First Impressions of Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag, AR-15, 40 Round Rifle Magazine
The Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag, AR-15, 40 Round Rifle Magazine promises to solve a unique challenge for AR-15 enthusiasts venturing into 9mm builds. Standard AR-15 lowers typically need magazine adapters to reliably feed 9mm rounds, often compromising the last round bolt hold-open feature; this magazine eliminates that adapter entirely. This innovative magazine boasts a built-in ejector, high-capacity 40-round magazine, and compatibility with standard AR-15 lowers without any adapters.
My journey to finding the Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag began with a desire to build a dedicated 9mm AR pistol. I wanted something that wouldn’t sacrifice the AR-15’s ergonomic familiarity or the last round bolt hold-open, features often lost with magwell adapters. The promise of seamless integration and enhanced reliability drew me to this particular product.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The polymer felt robust, and the spring tension gave the impression of quality. Comparing it to a standard AR-15 5.56 magazine and a Glock 9mm magazine, the ExoMag looked like a hybrid of both, hinting at its unique function.
I considered using a dedicated 9mm lower receiver or a traditional magwell adapter. However, the dedicated lowers were expensive, and adapters can be finicky. The Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag stood out as a cost-effective and potentially more reliable alternative that preserved the AR-15’s original design and functionality.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The concept was innovative, but I was eager to see if it could deliver on its promises of reliable feeding and last-round hold-open with a standard blowback 9mm AR-15 build. The Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag, AR-15, 40 Round Rifle Magazine represents an intriguing leap in AR-9 compatibility, and I was eager to see how it performed in real-world testing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag, AR-15, 40 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag to my local outdoor shooting range. I paired it with a standard Mil-Spec AR-15 lower receiver and a 9mm blowback upper assembly. The weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal testing conditions.
The magazine seated firmly in the magwell, requiring a bit more force than a standard AR-15 magazine. Feeding was initially smooth, but after the first 10 rounds, I experienced a few failures to feed. I made sure to properly lubricate the magazine and the upper receiver, after which, the feeding became much more reliable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds of mixed 9mm ammunition, the Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag proved to be impressively reliable. I experienced no further malfunctions after the initial lubrication. The polymer body showed no signs of cracking or significant wear.
Cleaning the ExoMag was relatively straightforward. Disassembling the magazine was easy, allowing for thorough cleaning of the interior. Compared to cleaning a standard AR-15 magazine, the process was only slightly more involved due to the ejector mechanism.
In comparison to using Glock magazines with a magwell adapter, the ExoMag offers a cleaner aesthetic and, in my experience, proved to be more reliable with the last round bolt hold-open. Overall, the Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag has exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag, AR-15, 40 Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag, AR-15, 40 Round Rifle Magazine is chambered in 9mm Luger. It has a 40-round capacity. The body is constructed from injection-molded polymer.
The ExoMag is designed for AR-15 platform rifles. It is compatible with Mil-Spec and commercial AR-15 lower receivers. Its defining feature is the built-in ejector, allowing for reliable ejection in blowback 9mm AR-15 builds.
These specifications are crucial for 9mm AR-15 builds because they address the inherent challenges of adapting a standard AR-15 lower to a pistol caliber. The 40-round capacity is beneficial for recreational shooting, competition, and tactical scenarios. The polymer construction provides durability while keeping the weight manageable.
Performance & Functionality
The Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag performs its primary function of reliably feeding 9mm rounds in a blowback AR-15 system exceptionally well, once properly broken in and lubricated. The built-in ejector ensures consistent ejection, avoiding the stovepipes and other malfunctions that can plague 9mm AR-15s built on standard lowers. The last-round bolt hold-open feature works consistently, which is a significant advantage over many magazine adapters.
The main strength of this magazine is its ability to provide reliable 9mm feeding in an AR-15 platform without the need for a dedicated lower or adapter. A potential weakness is the slightly stiffer magazine insertion compared to standard AR-15 magazines. It exceeds expectations by delivering consistent performance and a seamless shooting experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The ExoMag’s design is functional and robust. The polymer construction feels solid and well-made. The magazine is slightly bulkier than a standard AR-15 magazine due to its increased capacity and internal ejector mechanism.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, although inserting a fully loaded magazine requires a firm push. The design is intuitive, and there is no significant learning curve involved in using the magazine. The grip is easy to handle and provides a comfortable feel while loading.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag is constructed from durable polymer, which is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. The high-tensile steel spring is corrosion-resistant and designed for long-term reliability. With proper care and maintenance, the magazine should provide years of reliable service.
Disassembling the magazine for cleaning and maintenance is simple and requires no special tools. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to ensure smooth operation and prolong the lifespan of the magazine. The magazine is designed for simple repairs if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag doesn’t require any specific accessories for basic functionality. Standard AR-15 magazine pouches and carriers are compatible with the magazine, although the slightly increased width may require some adjustment. The magazine itself is not customizable, but it allows for the use of standard AR-15 accessories on a 9mm platform.
The ExoMag is designed to work seamlessly with most standard AR-15 lower receivers and 9mm upper assemblies. This compatibility expands the range of available accessories and customization options for the overall firearm. The magazine itself needs no further modifications to perform its intended function.
Pros and Cons of Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag, AR-15, 40 Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Reliable 9mm Feeding: Solves common feeding issues in 9mm AR-15 builds on standard lowers.
- Last Round Bolt Hold-Open: Consistently functions, a major advantage over many adapters.
- High Capacity: 40-round capacity provides ample firepower.
- Durable Polymer Construction: Withstands regular use and abuse.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple disassembly for cleaning and lubrication.
Cons
- Stiffer magazine insertion: Requires a bit more force than standard AR-15 magazines.
- Higher price point: More expensive than standard AR-15 magazines or some magwell adapters.
Who Should Buy Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag, AR-15, 40 Round Rifle Magazine?
The Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag is perfect for AR-15 enthusiasts looking to build or convert their existing platform to 9mm without sacrificing key features like last-round bolt hold-open and reliable feeding. It’s ideal for recreational shooters, competition shooters, and those who want a high-capacity option for home defense or tactical scenarios. This is a solid choice for anyone who wants a cleaner, more integrated solution than a typical magwell adapter.
Someone who should skip this product might be someone on a tight budget or who already has a dedicated 9mm lower receiver. If you’re perfectly content with using Glock magazines and an adapter, the ExoMag might not be necessary. Additionally, users who only require a low-capacity magazine may find the ExoMag’s size unnecessary.
A must-have accessory would be a good quality gun lubricant for initial break-in and continued smooth operation. A quality magazine pouch capable of accommodating the slightly wider profile of the ExoMag would also be a wise investment.
Conclusion on Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag, AR-15, 40 Round Rifle Magazine
The Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag, AR-15, 40 Round Rifle Magazine is an innovative and well-executed solution for converting a standard AR-15 lower to 9mm. While it may be slightly more expensive than some alternatives, the reliable feeding, last-round bolt hold-open, and high-capacity make it a worthwhile investment. It eliminates the need for finicky magwell adapters.
The price is justified given the improved performance and functionality it offers over other solutions. For anyone serious about building a reliable 9mm AR-15 pistol or carbine on a standard lower, I would highly recommend this magazine. It’s a game-changer!
If you’re tired of dealing with finicky magazine adapters and want a seamless, reliable 9mm AR-15 experience, give the Mean Arms Ejectored ExoMag a try. You won’t be disappointed!