing jams and ensuring consistent feeding.
However, as noted earlier, I did experience a couple of failures to feed early on, which raises minor concerns about absolute reliability. Overall, it mostly meets expectations, but it may not be on par with higher-end magazines in terms of flawless performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the ETS Group magazine is well thought out. The translucent polymer body is a standout feature, allowing for quick visual confirmation of remaining rounds. The ergonomically designed floorplate makes grabbing the magazine from a pouch easier and faster.
The magazine grip ribs provide a positive and secure grip, even with gloved hands. The build quality feels solid, especially considering the price point, although it doesn’t quite match the premium feel of more expensive options.
Durability & Maintenance
The advanced polymer construction of the ETS Group magazine offers good durability. It’s resistant to impacts, chemicals, heat, cold, and UV exposure. The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance thanks to the specially designed floorplate, requiring no tools.
Given the polymer’s properties, it should withstand typical wear and tear for an extended period. However, long-term exposure to extreme conditions could potentially affect the polymer’s integrity, although I haven’t observed any significant degradation in my testing.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model does not come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with standard AR-15 magazine pouches and loading devices. There aren’t any specific customization options directly associated with the magazine itself.
However, its standard AR-15 compatibility means it can be used with various aftermarket baseplates or couplers if desired. There are no proprietary features that limit its compatibility with other AR-15 accessories.
Pros and Cons of ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model
Pros
- Translucent body allows for quick visual round count.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious shooters.
- Durable polymer construction resists impacts and environmental factors.
- Easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.
- Improved feed lip geometry enhances compatibility with different AR-15 receivers.
Cons
- Experienced a few failures to feed during initial testing.
- Polymer feed lips may not be as durable as steel in the long run.
- Aftermarket origin may not inspire the same confidence as OEM magazines for some users.
Who Should Buy ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model?
The ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model is perfect for recreational shooters and those looking to build up a large magazine supply without breaking the bank. It’s a good option for shooters who want the convenience of a translucent magazine to quickly check round count. Those who want magazines for training and plinking will find this magazine acceptable.
If you need absolute, guaranteed reliability for duty or self-defense purposes, you might want to consider higher-end magazines like Magpul PMAGs or Lancer L5AWMs. If you’re very particular about having OEM parts and magazines, this aftermarket option might not be for you. A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine loader to make range days easier.
Conclusion on ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model
The ETS Group Gen 2 30rd 223 Rem/5.56 NATO Fits AR-15 FDE – 223 Remington Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model offers a compelling combination of features and affordability. The translucent body, durable polymer construction, and easy disassembly make it a practical option for many AR-15 owners. While it may not be the absolute top-tier in terms of reliability, its price point makes it an attractive value proposition.
For $9.99, this magazine is definitely worth considering, especially if you’re looking to stock up on magazines for range use or general training. I would personally recommend it as a solid, budget-friendly option, keeping in mind its limitations and potential for occasional malfunctions. If you’re looking for a decent magazine that won’t break the bank, give the ETS Group Gen 2 a try.