Let’s Dive into Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine is a high-capacity magazine designed to enhance the firepower of classic Smith & Wesson pistols. Mec-Gar is known for producing reliable magazines for various firearm platforms, and this particular model caters to owners of the S&W 5900 series, as well as the 915, 910, and 659 models. Its increased 20-round capacity offers a significant advantage in situations where more rounds are needed.
For years, I relied on the factory magazines for my S&W 5906, but I always felt a bit limited by their standard capacity. I was looking for a magazine that would give me more rounds without sacrificing reliability or build quality, especially for range training and home defense scenarios. When I found the Mec-Gar 20-round magazine, I was excited to see if it could solve my capacity concerns.
Upon receiving the magazine, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction and heft. The blued finish looked professional and durable. The high-impact polymer floor plate felt sturdy and well-fitted.
I considered other high-capacity magazines from different manufacturers, but Mec-Gar’s reputation for quality and reliability ultimately swayed my decision. I had heard too many stories of aftermarket magazines failing to feed or causing malfunctions. I was willing to pay a bit more for the peace of mind that comes with a Mec-Gar product.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The magazine felt like a quality product that would hold up to repeated use. I was eager to get it to the range and see how it performed in my S&W 5906.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid fire and reload speeds. The weather was mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze.
The magazine performed flawlessly through the first few loading cycles. I experienced no failures to feed, eject, or lock back the slide. The increased capacity was immediately noticeable and allowed me to shoot longer strings without reloading.
The only minor issue I encountered was that the fully loaded magazine was slightly more difficult to seat initially. I needed to give it a firm tap to ensure it was properly locked in. This wasn’t a major problem, but it was something I noted for future use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Mec-Gar magazine continues to perform admirably. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, including various brands of 9mm ammunition. The magazine still shows no signs of significant wear and tear.
The blued finish has held up well, with only minor scratches from inserting and removing the magazine. I make sure to clean the magazine regularly with a bore snake and lubricate the spring lightly to ensure smooth operation. This magazine is very easy to maintain.
Compared to the original factory magazines, the Mec-Gar offers the obvious benefit of increased capacity. It has proven to be just as reliable, which is a huge win in my book. I actually prefer it now due to the extended round count.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson 5900 series, 915, 910, and 659 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. It holds 20 rounds, providing a significant increase in capacity compared to standard magazines. This can be crucial in both competitive shooting and self-defense scenarios.
The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated carbon steel, providing exceptional durability and resistance to deformation. The follower is made from high-impact polymer, ensuring smooth and reliable feeding. This is important because a cheap follower can cause jams.
The floor plate is also made from high-impact polymer and sits flush with the pistol’s grip. The magazine features a blued finish for corrosion resistance. This finish is durable and helps to prevent rust, extending the life of the magazine.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine performs its primary function – feeding ammunition – exceptionally well. It provides consistent and reliable feeding, contributing to the overall accuracy and usability of the pistol. The magazine has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and capacity.
The increased capacity is a major strength, allowing for longer shooting sessions and a higher round count in defensive situations. The only minor weakness is the initial difficulty in seating the fully loaded magazine, but this becomes easier with practice. Overall, the Mec-Gar magazine meets and even exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mec-Gar magazine is designed to be both functional and durable. The heat-treated carbon steel body provides a robust structure that can withstand the rigors of regular use. The blued finish adds a layer of corrosion resistance and gives the magazine a professional look.
The magazine is user-friendly, with a smooth-feeding follower and a well-designed floor plate. There is no significant learning curve associated with its use. It operates smoothly and reliably, integrating seamlessly with the host firearm.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the high-quality materials and construction, the Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine is expected to last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and light lubrication of the spring will help to ensure optimal performance. The magazine is designed to be easily disassembled for cleaning and maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories, as it is a self-contained unit. There are no specific customization options available directly for the magazine itself. However, it is fully compatible with any Smith & Wesson 5900 series, 915, 910, or 659 pistol that accepts factory magazines.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Holds 20 rounds of 9mm Luger, providing a significant firepower advantage.
- Reliable Feeding: High-impact polymer follower ensures smooth and consistent feeding.
- Durable Construction: Heat-treated carbon steel body offers exceptional strength and longevity.
- Corrosion Resistance: Blued finish protects against rust and wear.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- Slightly harder to seat when fully loaded compared to factory magazines.
- Blued finish can show wear over time, especially with frequent use.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters who want to minimize reload times and maximize their round count. It’s also ideal for home defense enthusiasts who prioritize increased firepower and reduced need for reloading in a critical situation. Range shooters who simply want longer shooting sessions without frequent magazine changes would also benefit.
Someone who is extremely concerned about the absolute flush fit of their magazines or who prefers the aesthetics of a smaller capacity magazine might want to skip this product. Also, those who live in areas with strict magazine capacity restrictions should obviously avoid it.
A must-have modification for this magazine is regular cleaning and a light lubrication of the spring. Additional accessories might include a magazine loader to ease the process of filling the magazine to its full capacity.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine is a well-built, reliable, and high-capacity magazine that enhances the performance of compatible Smith & Wesson pistols. Its robust construction, smooth feeding, and increased round count make it a valuable upgrade for both recreational and defensive purposes. At $36.54, the price is justified by the quality and added value it provides.
I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone looking to increase the firepower of their Smith & Wesson 5900 series, 915, 910, or 659 pistol. It’s a worthwhile investment that provides peace of mind and improved shooting experience. Add the Mec-Gar 20-round magazine to your kit and experience the difference a reliable high-capacity magazine can make!