The MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promises to boost the capacity of my trusted Sig P229 without sacrificing reliability. For years, I’ve relied on the P229 as a primary carry and home defense firearm, appreciating its compact size and potent 9mm chambering. However, the standard 15-round capacity always felt a little short, especially when compared to modern service pistols.
I’ve always considered MEC-GAR a gold standard in the magazine world, given their history as an OEM supplier to many prominent firearm manufacturers, including Sig Sauer. When I saw the MEC-GAR 17-round magazine available at such an attractive price, I figured it was time to give it a shot.
The magazine arrived in simple, no-frills packaging. My initial impression was positive: the blued steel felt substantial, and the overall construction appeared robust. The detachable polymer baseplate felt secure and added just enough length to provide a solid grip without excessively extending beyond the magazine well.
I’ve used factory Sig magazines, as well as magazines from ProMag and Check-Mate Industries. The MEC-GAR stood out with a smoother finish and what felt like a more heavy-duty spring. My decision to go with the MEC-GAR ultimately came down to their reputation for quality and the fact that this aftermarket option essentially offered a capacity upgrade at a very reasonable price.
I was cautiously optimistic. The magazine looked the part, but the true test would come at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to my local indoor range for its initial trial. I ran a variety of 9mm ammunition through it: 115-grain FMJ, 124-grain +P hollow points, and even some 147-grain subsonic rounds. The range was kept at standard operating temperature, about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and relatively dry.
The magazine loaded easily to its full 17-round capacity without excessive force. It seated firmly in my P229 Legion 9mm with a reassuring “click.” Throughout the first 100 rounds, I experienced zero malfunctions.
The only initial “issue” was aesthetic – the blued finish was slightly different in shade from the factory magazines, but that’s a minor quibble. Otherwise, the MEC-GAR performed flawlessly right out of the box.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin has proven itself to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put well over 500 rounds through it now, across multiple range sessions and even a couple of outdoor training exercises in slightly dusty conditions. I have yet to experience a single failure to feed, failure to eject, or any other magazine-related malfunction.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear. The blued finish remains in good condition, and the spring tension feels just as strong as when it was new. Cleaning and maintenance is simple: I just wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use.
Previously, I’d used cheaper aftermarket magazines that would occasionally cause feeding issues. This MEC-GAR magazine dramatically outperforms those; it’s easily on par with, if not slightly better than, the factory Sig Sauer magazines in terms of reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin features a 17-round capacity, providing a significant upgrade over the standard 15-round magazines for the P229. It is chambered in 9mm Luger, specifically designed for newer P229 and P229 E2 pistols with the wider, tapered P229-1 magazine well. The magazine body is constructed from blued steel for durability and corrosion resistance, while the baseplate is made from detachable polymer.
This magazine is an aftermarket product manufactured by MEC-GAR, a company known for its high-quality magazines. The steel construction is important because it ensures consistent feeding and resists deformation under pressure. The polymer baseplate offers impact resistance and a comfortable gripping surface for faster magazine changes.
Performance & Functionality
The MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin performs its job exceptionally well. It feeds ammunition smoothly and reliably, contributing to accurate and consistent shooting. Its primary strength is its increased capacity without sacrificing reliability.
The only potential weakness is that it may not fit older P229 models with narrower, flat-sided magazine wells. However, for compatible firearms, it exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality is excellent. The steel body feels solid and well-made, and the blued finish provides a smooth, snag-free surface. The magazine is easy to load, although the last few rounds can be a bit tight, as is common with high-capacity magazines.
There’s virtually no learning curve. It functions identically to a factory magazine, but with two extra rounds.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the robust materials and solid construction, the MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin should last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the spring and follower will help to ensure optimal performance. The blued finish is reasonably resistant to corrosion, but it’s always a good idea to wipe it down after exposure to moisture.
Disassembly for cleaning is simple and straightforward. The detachable baseplate allows easy access to the spring and follower.
Accessories and Customization Options
The MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin doesn’t come with any included accessories beyond the standard magazine body and baseplate. However, the detachable baseplate can be replaced with aftermarket options, such as those offering enhanced gripping surfaces or increased capacity. It’s also compatible with most standard magazine pouches designed for double-stack 9mm magazines.
Pros and Cons of MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 17-round capacity offers a significant upgrade over the standard 15-round magazines, providing a greater advantage in self-defense scenarios.
- Exceptional Reliability: Functions flawlessly with various types of ammunition, demonstrating consistent and dependable performance.
- High-Quality Construction: Built with durable blued steel and a robust polymer baseplate, ensuring long-lasting use and resistance to wear and tear.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple to disassemble and clean, allowing for quick and convenient maintenance.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the money, providing a high-quality magazine at a competitive price point.
Cons
- May not fit older P229 models: Only compatible with newer P229 and P229 E2 pistols with the wider P229-1 magazine well.
- Blued finish may not perfectly match factory magazines: Slight cosmetic difference in the shade of blue.
Who Should Buy MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for Sig P229 owners (specifically, those with newer P229-1 models) who are looking to increase their firearm’s capacity without sacrificing reliability. It’s an excellent upgrade for those who use their P229 for concealed carry, home defense, or range shooting. This magazine is also ideal for tactical shooters who require a higher round count.
Anyone with older P229 models that utilize the narrower, flat-sided magazines should skip this product. Similarly, if a perfect cosmetic match to factory magazines is a top priority, this might not be the best choice.
A must-have modification would be a quality magazine pouch to accommodate the slightly extended baseplate for comfortable and secure carry.
Conclusion on MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Overall, the MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is an outstanding product that delivers on its promises. The increased capacity, exceptional reliability, and high-quality construction make it a worthwhile investment for any compatible P229 owner. The price is justified by the performance and durability of the magazine.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their P229’s capacity without compromising on quality. If you own a newer Sig P229 and are looking for a reliable, high-capacity magazine, don’t hesitate to pick up the MEC-GAR Sig Sauer 9mm Luger P229 17rd Blued Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin. You won’t be disappointed!