First Impressions of HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine
The AR-15 platform is known for its modularity and customization, but sometimes the most impactful upgrades are the simplest. The HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine promises to deliver reliable feeding and robust construction at a price point that’s hard to ignore, making it an intriguing option for both seasoned AR enthusiasts and budget-conscious shooters alike. As someone who’s run countless rounds through ARs in various environments, I was eager to see if this magazine could live up to the hype and offer dependable performance without breaking the bank.
I was looking for a reliable, shorter magazine for bench shooting and prone positions. Standard 30-round magazines can be cumbersome when shooting from a supported position. The HERA Arms magazine seemed like a perfect fit.
Upon receiving the HERA Arms magazine, I was pleasantly surprised by its solid feel and clean design. The polymer body felt sturdy, and the overall construction exuded a sense of quality that belied its budget-friendly price tag. Compared to some other polymer magazines on the market, this one felt more substantial than the flimsy, almost toy-like feel of some cheaper brands.
Compared to my Magpul PMAGs and Lancer L5AWM magazines, the HERA Arms magazine felt different, but not necessarily inferior. It lacks the viewing window of the Lancer, and the texturing isn’t as aggressive as the PMAG, but it had a reassuring heft and a smooth finish. I chose the HERA Arms magazine primarily for its 20-round capacity and the promise of a stabilized feeder, hoping it would improve feeding reliability in my precision AR build. Initial impressions were positive; I was eager to get it to the range and put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine at my local outdoor range, focusing on both rapid-fire drills and slow, deliberate shots from a bench rest. The weather was typical for early spring: cool, slightly damp, and a bit breezy. The magazine performed admirably during the initial testing phase.
I experienced no immediate issues with feeding or seating, even when rapidly firing multiple rounds. The magazine locked into my AR-15 lower receiver with a satisfying click, and rounds chambered smoothly and consistently. There were no failures to feed or eject during the first few magazines I ran.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the HERA Arms magazine continues to perform reliably. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through it, across different types of ammunition, from budget-friendly bulk ammo to match-grade rounds. The magazine still locks into place securely and feeds consistently, with no signs of degradation in performance.
I have noticed some minor wear marks on the polymer body, particularly around the feed lips and the magazine release point. However, these are purely cosmetic and haven’t affected the magazine’s function in any way. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; I simply disassemble it and wipe down the interior with a dry cloth, occasionally using a bit of solvent to remove stubborn carbon buildup. Compared to some metal magazines I’ve used in the past, the polymer body of the HERA Arms magazine is less prone to corrosion and easier to maintain. It has outperformed some of my cheaper metal magazines that have had feeding issues after similar round counts.
Breaking Down the Features of HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine is designed for use with AR-15 and M4 platform rifles chambered in 5.56mm NATO/.223 Remington. It features a polymer body, a 20-round capacity, and a stabilized feeder. The Manufacturer is HERA Arms.
The polymer construction offers a good balance of durability and weight savings, while the 20-round capacity strikes a nice compromise between maneuverability and firepower. The stabilized feeder aims to ensure consistent and reliable feeding, which is crucial for both recreational shooting and more serious applications.
Performance & Functionality
The HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine performs its primary function – feeding ammunition into the AR-15 – quite well. It consistently delivers rounds into the chamber without any noticeable hiccups or malfunctions. The magazine is easy to load by hand, and the rounds stack neatly inside the body.
One of the strengths of this magazine is its compatibility with a wide range of AR-15 rifles and lower receivers. I tested it with several different builds, and it locked into place and functioned flawlessly with all of them. One area that could use improvement is the texturing on the magazine body. While the smooth finish is aesthetically pleasing, it can become a bit slippery when your hands are wet or sweaty.
Design & Ergonomics
The HERA Arms magazine sports a clean and functional design. The polymer body is well-molded and feels comfortable in hand. The 20-round capacity makes it shorter and more compact than a standard 30-round magazine, which can be advantageous in certain shooting positions.
There is virtually no learning curve when using this magazine. It operates just like any other AR-15 magazine, and anyone familiar with the platform will be able to use it without any issues. The magazine release is easily accessible, and the magazine drops free from the rifle without any binding or resistance.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the HERA Arms magazine appears to be quite durable. The polymer body is resistant to impacts and scratches, and the magazine shows no signs of cracking or deformation after several weeks of use. The manufacturer claims the polymer is impact-modified, which should add to its durability.
Maintaining the HERA Arms magazine is a simple and straightforward process. The magazine can be easily disassembled for cleaning, and the internal components are readily accessible. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to prolong the life of the magazine and ensure reliable performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine does not come with any included accessories. However, it is compatible with standard AR-15 magazine pouches and loading tools. There are no specific customization options available for this magazine, beyond aftermarket baseplates or magazine couplers.
Given the magazine’s compatibility with the AR-15 platform, it will work seamlessly with a wide range of accessories from other brands. This includes magazine loaders, magazine pouches, and even aftermarket followers or springs, should you choose to upgrade them.
Pros and Cons of HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Affordable Price: The magazine offers excellent value for money.
- Reliable Feeding: It consistently feeds rounds without malfunctions.
- Durable Polymer Construction: The impact-modified polymer body is built to last.
- Compatibility: Works with a wide range of AR-15 rifles and lowers.
- Compact Size: The 20-round capacity makes it more maneuverable than standard 30-round magazines.
Cons
- Slick Texture: The smooth texture can be slippery when wet.
- Limited Customization: There are few aftermarket customization options available.
Who Should Buy HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine?
The HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious shooters looking for a reliable and affordable magazine.
- Those seeking a more compact and maneuverable magazine for bench shooting or prone positions.
- AR-15 enthusiasts who want a durable and dependable magazine for general range use.
This product is not ideal for:
- Individuals who prioritize a magazine with a high-grip texture.
- Those who require a magazine with a viewing window to easily monitor remaining round count.
A must-have accessory is a good quality magazine loader to expedite the loading process at the range.
Conclusion on HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine
Overall, the HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine is a solid performer that delivers excellent value for the price. It offers reliable feeding, durable construction, and compatibility with a wide range of AR-15 rifles. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of more expensive magazines, it gets the job done without breaking the bank.
The price of $7.28 is definitely justified considering the functionality and dependability of this magazine. The HERA Arms magazine proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a reliable magazine for your AR-15.
I would definitely recommend the HERA Arms H2 AR-15/M4 5.56/.223 20 Rounds Rifle Magazine to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable AR-15 magazine. If you’re seeking a dependable magazine without the premium price tag, give the HERA Arms a try – you might be surprised at how well it performs. It’s a great addition to any AR-15 owner’s collection.