First Impressions of Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine promises enhanced capacity and reliability for some of the most popular CZ pistols on the market, especially those chambered in the sometimes finicky .40 S&W caliber. Mec-Gar is a well-respected manufacturer, known for producing OEM magazines for numerous firearms brands, so my expectations are high. This magazine aims to address the common desire for increased capacity in a carry or competition firearm, while maintaining reliable feeding and durability.
For years, I’ve relied on CZ pistols for both personal defense and competitive shooting. One persistent issue I’ve faced, particularly with the .40 S&W models, is magazine capacity and sometimes, feeding reliability. Finding a magazine that offers both a higher round count and consistent performance has been a long-standing quest.
My initial handling of the Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine was positive. The magazine feels solid, with a noticeable heft that suggests quality materials and construction. The anti-friction finish is smooth and promises easy loading and smooth operation.
Compared to the factory 12-round CZ magazines and some aftermarket options from ProMag, the Mec-Gar magazine immediately felt more robust. I chose this magazine because of Mec-Gar’s reputation for reliability and the promise of a higher capacity without sacrificing feeding consistency. The ProMag magazines I tested in the past had feeding issues.
I was definitely excited upon receiving this magazine. A reliable, high-capacity magazine is a significant upgrade for any firearm, and I was eager to see if the Mec-Gar offering lived up to its promise. If it performs as advertised, it could become a staple in my range bag and a key component of my carry setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine at my local shooting range. The range offers a controlled environment where I could focus on magazine performance without external distractions. I ran approximately 200 rounds of various .40 S&W ammunition through the magazine, including FMJ and JHP rounds from Federal, Winchester, and Speer.
The magazine performed flawlessly in dry conditions, with smooth feeding and no noticeable issues. Loading was easy, even with the increased capacity, and the magazine seated securely in my CZ SP-01. No failures to feed or eject were encountered, and the slide locked back consistently after the last round.
The initial use was impressive; however, I did notice that the magazine was initially a little tight when inserting it into the magazine well with a closed slide. After a few insertions and removals, the issue seemed to resolve itself. Overall, the first range trip instilled confidence in the magazine’s potential.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a practical shooting competition, the Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine has proven to be remarkably reliable. It has seen approximately 1000 rounds, and I have experienced zero malfunctions. The magazine has been subjected to various conditions, including rain and dusty environments.
The magazine shows minimal signs of wear and tear, with only slight cosmetic scratches on the finish. Cleaning is straightforward; I typically wipe it down with a cloth and occasionally use a brush to remove any debris from the follower and feed lips. The anti-friction coating makes cleaning very easy.
Compared to my previous experiences with other aftermarket magazines, the Mec-Gar magazine significantly outperforms them in terms of reliability and durability. The factory CZ magazines are generally reliable, but the increased capacity of the Mec-Gar magazine provides a clear advantage. It has quickly become my go-to magazine for training and competition.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine
Specifications
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It is designed for CZ 75B, 85B, SP-01, Shadow, and Shadow 2 pistols chambered in .40 S&W. The magazine has a 14-round capacity, providing a significant increase over the standard 12-round magazines.
The magazine’s body is constructed from high-quality steel, ensuring durability and resistance to deformation. It features an anti-friction coating that facilitates smooth feeding and ejection. The magazine follower is made from polymer.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability and user experience. The steel construction and anti-friction coating enhance the magazine’s lifespan and ensure smooth operation. The increased capacity offers a tactical advantage in self-defense or competitive shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine performs exceptionally well, consistently delivering reliable feeding and ejection. Its increased capacity is a significant advantage, particularly in competition settings. The magazine seats securely in the pistol and releases smoothly.
One minor weakness is that the magazine can be a bit tight when fully loaded, requiring slightly more force to seat it with a closed slide. However, this issue diminishes with use. Overall, the magazine meets and exceeds my expectations for a high-capacity aftermarket magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine features a well-designed and ergonomic construction. The steel body provides a solid and durable feel, while the anti-friction coating enhances handling. The magazine is easy to load and insert into the pistol.
The magazine’s design is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The magazine’s dimensions are similar to the factory magazines, ensuring compatibility with most magazine pouches. The increased capacity does not noticeably affect the pistol’s balance or handling.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine is built to last. The steel construction and anti-friction coating provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple; I typically wipe the magazine down with a cloth and occasionally use a brush to clean the follower and feed lips. The magazine disassembles easily for more thorough cleaning. No specialized tools are required for maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine does not require any specific accessories or modifications for optimal performance. It is compatible with standard CZ magazine pouches and loaders. Aftermarket magazine base pads can be used to enhance grip and facilitate faster reloads.
The magazine is also compatible with aftermarket followers and springs, allowing users to further customize its performance. However, I have found that the stock components provide excellent reliability. The Mec-Gar magazine is designed to work seamlessly with CZ pistols.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine
Pros
- Increased 14-round capacity for enhanced firepower.
- Mec-Gar’s proven reliability and reputation for quality.
- Durable steel construction with anti-friction coating for smooth operation and long life.
- Easy to load and maintain.
- Compatible with a wide range of CZ pistols chambered in .40 S&W.
Cons
- Can be slightly tight when fully loaded, requiring more force to seat with a closed slide (diminishes with use).
- Slightly more expensive than some other aftermarket magazines.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine?
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, and individuals who carry a CZ pistol in .40 S&W for self-defense. It is also well-suited for anyone looking to increase their magazine capacity and improve the reliability of their firearm. Those who want an edge at the range will enjoy it, as well.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who own CZ pistols in other calibers (9mm or .45 ACP) or who are satisfied with the standard magazine capacity. If you’re looking for the cheapest magazine available regardless of quality, this isn’t it.
A must-have accessory for this magazine is a quality magazine pouch that allows for easy access and secure retention. A magazine loader can also be helpful, especially for those who frequently load multiple magazines. Aftermarket base pads are a nice-to-have, but are not essential.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine
The Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine is a high-quality, reliable, and well-designed product that delivers on its promises. Its increased capacity and durable construction make it a valuable upgrade for any CZ pistol owner. The reputation of Mec-Gar as a manufacturer of OEM magazines for many big-name firearm brands really shines through on this product.
The price is justified by the magazine’s performance, durability, and enhanced features. While it may be slightly more expensive than some other aftermarket options, the Mec-Gar magazine offers superior value in the long run. It’s a case of you get what you pay for.
I would highly recommend the Mec-Gar CZ 75B/ 85B/ SP-01/ Shadow/ Shadow 2 .40 S&W 14 Round Magazine to anyone looking to improve the reliability and capacity of their CZ pistol. Upgrade your firepower today!