The Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin isn’t just another magazine; it’s a testament to reliable feeding in a classic firearm platform. This aftermarket magazine from Mec-Gar promises to bring modern manufacturing precision to the timeless S&W 5900 series and its variants, offering a 15-round capacity in a durable, blued steel construction. It’s a critical component for anyone relying on these pistols for sport, defense, or collection.
My journey to finding this particular magazine started with a frustrating range day. My vintage S&W 5906, a prized piece of my collection, suffered from persistent feeding issues with its original, worn-out magazines. I needed a reliable replacement that wouldn’t break the bank or sacrifice performance.
Upon unboxing the Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel. The blued steel finish looked clean and professional, and the magazine had a reassuring weight, hinting at robust construction. The seams were clean and the spring tension felt consistent.
Compared to ProMag’s offerings or some of the generic, unmarked magazines out there, the Mec-Gar stood out due to its reputation for quality and compatibility. I chose it primarily because of Mec-Gar’s established track record as an OEM supplier for many reputable firearm manufacturers. I’d rather spend a little more on a magazine known for its reliability than risk malfunctions with a cheaper, unproven option.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While aftermarket magazines can be hit-or-miss, the Mec-Gar’s build quality and the positive reviews I’d read instilled confidence. I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype and restore my S&W 5906 to its former glory.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin** to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran a variety of 9mm ammunition through the Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin, including standard FMJ rounds, hollow points, and some +P defensive loads.
The Mec-Gar performed flawlessly, exhibiting smooth feeding and consistent lock-back after the last round. The magazine inserted easily, locked securely into place, and ejected cleanly when released. There were no failures to feed, no double feeds, and no stovepipes.
The magazine functioned reliably in moderately dusty conditions. There were no issues, even after several rapid-fire drills. The ease of loading was noticeable as well.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin continues to perform admirably. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, with only slight scuffing on the blued finish where it contacts the magazine well.
Maintenance is straightforward; I typically disassemble and clean the magazine after each range session. The process is simple, involving removing the baseplate, spring, and follower. Reassembly is just as easy.
Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket magazines, the Mec-Gar has significantly outperformed them. I’ve had other magazines fail to feed or develop spring issues after only a few hundred rounds, but the Mec-Gar has proven to be remarkably robust and reliable. It has restored my confidence in my S&W 5906.
Breaking Down the Features of **Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin**
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm. This is the standard caliber for the S&W 5900 series and ensures compatibility.
- Capacity: 15 Rounds. Offering a significant increase in firepower compared to some older, lower-capacity magazines.
- Finish: Blued Steel. Providing a durable and corrosion-resistant coating.
- Material: Steel. Ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to deformation.
- Origin: Aftermarket. Designed to meet or exceed the specifications of original factory magazines.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the functionality and longevity of the magazine. A steel construction ensures durability, while the blued finish adds a layer of protection against rust and wear. The 15-round capacity offers a good balance between firepower and manageability.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin excels in its primary function: reliably feeding 9mm rounds into the chamber. It consistently locks back after the last round, a crucial feature for quick reloads and confirming an empty chamber.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its robust construction and consistent spring tension. There are no noticeable weaknesses in terms of functionality. However, the blued finish can be susceptible to scratching over time with repeated use.
The Mec-Gar magazine meets and exceeds my expectations. It delivers the reliability and performance I needed to restore my S&W 5906 to full functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin features a simple, functional design. Its steel construction provides a solid and durable feel in the hand. The blued finish provides adequate grip.
The magazine is exceptionally user-friendly. Its design mirrors the original S&W magazines, so there’s virtually no learning curve for those familiar with the platform. Loading is straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction and Mec-Gar’s reputation, the Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin should last for many years with proper care.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. Disassembly and reassembly are simple tasks that can be performed with basic tools.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin does not come with any accessories. However, it’s compatible with aftermarket magazine basepads designed for the S&W 5900 series, which can aid in faster reloads.
The Mec-Gar magazine is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the original S&W magazines. This is a significant benefit, eliminating the need for any modifications or gunsmithing.
Pros and Cons of **Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin**
Pros
- Reliable feeding and consistent lock-back. This is the most important factor for any magazine.
- Durable steel construction. Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to damage.
- Easy to load and maintain. Streamlines the user experience.
- Drop-in replacement for S&W 5900 series pistols. No modifications needed.
- Affordable price point. Great value for the quality and reliability.
Cons
- Blued finish can scratch with use. A minor cosmetic issue.
- No included accessories. Users may need to purchase basepads separately.
Who Should Buy **Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin**?
The Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for owners of S&W 5900, 915, 910, and 659 series pistols who need reliable replacement magazines. This includes recreational shooters, competitive shooters, and individuals who use these pistols for home defense.
Individuals seeking higher capacity magazines, or those unwilling to perform even basic maintenance, might want to explore other options. Someone who prefers a finish more resistant to scratches might also wish to explore alternative coatings, if available.
A must-have accessory is a magazine loader, especially for extended range sessions. Also, consider purchasing a magazine basepad to improve grip and facilitate quicker reloads.
Conclusion on **Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin**
The Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin is a top-notch aftermarket magazine that delivers exceptional reliability and performance at an affordable price. Mec-Gar has once again demonstrated its commitment to quality, providing a product that meets and exceeds expectations.
The price of $18.49 is more than justified, considering the peace of mind that comes with knowing your firearm will function reliably. I’d personally recommend the Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to anyone needing a dependable magazine for their S&W 5900 series pistol.
If you’re looking to breathe new life into your classic S&W or simply want to ensure reliable feeding, don’t hesitate to invest in the Mec-Gar MGSW5915 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 15RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin. It’s a purchase you won’t regret.
