Mec-Gar MGWPPKFR Walther PPK Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, PPK Model Review

The Mec-Gar MGWPPKFR Walther PPK Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, PPK Model Made a Bold First Impression

The Walther PPK is a classic pistol, iconic for its compact size and role in espionage lore. However, finding reliable magazines for these legacy firearms can be a challenge. When I first laid eyes on the Mec-Gar MGWPPKFR Walther PPK Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, PPK Model, its sleek blued finish and finger rest fit caught my attention.

My search began when the original magazine for my well-loved, though heavily used, PPK started showing its age with increasingly frequent failures to feed. I needed a dependable magazine to keep my PPK running smoothly, both at the range and as a potential backup carry option. The Mec-Gar magazine, known for their quality aftermarket magazines, presented itself as a viable and affordable solution.

Out of the box, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The blued steel finish was evenly applied, giving it a professional look. The finger rest extension was a welcomed addition, providing a more substantial grip than the flush-fitting magazines I’d used previously.

I considered magazines from ProMag and Triple K, but Mec-Gar’s reputation for reliable feeding and consistent quality ultimately swayed my decision. The price point of $20.99 was also a significant factor. I was excited to see if this aftermarket option could breathe new life into my trusty PPK.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar MGWPPKFR Walther PPK Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, PPK Model to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was the local indoor shooting range. I ran a variety of .380 ACP ammunition through the Mec-Gar magazine, including FMJ and JHP rounds. The first few rounds chambered and fired without issue, instilling confidence.

However, similar to the user feedback I saw online, I did experience some initial difficulty with the first round failing to fully chamber when racking the slide manually. This occurred with both FMJ and JHP rounds and was more frequent when the magazine was fully loaded with six rounds. Despite this, once a round was chambered manually or by cycling the action, it functioned flawlessly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and about 200 rounds fired, the magazine has become more reliable in chambering the first round. While the initial issue persists occasionally, it happens less frequently. I have found loading only 5 rounds into the magazine reduces the chances of the first round feed issue.

The blued finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear, even after repeated use and cleaning. Cleaning is straightforward – a simple wipe down with a solvent-soaked cloth keeps it running smoothly. Compared to the original Walther magazine, the Mec-Gar has proven to be a worthy replacement, though not without its initial quirks.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar MGWPPKFR Walther PPK Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, PPK Model

Specifications

The Mec-Gar MGWPPKFR Walther PPK Magazine is chambered in .380 ACP and holds 6 rounds. It is an aftermarket magazine designed specifically for the Walther PPK pistol. The magazine body is constructed of blued steel, providing durability and corrosion resistance.

The inclusion of a finger rest fit provides a more comfortable and secure grip. These specifications are crucial for reliable feeding and consistent performance in the PPK platform.

Performance & Functionality

The Mec-Gar magazine performs adequately, offering reliable feeding and ejection after the initial round is chambered. The occasional first-round feeding issue is its primary weakness. However, its overall functionality meets the basic expectations for an aftermarket magazine at this price point.

Compared to factory magazines, the Mec-Gar performs admirably, especially considering the cost savings. While it may not be perfect, it offers a viable alternative for shooters looking to expand their magazine supply.

Design & Ergonomics

The blued steel construction feels robust and provides confidence in its longevity. The finger rest extension significantly improves the grip, especially for those with larger hands. The magazine is relatively easy to load, and the overall design closely mimics the original Walther magazines.

There is a slight learning curve to ensure the first round is correctly seated before racking the slide, but this becomes second nature with practice. The improved grip, however, provides a significant advantage.

Durability & Maintenance

The blued steel construction suggests good durability. After several months of use, there are no signs of rust or significant wear. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.

With proper care, this magazine should provide years of reliable service. Its robust design inspires confidence, even under demanding conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The magazine itself doesn’t offer much in terms of customization. The finger rest is a fixed part of the design. However, there are aftermarket options available to replace the magazine spring with a heavier-duty version to potentially improve feeding reliability.

Additionally, the magazine is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for compact .380 pistols. The availability of aftermarket springs offers some degree of customization, allowing users to fine-tune performance.

Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar MGWPPKFR Walther PPK Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, PPK Model

Pros

  • Way cheaper than factory mags. Significantly more affordable than original Walther magazines.
  • Finger rest extension. Provides a more comfortable and secure grip, especially for larger hands.
  • Durable blued steel construction. Offers excellent corrosion resistance and long-term reliability.
  • Improved control. The finger rest improves control of the pistol while firing.
  • Reliable feeding after initial chambering. Functions flawlessly once the first round is successfully chambered.

Cons

  • First-round feeding issues. Occasional difficulty with the first round failing to fully chamber when manually racking the slide.
  • Aftermarket origin. May not have the same level of guaranteed reliability as factory-made magazines.


Who Should Buy Mec-Gar MGWPPKFR Walther PPK Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, PPK Model?

This magazine is perfect for Walther PPK owners who need additional magazines at an affordable price. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate the added grip comfort of the finger rest extension. Casual range shooters who don’t mind the occasional first-round feeding issue will also find this magazine a good value.

Those who rely on their PPK for self-defense and demand absolute reliability might want to consider sticking with factory magazines, despite the higher cost. Similarly, individuals with limited hand strength who struggle with racking the slide may find the first-round feeding issue particularly frustrating.

A must-have modification would be experimenting with aftermarket magazine springs to improve feeding reliability. Polishing the feed ramp of the pistol itself might also yield positive results.

Conclusion on Mec-Gar MGWPPKFR Walther PPK Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, PPK Model

The Mec-Gar MGWPPKFR Walther PPK Magazine offers a compelling value proposition for PPK owners seeking affordable and functional magazines. While the first-round feeding issue is a drawback, it’s not a deal-breaker for many users. The improved grip and durable construction make it a worthy addition to any PPK owner’s range bag.

At $20.99, the price is certainly justified. It provides a cost-effective way to increase your magazine capacity without breaking the bank. I would personally recommend this magazine to fellow PPK enthusiasts, with the caveat to test it thoroughly and be aware of the potential first-round feeding issue.

Overall, the Mec-Gar magazine is a solid aftermarket option that breathes new life into a classic pistol. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself!


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