Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands Review

Let’s Dive into Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands

The Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands are designed to provide a simple, color-coded system for identifying different caliber magazines at a glance. Faxon Firearms aims to offer a convenient solution to a common problem faced by many firearm enthusiasts who own multiple rifles chambered in different calibers. These bands are intended to eliminate the confusion and potential hazards associated with using the wrong magazine for a specific firearm.

I’ve been shooting for over a decade, and I constantly juggle between AR-15s chambered in 5.56/.223 and .300 Blackout, along with an AK platform in 7.62×39. Mixing up magazines is a real concern, so I was hoping these bands would offer a simple, effective solution.

Upon receiving the Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands, my initial impression was mixed. The rubber material felt relatively thin, and I questioned its long-term durability. The colors were bright and easy to distinguish, though I immediately noticed the caliber marking was only present on one side of the band.

Compared to using colored tape or permanent markers, the Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands seemed cleaner and potentially more reusable, so I opted to try them out. Other options I considered included etching caliber markings directly onto the magazines, but I wasn’t ready to commit to something permanent. Another product I thought about was a set of Magpul’s magazine identification accessories, but I liked the streamlined and simplicity of these bands. I was hoping for a practical solution to a common problem but had reservations about the overall quality and design.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands during a range day where I planned to run drills with both my 5.56 AR-15 and my .300 Blackout pistol. I applied the blue bands to my 5.56 magazines and the red bands to my .300 Blackout magazines. This was intended to provide a real-world test of their utility in a dynamic shooting environment.

The bands proved relatively easy to slip onto and off the magazines. However, I noticed that they tended to roll up or slide when inserting or removing magazines from my mag pouches. This became particularly problematic when wearing gloves. In the dusty conditions of the outdoor range, the rubber material quickly attracted dirt and grime.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the initial concerns about durability proved valid. The bands began to show signs of wear and tear, particularly around the edges. One band even snapped after only a few uses, which was disappointing. Cleaning the bands was also more challenging than expected, as the textured rubber surface trapped dirt and required significant effort to wipe down.

Compared to simply using colored electrical tape, the Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands didn’t really offer much of an improvement in terms of longevity or ease of use. The fact that the caliber marking was only on one side continued to be a minor annoyance, as I often had to rotate the magazine to confirm the caliber at a glance. These Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands ultimately disappointed due to their lack of durability and practicality during testing and continued use.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands

Specifications

The Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands are designed to provide quick caliber identification for magazines. They are manufactured by Faxon Firearms and constructed from rubber. The bands come in a pack of ten, with colors designated for specific calibers.

The pack includes red bands for .300 Blackout, yellow bands for 7.62×39, and blue bands for 5.56/.223 magazines. The bright, solid colors are intended to make it easy to quickly differentiate between magazines. Each band has the caliber printed on only one side.

Performance & Functionality

The Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands perform adequately in their primary function of providing visual identification of magazine calibers. The colors are easily distinguishable under normal lighting conditions, making it easier to grab the correct magazine. However, the single-sided caliber marking and tendency of the bands to slide or roll diminishes their overall effectiveness in a fast-paced shooting environment.

The primary weakness lies in their durability and ease of use. The thin rubber material is prone to tearing, and the bands can be difficult to manipulate, especially with gloves. While they meet the basic expectation of identifying calibers, they fall short in terms of long-term reliability and user-friendliness.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands is straightforward. The rubber material is lightweight, and the bands fit snugly around standard AR-15 and AK-47 magazines. However, the build quality feels somewhat cheap, and the thin rubber doesn’t inspire confidence in its longevity.

There is no significant learning curve associated with using these bands. They are easy to install and remove, but the rolling and sliding issue detracts from the overall ergonomic experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands is a major concern. The thin rubber material is susceptible to tearing and cracking, especially with repeated use and exposure to the elements. The bands require frequent cleaning to remove dirt and grime, but the textured surface makes this a somewhat tedious process.

These bands are not designed to be easily repaired. Once they tear or break, they are essentially disposable. Based on my experience, I would not expect these bands to last more than a few months under regular use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands do not come with any additional accessories or customization options. They are intended to be used as-is, without any modifications. They are generally compatible with most standard AR-15 and AK-47 magazines.

There are no third-party accessories specifically designed for use with these bands. However, users may choose to combine them with other magazine identification methods, such as colored tape or paint markers.

Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands

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Who Should Buy Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands?

The Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands are perfect for casual shooters or recreational range users who want a basic and inexpensive method to differentiate between magazine calibers. They are also suitable for individuals who prefer a cleaner look compared to using tape or permanent markers.

Individuals who require more durable and reliable magazine identification, such as tactical shooters, law enforcement personnel, or frequent range users, should skip this product. A must-have accessory would be a more durable alternative such as etched markings or paint pens.

Conclusion on Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands

The Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands offer a simple and visually appealing solution for identifying magazine calibers. However, their limited durability and practical shortcomings make it difficult to recommend them wholeheartedly. While the bright colors and easy installation are definite pros, the thin rubber material and single-sided marking detract from their overall value.

At a price of $9.99 for a pack of ten, the cost is relatively low. But the short lifespan of these bands means that users will likely need to replace them frequently, making them a less cost-effective solution in the long run.

I would personally not recommend the Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands to serious shooters or professionals who require reliable gear. The Faxon Firearms Magazine Marker Bands need to be more durable and have the caliber printed on both sides to even be considered as a purchase. For those seeking a more durable and practical solution, exploring alternative magazine identification methods is advisable.