First Impressions of European American Armory (EAA) Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The European American Armory (EAA) Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a high-capacity magazine designed specifically for the Girsan MC28SA and MC9 pistols. Manufactured by EAA, this magazine promises reliable feeding and smooth operation, crucial for both range practice and self-defense scenarios. What immediately catches the eye is its 17-round capacity, offering a significant advantage over standard lower-capacity magazines.
I found myself looking at this magazine as a solution to a problem all too common: the need for more rounds at the range without constant reloading. As a seasoned shooter, I’ve experienced firsthand the frustration of spending more time reloading than actually shooting. I wanted something that extended range sessions without compromising reliability.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The stainless steel body inspired confidence, suggesting durability and resistance to corrosion. Its weight was noticeable, but not excessive, hinting at the quality of materials used.
Compared to some aftermarket Glock magazines I’ve used, or even factory Sig Sauer magazines, this one felt more robust than some, but maybe not as refined. I picked this over some cheaper alternatives due to EAA’s reputation for providing reliable, if not always aesthetically perfect, accessories for their firearms. I also avoided some higher-priced options based on the simple calculus of cost versus anticipated performance gain.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t the flashiest magazine I’d ever seen, but it looked like it could take a beating and deliver consistent performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting European American Armory (EAA) Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the EAA Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran several drills involving rapid fire and tactical reloads, simulating self-defense scenarios. The weather was typical for the Pacific Northwest: damp and slightly cool.
The magazine performed flawlessly through the first few loading cycles. It seated positively in my Girsan MC28SA, and the rounds fed smoothly without any hiccups. There were no failures to feed or eject, even when firing rapidly.
I did notice that the magazine spring felt a bit stiff when loading the last few rounds, but this is fairly common with new, high-capacity magazines. Otherwise, the first outing was a success, instilling confidence in its functionality.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the EAA Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it, using various types of 9mm ammunition, from cheap FMJ to premium self-defense rounds. The magazine continues to function without any issues.
The magazine has held up well to wear and tear, showing only minor cosmetic scratches. The stainless steel construction appears to be resistant to rust and corrosion, even after being exposed to moisture. Cleaning is straightforward: a quick wipe down with a cloth and some solvent keeps it in good working order.
Compared to some of the cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, this one significantly outperforms them in terms of reliability and durability. It matches, or even slightly exceeds, the performance of the factory magazine that came with my Girsan MC28SA.
Breaking Down the Features of European American Armory (EAA) Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm Luger – This ensures compatibility with the most common and widely available pistol cartridge.
- This makes finding ammunition easy and cost-effective.
Magazine Capacity: 17 Rounds – A high capacity allows for extended shooting sessions and provides a significant advantage in self-defense situations.
- This capacity is ideal for minimizing reloads during training or competition.
Color: Black – A standard color that blends well with most pistol finishes.
- The black finish doesn’t reflect light, offering a tactical advantage.
Fabric/Material: Stainless Steel – Provides excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and long-term reliability.
- Stainless steel ensures the magazine can withstand harsh conditions and frequent use.
Performance & Functionality
The EAA Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine performs its primary function—feeding ammunition—exceptionally well. Its reliability is its strongest asset, with consistent feeding and ejection. The stiff magazine spring can make loading the last few rounds challenging, but this typically improves with use.
The magazine meets, and even slightly exceeds, my expectations for a high-capacity pistol magazine. It provides the reliability and performance I need for both range training and potential self-defense situations.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s stainless steel construction inspires confidence in its build quality. It feels solid in hand, and the black finish gives it a professional look. Its weight is appropriate for its size and capacity, contributing to a balanced feel when inserted into the pistol.
The design is straightforward and functional, with no unnecessary frills. While there’s no significant learning curve, the stiff spring may require some initial effort to load fully.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its stainless steel construction, I expect the EAA Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine to last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and inspection will help ensure its continued reliability.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only basic tools and solvents. The stainless steel material resists corrosion, making it easy to keep clean and in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine doesn’t come with any accessories, as it’s a standalone product. There aren’t any inherent customization options for magazines like this one, beyond perhaps aftermarket base plates.
While it’s designed specifically for the Girsan MC28SA and MC9 pistols, compatibility with aftermarket accessories such as magazine pouches is excellent due to its standard dimensions.
Pros and Cons of European American Armory (EAA) Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High Capacity (17 rounds): Allows for extended shooting sessions with fewer reloads, improving efficiency and enjoyment at the range or providing increased capacity for self-defense.
- Reliable Feeding: Ensures consistent and smooth cycling of ammunition, minimizing malfunctions and enhancing overall shooting experience.
- Durable Stainless Steel Construction: Offers excellent resistance to corrosion and wear, ensuring long-term reliability and performance, even in harsh conditions.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple design and corrosion-resistant materials make cleaning and maintenance straightforward, prolonging the magazine’s lifespan.
- Affordable Price: Provides a good balance of quality and value, making it an accessible upgrade for Girsan MC28SA/MC9 owners.
Cons
- Stiff Spring: Can make loading the last few rounds challenging, especially when new, although this tends to improve with use.
- Basic Design: Lacks any advanced features or ergonomic enhancements, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics or comfort.
Who Should Buy European American Armory (EAA) Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine?
The European American Armory (EAA) Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for Girsan MC28SA and MC9 owners who want to increase their firearm’s capacity without sacrificing reliability. It’s an excellent choice for range shooters, competitive shooters, and those who carry their firearm for self-defense. It’s especially good for people who want more range time without constant reloads.
Those looking for enhanced ergonomics, advanced features, or a more aesthetically pleasing design may want to consider other options. However, those magazines will likely cost considerably more.
A good magazine pouch is a must-have accessory to carry spare magazines comfortably and securely. A magazine loader can also be helpful, particularly when loading the final rounds.
Conclusion on European American Armory (EAA) Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Overall, the European American Armory (EAA) Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a reliable, durable, and affordable upgrade for Girsan MC28SA and MC9 pistol owners. Its high capacity and robust stainless steel construction make it a worthwhile investment for both range training and self-defense purposes.
At $45.99, the price is justified given its performance and build quality. It offers a good balance between cost and value, making it an accessible upgrade for most shooters.
I would definitely recommend the EAA Girsan MC28SA/MC9 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine to anyone looking to increase their Girsan’s capacity without sacrificing reliability. It’s a solid, no-frills magazine that gets the job done. Grab one, hit the range, and spend less time reloading and more time shooting!