First Thoughts on the Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin promises to be a reliable and high-capacity magazine for a range of classic Smith & Wesson 9mm pistols. Mec-Gar is a well-respected manufacturer known for producing quality magazines, often exceeding the performance of factory originals. My hope is this magazine will breathe new life into older pistols or provide a dependable alternative to increasingly scarce factory magazines.
My need for this magazine stemmed from a recent acquisition. I picked up a well-loved S&W 5906 at a gun show. The original magazines were showing their age, with worn springs and some feeding issues. Finding reliable replacements proved difficult, leading me to search for aftermarket options, and Mec-Gar‘s reputation kept popping up.
Upon receiving the Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin, the first impression was positive. The blued steel finish looked clean and well-applied. The magazine felt solid and weighty in hand.
Compared to some cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve encountered, the Mec-Gar inspires confidence. I considered ProMag and some no-name brands on eBay, but ultimately chose Mec-Gar due to their consistent reputation for quality and reliability. I’ve had good experience with Mec-Gar magazines for other platforms in the past. This made the decision easy.
My initial reaction was definitely excitement. Finding a reliable 17-round magazine for a classic S&W pistol at a reasonable price is a major win. I was eager to test it out and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran approximately 200 rounds of mixed ammunition through it. This included 115gr FMJ, 124gr FMJ, and 147gr JHP rounds.
The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle during the first hour of testing. Despite the moisture, the magazine performed flawlessly. It loaded easily, seated positively in the magazine well, and fed rounds smoothly without any failures to feed, eject, or extract.
The Mec-Gar magazine felt intuitive to use right away. I appreciated the consistent spring pressure and the ease with which I could load rounds. There were no initial issues or surprises; the magazine simply worked as expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning three months, the Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin continues to perform reliably. I’ve now put over 1000 rounds through it. There hasn’t been a single malfunction attributable to the magazine.
The blued finish shows minimal signs of wear, primarily around the magazine well insertion point. I’ve noticed no degradation in spring tension or any other functional issues. Cleaning is straightforward. I typically wipe down the exterior and use a magazine brush to clean the interior.
Compared to the original S&W magazines, the Mec-Gar has been a significant improvement. It reliably feeds all types of ammunition. The original magazines were prone to occasional failures, especially with hollow-point rounds.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm. This magazine is specifically designed for 9mm ammunition.
- Capacity: 17 Rounds. This high capacity provides ample firepower.
- Finish: Blued. This finish offers some corrosion resistance.
- Origin: Aftermarket. It is manufactured by Mec-Gar, not Smith & Wesson.
- Material: Steel. The steel construction ensures durability.
- Compatibility: Designed for S&W 5900, 915, 910, and 659 series pistols. This versatility is a major selling point.
These specifications are crucial for optimal performance. The 17-round capacity is a significant upgrade over standard capacity magazines in some jurisdictions. The steel construction ensures longevity and resistance to damage.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin performs its job exceptionally well. It reliably feeds ammunition and provides consistent performance. Its primary strength is its unwavering reliability.
A minor weakness might be the blued finish’s susceptibility to scratches over time. However, this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect function. The magazine has met and exceeded my expectations. It has proven to be a dependable alternative to factory magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine boasts a robust build quality. The steel construction feels durable. The blued finish is aesthetically pleasing, and the magazine is comfortable to handle.
The design is user-friendly with no learning curve. It’s a simple drop-in replacement for factory magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, this magazine should last for many years with proper care. The steel construction is resistant to deformation and damage. Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is a magazine, so there are limited customization options. However, aftermarket magazine base pads could be added for improved grip or easier extraction. The Mec-Gar magazine is designed to be compatible with standard S&W magazine pouches.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Exceptional Reliability: Feeds all types of 9mm ammunition without issue.
- High Capacity: Provides a full 17 rounds of firepower.
- Durable Construction: Steel body ensures longevity.
- Drop-In Replacement: Works seamlessly with compatible S&W pistols.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the performance.
Cons
- Blued finish is susceptible to cosmetic wear over time.
- No witness holes to show remaining round count.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?
This magazine is perfect for owners of S&W 5900, 915, 910, and 659 series pistols looking for reliable, high-capacity magazines. It’s ideal for range use, competition, or even home defense where increased capacity is desired. Anyone who wants to ensure their older S&W pistol functions optimally will benefit from this magazine.
Individuals who should skip this product are those who own pistols not listed as compatible. Also, if you are restricted by local laws to low-capacity magazines, this 17-round magazine is not for you.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch. Also, consider a magazine loader to assist with loading the high-capacity magazine.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin is a top-notch aftermarket magazine that delivers on its promises. Its reliability, high capacity, and durable construction make it an excellent choice for owners of compatible S&W pistols. At a price of $20.99, the value proposition is exceptional.
I would absolutely recommend this magazine. It has breathed new life into my S&W 5906. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable magazine upgrade for your S&W 9mm pistol, look no further. Add the Mec-Gar MGSW5917 S&W 5900/915/910/659 Magazine 17RD 9mm Blued – 9mm Caliber, 17 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to your cart today!