The Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model Made a Bold First Impression
The Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued promises to be a reliable and affordable alternative to factory Ruger magazines. The Mec-Gar name carries weight, known for supplying magazines to numerous firearm manufacturers as an OEM supplier. I needed additional magazines for my Ruger Mark II Government Target model, a pistol that has been a consistent performer over the years, but only came with one original magazine.
My initial reaction upon receiving the magazines was cautiously optimistic. The blued finish appeared well-executed, and the magazines felt solid in hand. Compared to the online descriptions of other aftermarket magazines, the Mec-Gar seemed to offer a better balance between price and perceived quality. I was eager to see if they lived up to the brand’s reputation, hoping they would provide the same flawless performance as the original Ruger magazine.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was my usual outdoor range, a familiar setting where I could concentrate on the magazine’s performance without distractions. The weather was mild and dry, offering ideal conditions. Loading the Mec-Gar magazines for the first time revealed a noticeable difference compared to the factory Ruger mag. The follower felt stiffer, requiring more effort to depress while loading rounds.
Unfortunately, the range performance mirrored this initial observation. I immediately encountered failures to feed, with rounds occasionally jamming or failing to chamber properly. These issues were a stark contrast to the flawless cycling I had consistently experienced with the original Ruger magazine, even after hundreds of rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I continued to test the Mec-Gar magazines, hoping they would “break-in” and become more reliable. I subjected them to various .22 LR ammunition types, from standard velocity to high velocity, and meticulously cleaned and lubricated them after each use. Despite my efforts, the feeding issues persisted, albeit with some minor improvements after repeated use. The blued finish held up well, showing no signs of significant wear, but the internal functioning remained a point of concern.
Compared to my experience with other aftermarket magazines, which generally either work flawlessly or fail immediately, the Mec-Gar magazines presented a mixed bag. While they didn’t completely fail, their inconsistent performance was disappointing, especially considering Mec-Gar‘s reputation. The factory Ruger magazine continues to outperform the Mec-Gar in terms of reliability and smooth operation.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Specifications
The Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine is designed as a replacement magazine for the Ruger Mark II pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Its specifications include:
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
- Capacity: 10 Rounds
- Finish: Blued
- Model: MGMKII10
- Origin: Aftermarket
These specifications are crucial for ensuring proper fit and function within the Ruger Mark II pistol. The 10-round capacity is standard for this type of magazine, and the blued finish provides a degree of corrosion resistance. The aftermarket origin indicates that it’s manufactured by a company other than Ruger.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed .22 LR rounds into the chamber of a Ruger Mark II pistol. While it generally holds and presents the rounds correctly, its performance falls short in consistent feeding. The stiffness of the follower and the occasional hang-up of rounds contribute to its unreliability. It doesn’t consistently meet expectations based on Mec-Gar‘s brand reputation.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its solid construction and affordable price point. Weaknesses include feeding issues, follower stiffness, and a noticeable difference in smoothness compared to the factory magazine. Improvements could be made to the follower design and internal polishing to enhance reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mec-Gar magazine is designed to closely resemble the factory Ruger Mark II magazine. The blued steel construction feels robust, but the internal components lack the refinement of the original. There is a slight learning curve associated with loading due to the stiffer follower.
Durability & Maintenance
The all-steel construction suggests good long-term durability. The blued finish should provide adequate corrosion resistance under normal use. Disassembly for cleaning and maintenance is relatively straightforward, requiring minimal tools.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. As a magazine, it’s a standalone component. There are no customization options available for the magazine itself. It is designed to be compatible with any Ruger Mark II pistol that accepts standard 10-round .22 LR magazines.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Pros
- Affordable alternative to factory Ruger magazines.
- Durable blued steel construction.
- Compatible with Ruger Mark II pistols.
- Relatively easy to disassemble and clean.
- Potentially smoother operation after a break-in period.
Cons
- Feeding issues and inconsistent reliability.
- Stiffer follower compared to factory magazines.
- Not as smooth in operation as original Ruger magazines.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model?
The Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine might be suitable for:
- Ruger Mark II owners looking for inexpensive magazines for plinking or casual range use, provided they are willing to accept potential reliability issues.
- Individuals who enjoy tinkering with and modifying their firearms accessories. The magazine may be a good starting point for those willing to smooth out the follower and fine-tune the feed lips.
Who should skip this product?
- Ruger Mark II owners prioritizing absolute reliability, especially for competition or serious target shooting.
- Those unwilling to spend time troubleshooting or modifying aftermarket magazines.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Gun cleaning kit for regular maintenance.
- Fine-grit sandpaper and polishing compound for potentially smoothing out the follower and feed lips.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine 10RD .22 LR Blued – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The Mec-Gar MGMKII10 Ruger Mark II Magazine presents a mixed bag of value and performance. While its affordable price and solid construction are appealing, its inconsistent feeding and stiffer operation are significant drawbacks. The price may be justified if you’re on a tight budget and willing to potentially put in some effort to improve its performance. I would recommend it with reservations, advising potential buyers to carefully consider the trade-offs between price and reliability.
Consider your needs carefully before purchasing. If flawless performance is paramount, investing in factory Ruger magazines might be a better option.