First Impressions of Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine promises to be a reliable upgrade for a series of classic Ruger pistols. As a seasoned firearms enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated the robust design and reliability of the Ruger P-series. Mec-Gar’s reputation for producing high-quality magazines precedes them, so I was eager to see if this magazine lived up to the hype.
My Ruger P89 has been a trusted companion for years, but the factory magazines were starting to show their age. The original magazines, while functional, only held 15 rounds and occasionally exhibited feeding issues after prolonged use. The promise of an increased capacity to 17 rounds, combined with Mec-Gar‘s renowned reliability, made this magazine an appealing upgrade.
Upon receiving the Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine, my initial impression was positive. The magazine felt solid and well-constructed, with a smooth, anti-friction finish. Compared to the factory Ruger magazines and aftermarket options from ProMag, the Mec-Gar felt noticeably sturdier, and the polymer follower seemed to be of a higher quality.
I ultimately chose the Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine over other options due to Mec-Gar‘s consistent track record and the magazine’s design, which is tailored specifically for the Ruger P-series. Cheaper magazines often suffer from poor tolerances and unreliable feeding. I was excited to test this magazine’s performance and see if it could restore my P89 to its former glory.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The range offered a variety of shooting distances and conditions, providing an ideal environment to assess the magazine’s performance. I ran approximately 200 rounds through the magazine, using a mix of FMJ and JHP ammunition.
The magazine performed flawlessly during my initial testing. Loading was smooth and easy, and the magazine seated securely into my Ruger P89 without any excessive force. The anti-friction finish allowed the rounds to feed smoothly into the chamber, and there were no instances of failure to feed or double feeds.
One minor issue I encountered was the increased difficulty in loading the last few rounds. Due to the higher capacity, the spring tension became noticeably stiffer towards the end. However, this is a common characteristic of high-capacity magazines and didn’t significantly detract from the overall experience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine continues to perform exceptionally well. I’ve put roughly 1000 rounds through it, and it has consistently delivered reliable feeding and smooth operation. The magazine shows no significant signs of wear and tear, and the anti-friction finish has held up well.
I’ve made sure to clean the magazine regularly, disassembling it and wiping down the interior with a lightly oiled cloth. The magazine is relatively easy to disassemble and reassemble, which facilitates thorough cleaning and maintenance. Compared to my experiences with other aftermarket magazines, the Mec-Gar has significantly outperformed them in terms of reliability and durability.
Previously, I experienced frequent feeding issues with a ProMag magazine, but the Mec-Gar has proven to be a far superior alternative. The consistent performance and robust construction of the Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine have exceeded my expectations, making it a valuable addition to my shooting gear.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for the Ruger P85, P89, P93, P94, and P95 series pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. Its 17-round capacity offers a significant increase over the standard 15-round magazines that often came with these pistols. The magazine features a high-impact polymer follower which ensures smooth and reliable feeding of ammunition.
The heat-treated carbon steel tube provides exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. The metal floor plate sits flush with the pistol, contributing to a streamlined profile and preventing snagging. The magazine boasts an anti-friction finish, which enhances reliability and ease of loading.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s performance and longevity. The higher capacity provides an advantage in situations where increased firepower is desired. The use of high-quality materials like heat-treated carbon steel and a durable polymer follower ensures that the magazine can withstand the rigors of regular use and maintain its reliability over time.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine performs its job admirably, providing consistent and reliable feeding of ammunition. Its functionality is top-notch, with smooth loading and seamless integration with the Ruger P-series pistols. The magazine’s enhanced capacity and reliable feeding translate directly into improved shooting performance and confidence.
One of the magazine’s greatest strengths is its ability to maintain consistent performance even during rapid firing or adverse conditions. A minor weakness is the increased spring tension when loading the last few rounds, though this is a minor inconvenience. Overall, the Mec-Gar magazine exceeds expectations and delivers a significant improvement over the factory magazines and many aftermarket alternatives.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine features a well-thought-out design with a focus on durability and user-friendliness. The build quality is exceptional, with high-quality materials and precise manufacturing. The magazine feels solid and well-balanced in hand, and its streamlined profile ensures that it doesn’t snag or interfere with the pistol’s handling.
The magazine is remarkably user-friendly, with a smooth loading process and easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. There is virtually no learning curve associated with using this magazine, making it an ideal upgrade for both experienced shooters and those new to the Ruger P-series pistols.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is built to last, thanks to its robust construction and high-quality materials. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. The magazine is easy to maintain and repair, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication to keep it in optimal condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories, as it is designed to be a direct replacement for the factory magazines. However, it is fully compatible with all Ruger P-series pistols chambered in 9mm Luger, and no modifications are necessary for installation. The magazine’s sleek design and flush-fitting floor plate make it compatible with most aftermarket magazine pouches and carriers.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Offers a significant increase in capacity (17 rounds) over standard magazines.
- Exceptional Reliability: Provides consistent and reliable feeding of ammunition.
- High-Quality Construction: Features a heat-treated carbon steel tube, a high-impact polymer follower, and a metal floor plate.
- Smooth Anti-Friction Finish: Enhances loading and feeding performance.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple disassembly for cleaning and upkeep.
Cons
- Stiff Spring Tension: Loading the last few rounds can be challenging due to increased spring tension.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some aftermarket alternatives.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for Ruger P-series owners who want to upgrade their magazines with a reliable and high-capacity option. It is an ideal choice for competitive shooters, law enforcement personnel, and anyone who values increased firepower and consistent performance. Those who use their Ruger P-series pistol for home defense will also benefit from the increased capacity.
Individuals looking for the absolute cheapest option might want to explore alternatives, but should be wary of potential reliability issues. Someone who prefers strictly factory magazines might also pass on this. Must-have accessories include a quality magazine loader to assist with loading the increased capacity, and a reliable magazine pouch for carrying spare magazines.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking to improve the performance and capacity of their Ruger P-series pistol. Its exceptional reliability, high-quality construction, and smooth operation make it a standout choice in the aftermarket magazine arena. The increased capacity provides a tangible advantage, and the magazine’s durable design ensures that it will withstand the rigors of regular use.
The price is justified by the quality and performance that the Mec-Gar magazine delivers. I would wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to anyone looking for a reliable and high-capacity upgrade for their Ruger P85, P89, P93, P94, or P95 pistol. Upgrade your Ruger P-series pistol today with the Mec-Gar RUGER P85/89/93/94/95 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine and experience the difference!