First Impressions of Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine promises enhanced capacity and reliability for a range of popular CZ pistols. As someone who has spent countless hours on the range and in the field, a reliable magazine is paramount. It can be the difference between a smooth shooting session and a frustrating series of malfunctions.
My journey to this magazine began with a desire to maximize the potential of my CZ Shadow 2. While the factory magazines are good, I wanted a higher capacity option for competitive shooting and training scenarios. I was also looking for a magazine that would hold up to the rigors of regular use, without sacrificing reliability.
Upon unboxing the Mec-Gar magazine, the first thing I noticed was the solid construction. The blued finish looked clean and professional, and the magazine felt substantial in hand. The high-impact polymer follower inspired confidence, as did the polymer floor plate designed for drop protection.
Compared to other aftermarket magazines I’ve used, the Mec-Gar stood out due to its reputation for quality and reliability. I had considered other brands offering similar capacities, but Mec-Gar‘s long-standing reputation in the industry swayed my decision. I was hopeful that this magazine would deliver on its promises and enhance my shooting experience.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The magazine felt well-made, and the features seemed promising. However, the true test would be in its performance on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine primarily at my local outdoor shooting range. This allowed me to assess its performance in a controlled environment with varying distances and target types. I ran several drills, including rapid-fire sequences and reload drills, to simulate real-world shooting scenarios.
The magazine performed flawlessly during its initial use. Loading was smooth and effortless, and the magazine seated securely into my CZ Shadow 2. I experienced no feeding issues or malfunctions throughout the first 200 rounds.
The ease of use was immediately apparent. I didn’t need any adjustments or modifications to get the magazine to function correctly. It was a simple drop-in replacement for the factory magazines, which saved time and frustration.
There were no surprises after the first use, which is always a good sign. The magazine lived up to its initial promise of reliability and ease of use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine has proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve put several thousand rounds through it, and it continues to perform without issue. There have been zero malfunctions attributed to the magazine.
The magazine has held up well to wear and tear. The blued finish shows some minor scratches, but the magazine body remains structurally sound. The polymer floor plate has also withstood numerous drops on concrete and hard surfaces, without any signs of cracking or breakage.
Maintenance is straightforward. After each range session, I disassemble the magazine and clean it with a brush and solvent. The internal components are easily accessible, making the cleaning process quick and efficient.
Compared to some cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, the Mec-Gar significantly outperforms them in terms of reliability and durability. The investment in a higher-quality magazine has definitely paid off.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Mec-Gar, an Italian company renowned for producing high-quality magazines for various firearms.
- Gun Make: CZ, specifically designed for CZ 75B, 85B, SP-01, Shadow, and Shadow 2 models.
- Caliber: 9mm Luger, the most common pistol cartridge.
- Magazine Capacity: 19 Rounds, providing a significant increase over standard capacity magazines.
- Color: Blued, a traditional finish that offers corrosion resistance and a classic look.
- Finish: Anti-Friction, which facilitates smooth feeding and reduces malfunctions.
- Fabric/Material: Polymer, used for the follower and floor plate to enhance durability and reduce weight.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The 19-round capacity is ideal for competitive shooting, training, and self-defense scenarios where increased firepower is beneficial. The Anti-Friction coating ensures smooth and reliable feeding, preventing jams and malfunctions. The polymer construction of the follower and floor plate adds to the magazine’s durability and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine performs exceptionally well. It reliably feeds ammunition into my CZ Shadow 2, ensuring smooth and consistent cycling. I’ve experienced no issues with double feeds, stovepipes, or other common magazine-related malfunctions.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its reliability, ease of use, and enhanced capacity. Its one potential area for improvement could be a slightly more aggressive texture on the floor plate for improved grip during reloads, although this is a minor quibble. The magazine exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine boasts a robust and well-thought-out design. The blued steel construction feels solid and durable, inspiring confidence in its long-term performance. The polymer follower moves smoothly within the magazine body, ensuring consistent and reliable feeding.
The magazine is incredibly user-friendly. It seats easily into my CZ Shadow 2, and the high-impact polymer follower makes loading a breeze. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine is built to last. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of regular use. With proper care and maintenance, this magazine should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the magazine is simple. Regular cleaning with a brush and solvent is all that’s needed to keep it in good working order. Disassembly is straightforward, allowing for thorough cleaning and inspection.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine does not come with any specific accessories. It is a standalone product designed to function as a direct replacement for factory magazines. Aftermarket magazine pouches and speed loaders designed for 9mm double-stack magazines are readily available.
The Mec-Gar magazine is compatible with a wide range of accessories designed for CZ 75-series pistols. This includes magazine pouches, speed loaders, and other aftermarket components.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Holds 19 rounds of 9mm ammunition, providing a significant advantage in competitive shooting and self-defense situations.
- Exceptional Reliability: Consistently feeds ammunition without malfunctions, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted shooting sessions.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials, including blued steel and a polymer follower, to withstand the rigors of regular use.
- Easy to Use: Loads easily, seats securely, and functions flawlessly in compatible CZ pistols.
- Anti-Friction Coating: Reduces friction for smoother feeding and enhanced reliability.
Cons
- May not be legal in states with magazine capacity restrictions.
- Slightly more expensive than some other aftermarket magazines.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine?
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters who need increased capacity for IPSC, USPSA, or IDPA events. It is also well-suited for self-defense enthusiasts who want to maximize their firepower in a critical situation. Tactical training participants and anyone who wants a reliable, high-capacity magazine for their CZ pistol will also find this product beneficial.
Individuals living in states with magazine capacity restrictions should skip this product. Also, budget-conscious shooters may want to explore cheaper alternatives, although the Mec-Gar‘s superior quality and reliability justify the higher price point.
A quality magazine pouch is a must-have accessory to carry and protect the Mec-Gar magazine. A speed loader can also be helpful for quickly and efficiently loading the magazine at the range.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine is an outstanding product that delivers on its promises of enhanced capacity and exceptional reliability. The Mec-Gar‘s price is justified by its superior performance, durable construction, and smooth operation.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to anyone looking to upgrade their CZ pistol’s capacity and reliability. It’s an investment that will pay off in improved performance, reduced malfunctions, and increased confidence on the range or in a self-defense situation. Upgrade your CZ today with the Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 19 Round 9mm Luger Magazine!