First Impressions of Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity and enhanced reliability for 1911-style pistols chambered in, or converted to, high-capacity platforms. Mec-Gar is a well-respected manufacturer of magazines, often producing OEM magazines for many popular firearms brands. This particular magazine caters to the niche market of Kimber Ten II and Bul M5petition pistol owners looking to maximize their firepower without sacrificing reliability.
I was experiencing frustrating feeding issues with my aging, original Kimber Ten II magazines, a common problem with older, heavily used magazines. I needed a dependable, high-capacity magazine that would feed reliably and stand up to the rigors of regular range use and competition, driving my interest in the Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt robust and well-constructed. The anti-friction coating gave it a smooth, professional appearance, and the overall build quality seemed significantly better than some aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past. The weight felt appropriate, indicating a sturdy steel construction that I was hoping would translate to long-term durability.
Compared to the original Kimber magazines, the Mec-Gar offering felt slightly heavier and more solid. I chose the Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine over cheaper, generic options because of Mec-Gar’s reputation for quality and its specific compatibility with the Kimber Ten II and Bul M5petition platforms.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The magazine looked and felt good, and I was eager to see if it would live up to its promises of increased capacity and reliable feeding.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine at my local indoor shooting range. The controlled environment allowed me to focus on its performance with different types of ammunition. I ran about 200 rounds of various bullet weights and profiles through the magazine, including FMJ, hollow points, and flat nose projectiles.
The magazine performed admirably, feeding smoothly and consistently in dry conditions. Loading the magazine to its full 18-round capacity was relatively easy, thanks to the anti-friction coating. I experienced no failures to feed or eject during my first range session, which was a significant improvement over the performance of my original, worn-out magazines.
There were no significant issues after the first use, only the confidence of a quality product was being used.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be incredibly reliable. It has become my go-to magazine for both practice and competition. I’ve put roughly 1000 rounds through it at this point.
The magazine has shown no signs of significant wear and tear despite frequent use and cleaning. The anti-friction coating has held up well, and the spring tension remains strong and consistent. I’ve found that keeping the magazine clean and lightly lubricated after each range session is all that’s needed to maintain its performance.
Compared to my previous experiences with unreliable magazines, the Mec-Gar offering has been a game-changer. It has significantly improved my confidence in the reliability of my Kimber Ten II pistol.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Kimber Ten II and Bul M5petition series of 1911-style pistols. Its key specification is its 18-round capacity, a substantial increase over the standard 10-round capacity of many 1911 magazines. The magazine body is constructed of steel, offering excellent durability and resistance to deformation.
The anti-friction coating provides smooth feeding and corrosion resistance, while the high-quality spring ensures consistent and reliable ammunition delivery. The black finish gives the magazine a sleek and professional look. These specifications are critical for ensuring reliable feeding and long-term durability, especially in high-stress shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It provides a significant increase in ammunition capacity without compromising reliability. It’s easy to load, feeds smoothly, and locks the slide back consistently after the last round.
One of its strengths is its reliable feeding with various types of ammunition. The only improvement I could suggest is the addition of witness holes to easily verify the remaining round count. The magazine far exceeds my expectations and has become an essential part of my shooting setup.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine has a straightforward, functional design. The steel construction gives it a solid, confidence-inspiring feel. There is no user learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine is built to last. The combination of steel construction and anti-friction coating ensures excellent durability and corrosion resistance. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is simple and requires no specialized tools.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. However, magazine pouches designed for double-stack 1911 magazines are essential for carrying extra magazines. While there are no direct customization options for the magazine itself, its performance can be enhanced by using high-quality ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Provides a significant increase in firepower with its 18-round capacity.
- Reliable Feeding: Feeds smoothly and consistently with various types of ammunition.
- Durable Construction: Built with steel and an anti-friction coating for long-lasting performance.
- Easy to Load: The anti-friction coating makes loading the magazine relatively easy, even to full capacity.
- Enhanced Reliability: Addresses the common issue of feeding problems in older Kimber Ten II and Bul M5petition pistols.
Cons
- Slightly heavier than standard capacity magazines.
- Lacks witness holes for quick round count verification.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters, firearm enthusiats, and anyone who wants to maximize the capacity and reliability of their Kimber Ten II or Bul M5petition pistol. It’s also an excellent upgrade for individuals who rely on these pistols for self-defense and appreciate the increased firepower.
Individuals who prioritize a lightweight setup or prefer magazines with visual round count indicators might want to explore other options. If you’re looking for a durable, high-capacity magazine that will enhance the performance of your Kimber Ten II or Bul M5petition pistol, the Mec-Gar offering is a must-have.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone seeking to enhance the capacity and reliability of their Kimber Ten II or Bul M5petition pistol. The price of $47.99 is justified by the magazine’s durable construction, reliable feeding, and increased capacity. I would personally recommend it to anyone who owns these pistol models.
If you’re tired of dealing with unreliable magazines and want to maximize your firepower, the Mec-Gar Kimber Ten II & Bul M5petition 18 Round Pistol Magazine is an excellent investment. Upgrade your shooting experience and order yours today!