First Impressions of Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The Beretta 96FS, chambered in the potent .40 S&W, is a workhorse pistol, favored by law enforcement and civilian shooters alike. But like any firearm, its performance is only as good as its magazines. That’s where Mec-Gar comes in, a name synonymous with quality magazines, often exceeding the original manufacturer’s standards. Their Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine promises enhanced reliability and capacity for your trusty Beretta.
For years, I’ve relied on my Beretta 96FS for both recreational shooting and home defense. However, I noticed a frustrating trend: factory magazines were becoming increasingly unreliable, leading to feeding issues and frustrating range sessions. This pushed me on a quest for higher quality replacements.
When the Mec-Gar magazine arrived, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction. The blued steel felt thicker and more substantial than the factory magazines, instilling confidence in its durability. Its smooth finish promised reliable feeding.
I’ve previously used factory Beretta mags and ProMag magazines for my 96FS. While the factory mags should be reliable, my experience hasn’t always matched that expectation. The ProMags, while cheaper, suffered from frequent failures to feed.
My initial impression of the Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine was one of cautious optimism. It appeared to be a significant upgrade over my existing magazines. I was eager to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to its reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine was conducted at my local outdoor range. I ran a mix of 180-grain FMJ and 165-grain JHP ammunition through it. The goal was to simulate both target practice and defensive scenarios.
The magazine performed flawlessly, feeding every round smoothly and consistently. I experienced no failures to feed, eject, or lock back on an empty magazine, even with rapid firing. This was a significant improvement over my previous experience with the factory magazines.
The magazine was easy to load and seated positively in the magazine well of my Beretta 96FS. There were no unusual noises or excessive force required. The high-impact polymer floor plate also provided a secure and comfortable grip when seating the magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine continues to impress. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it in various conditions, from sunny days to slightly drizzly afternoons. The reliability has remained consistently high.
The blued steel construction has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. There’s no evidence of rust or corrosion. The anti-friction finish has also kept the magazine running smoothly, even when slightly dirty.
Maintaining the Mec-Gar magazine is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth and a light application of gun oil after each range session is all that’s needed. The magazine disassembles easily for more thorough cleaning, if necessary.
Compared to my past experiences with factory and aftermarket magazines, the Mec-Gar magazine has far exceeded my expectations. Its reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance make it a worthwhile investment. It simply outperforms the alternatives in terms of consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for the Beretta 96FS pistol chambered in .40 S&W. Its 13-round capacity offers an improvement over the standard 11-round magazines, providing increased firepower.
The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated carbon steel, ensuring strength and resistance to deformation under pressure. A blued anti-friction finish enhances corrosion resistance and promotes smooth feeding.
The magazine features a high-impact polymer follower, designed to minimize friction and ensure reliable feeding. A high tensile music wire spring provides consistent pressure, ensuring reliable round presentation. The high-impact polymer floorplate sits flush with the pistol frame, providing a seamless look and comfortable grip.
These specifications directly translate to enhanced performance and user experience. The increased capacity provides more rounds per magazine. The robust construction and anti-friction finish ensure reliable feeding and durability. The high-quality components contribute to the overall smooth operation and longevity of the magazine.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine performs its primary function of reliably feeding ammunition into the Beretta 96FS flawlessly. It consistently chambers rounds smoothly, ensuring reliable cycling and reducing the risk of malfunctions. The magazine also locks the slide back on empty.
One of the magazine’s strengths is its consistent performance across a wide range of ammunition types. It handles both FMJ and JHP rounds with equal ease. A minor weakness might be the slightly tighter fit when fully loaded compared to worn factory magazines, but this eases with use.
The Mec-Gar magazine meets and exceeds expectations for a high-quality pistol magazine. Its reliability and increased capacity make it a valuable upgrade for any Beretta 96FS owner. It instills confidence.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine features a robust and functional design. The blued steel body provides a solid and durable feel in the hand. The flush-fitting polymer floorplate contributes to a streamlined appearance and avoids snagging.
The magazine is user-friendly and requires no special tools or techniques for loading or unloading. Its design is intuitive and familiar to anyone experienced with pistol magazines. The slight increase in length due to the increased capacity is barely noticeable.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine is built to last, thanks to its high-quality materials and construction. The heat-treated carbon steel body is resistant to bending and deformation. The anti-friction finish protects against corrosion and wear.
Maintaining the Mec-Gar magazine is simple and requires minimal effort. Regular cleaning with a brush and solvent will help to remove any accumulated dirt and debris. A light lubrication with gun oil will keep the magazine functioning smoothly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine itself does not come with any specific accessories. However, due to its compatibility with the Beretta 96FS, it can be used with various accessories designed for the pistol. These may include magazine pouches, loaders, and cleaning tools.
The magazine features a dimpled design that accepts standard Mec-Gar floorplates, springs, and followers. This allows for some degree of customization and replacement of individual components, if desired. It ensures longevity.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 13-round capacity offers a significant advantage over standard 11-round magazines.
- Exceptional Reliability: Feeds ammunition smoothly and consistently, minimizing malfunctions.
- Durable Construction: The heat-treated carbon steel body and anti-friction finish ensure long-lasting performance.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple design allows for easy cleaning and lubrication.
- Enhanced Confidence: Provides peace of mind knowing that your firearm will function reliably when it matters most.
Cons
- Slightly Tighter Fit: May initially require a slightly firmer push to seat when fully loaded.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some aftermarket magazines, but worth the investment for the quality and reliability.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for Beretta 96FS owners who prioritize reliability and increased capacity. It’s ideal for:
- Home Defense: The increased capacity provides a tactical advantage in a defensive situation.
- Competitive Shooters: The reliable feeding and consistent performance can improve scores.
- Law Enforcement: A trustworthy and durable magazine is essential for duty use.
- Anyone seeking a dependable and long-lasting magazine for their Beretta 96FS.
Those who should skip this product might include individuals who only use their Beretta 96FS for occasional recreational shooting and are content with the performance of their existing magazines. Also, if budget is the only concern, cheaper (but less reliable) alternatives exist.
A must-have accessory is a quality magazine pouch to securely carry spare magazines. A magazine loader can also be helpful for quickly loading multiple magazines at the range.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine is a superb upgrade for any Beretta 96FS owner seeking enhanced reliability and increased capacity. Its robust construction, smooth feeding, and easy maintenance make it a top-tier choice.
The price is justified by the significant improvement in performance and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can depend on your magazines. I wholeheartedly recommend the Mec-Gar magazine to anyone looking to upgrade their Beretta 96FS.
If you value reliability and performance, the Mec-Gar Beretta 96FS .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine is an investment you won’t regret. Upgrade your Beretta 96FS today and experience the difference!