Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish Review

Let’s Dive into Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish

The Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish magazine is a standard capacity option for those in capacity-restricted states, or for anyone looking for a flush-fitting magazine. Manufactured by Kel-Tec, this magazine offers reliability and affordability in a market saturated with expensive alternatives. This review will delve into its performance, durability, and overall value for money.

I moved to a state that, regrettably, limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds. So I found myself in need of reliable magazines that complied with local laws, without sacrificing quality or breaking the bank. I was particularly looking for something that wouldn’t stick out too far from the magwell, for better concealment and easier handling.

Upon unboxing, the Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish presented a simple, functional design. The blued finish gives it a classic, understated look. The steel construction feels solid in hand, suggesting decent durability.

Compared to Magpul’s 10-round PMAG or Lancer’s L5AWM 10-round magazines, the Kel-Tec option felt more utilitarian. While Magpul offers polymer durability and Lancer provides a hybrid polymer/steel design, the Kel-Tec magazine opts for a straightforward steel construction. Ultimately, price and flush-fitting design swayed my decision towards the Kel-Tec.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t flashy, but it felt like a reliable, no-nonsense magazine that would get the job done. The blued finish was evenly applied, and there were no obvious defects in the construction.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test involved a trip to the local shooting range. I loaded the Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish magazine with 5.56 NATO ammunition and ran it through my AR-15. The magazine seated positively, and the rounds fed smoothly into the chamber.

I tested it in relatively dry conditions, with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It performed without a hitch, even during rapid-fire drills. It seated well in my AR-15 and dropped free without issue when the magazine release was pressed.

The only minor issue was the slightly stiffer spring compared to my higher-capacity magazines. This made loading the last few rounds a little more challenging.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish continued to perform admirably. I’ve run approximately 500 rounds through it. No malfunctions have occurred to date.

The blued finish has shown minimal signs of wear. Some slight scratches have appeared on the sides from inserting and removing the magazine, but overall, it’s holding up well. Regular cleaning and lubrication after each range session have helped maintain its condition.

Compared to my experiences with some cheaper, off-brand magazines, the Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish is significantly more reliable. It consistently feeds rounds without issue, and the build quality inspires confidence. It outperforms many polymer magazines in terms of durability and seating reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish

Specifications

The Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish magazine is designed for AR-15 platform rifles chambered in .223 Remington/5.56x45mm NATO. It has a 10-round capacity, making it compliant with capacity restrictions in certain states. The magazine body is constructed from blued steel, providing durability and resistance to corrosion.

The magazine is designed to fit AR-15 platforms, ensuring broad compatibility. The blued steel construction ensures the magazine can withstand impacts and resist deformation under pressure. The restricted capacity is legally compliant and provides a flush-fitting option for improved ergonomics.

These specifications contribute to the overall reliability and usability of the magazine. The steel construction provides durability, while the 10-round capacity allows for legal compliance.

Performance & Functionality

The Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish magazine performs its primary function of reliably feeding rounds into the chamber of an AR-15. Its metal construction is robust and well designed.

It consistently feeds rounds without any failures to feed or double feeds. The magazine seats securely in the magwell and drops free when the magazine release is pressed. The slightly stiff spring can make loading the last few rounds a bit challenging.

The magazine meets expectations for a standard capacity, steel magazine. It provides reliable feeding and solid construction at a budget price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish is simple and functional. The blued steel construction gives it a classic, understated look.

The magazine feels solid and well-built in hand, without being overly heavy. The flush-fitting design makes it comfortable to carry and handle the rifle. The blued finish is smooth and evenly applied.

There is a slight learning curve associated with loading the last few rounds, due to the stiffer spring.

Durability & Maintenance

The Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish is built to last, thanks to its steel construction. The blued finish provides a degree of corrosion resistance.

Regular cleaning and lubrication after each range session will help extend its lifespan. Disassembly for thorough cleaning is relatively straightforward. Proper maintenance ensures years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish magazine does not come with any included accessories. Given its standard AR-15 magazine design, it is compatible with various aftermarket accessories.

Examples include magazine couplers, enhanced baseplates, and magazine loaders. Its compatibility with other brands ensures seamless integration with existing AR-15 accessories. Adding accessories is generally unnecessary, but those wanting a custom setup can modify and tailor this magazine.

Pros and Cons of Kel-Tec Sub-16 223 Remington/5.56 Nato 10 Round Blue Finish