First Impressions of Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine
The Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine promises to breathe new life into a classic platform. Mec-Gar is well-regarded for producing high-quality magazines, often exceeding the performance of factory offerings, and this magazine aims to be no exception.
My aging S&W 5906, a reliable workhorse from my early law enforcement days, was starting to show its age with increasingly unreliable magazine feeding. Finding quality replacement magazines for these older pistols can be a challenge, leading me to explore Mec-Gar as a potential solution.
Upon receiving the magazine, my initial impression was positive. The blued steel construction felt robust and well-finished, exuding a sense of quality that inspires confidence. The weight was consistent with the original factory magazines, and the overall design appeared identical, promising a seamless fit.
Compared to some aftermarket magazines I’ve tried in the past, which often exhibited questionable construction and unreliable feeding, the Mec-Gar stood out immediately. I opted for this over cheaper, generic options because reliability is paramount when dealing with firearms. My initial excitement was tempered with cautious optimism, eager to see how it would perform on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was typical for early spring: cool, slightly damp, with a light breeze.
I ran a variety of 9mm ammunition through it, including 115gr FMJ, 124gr JHP, and even some older 147gr subsonic rounds. The magazine fed each type of ammunition flawlessly.
The Mec-Gar slid easily into the magazine well of my S&W 5906, locking in place with a reassuring click. There were no issues with seating, even when fully loaded to its 15-round capacity.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine continues to impress. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, and it remains a reliable performer.
Durability has proven to be excellent; there are no signs of significant wear or tear. The blued finish is holding up well.
Maintenance is straightforward; I simply wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session. The magazine disassembles easily for a more thorough cleaning when needed.
Compared to the original factory magazines, which were beginning to exhibit feeding issues, the Mec-Gar outperforms them significantly. Its consistent and reliable feeding has restored my confidence in my S&W 5906.
Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine is chambered for 9mm Luger. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of popular 9mm firearms.
It holds 15 rounds, offering ample capacity for duty use, competition, or personal defense. This gives you more rounds between reloads.
The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated carbon steel. This provides exceptional durability and resistance to deformation under stress.
It features a high tensile music wire spring, which ensures consistent and reliable feeding. The spring provides the necessary force to present rounds properly.
A polymer follower is included, providing smooth and consistent feeding of ammunition. The follower reduces friction and promotes reliability.
These specifications are critical because they directly influence the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall performance. A well-made magazine is essential for the reliable functioning of any semi-automatic pistol.
Performance & Functionality
The Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine performs its job exceptionally well. It feeds ammunition reliably, locks into the firearm securely, and ejects cleanly when released.
Its primary strength is its unwavering reliability; it has consistently fed various types of ammunition without any issues. A minor weakness is that the blued finish can show scratches over time, but this is purely cosmetic.
The magazine meets and exceeds my expectations. I needed a reliable replacement for my aging factory magazines, and the Mec-Gar has delivered on that promise.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent; the materials are robust, and the construction is solid. The weight is comparable to the original factory magazines, providing a familiar feel.
The magazine is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or adjustments to function properly. There is essentially no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine should last for many years with proper care. The heat-treated steel construction is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.
Maintenance is simple; regular cleaning and light lubrication are all that’s required. It can be fully disassembled for detailed cleaning if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine itself doesn’t require any specific accessories; it is designed to function as a direct replacement for the original factory magazines. However, magazine pouches designed for double-stack 9mm magazines will work perfectly with the Mec-Gar.
There are no customization options available for the magazine itself. It is designed to be a standard capacity magazine for compatible S&W pistols. The magazine is compatible with many aftermarket base pads designed for S&W 5900 series magazines.
Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Exceptional Reliability: Feeds ammunition consistently and flawlessly.
- Durable Construction: Made from heat-treated carbon steel for long-lasting performance.
- Perfect Fit: Designed as a direct replacement for S&W 5900 series magazines.
- Improved Performance: Outperforms aging factory magazines, restoring confidence in the firearm.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple to clean and maintain for optimal performance.
Cons
- Blued finish can show scratches over time with regular use.
- No included accessories.
Who Should Buy Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for S&W 5900 series pistol owners seeking reliable replacement or spare magazines. It’s ideal for those who use their pistols for personal defense, competition, or recreational shooting.
Those who are looking for magazines with specialized coatings or unique features might consider other options. Anyone happy with the performance of their existing factory magazines may not need this product, though having spares is always a good idea.
A magazine pouch suitable for double-stack 9mm magazines would be a must-have accessory to carry spare Mec-Gar magazines. A magazine loader can make loading easier, especially for those with limited hand strength.
Conclusion on Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine
In summary, the Mec-Gar S&W 5900 Series 915/910/695 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine is an excellent product that delivers on its promise of reliable performance. The price of $30.49 is justified by the magazine’s quality construction, reliable feeding, and perfect fit.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to anyone seeking a reliable replacement or spare for their S&W 5900 series pistol. If you’re looking to restore your confidence in your classic S&W, this magazine is a must-have. Don’t wait until your old magazines fail; upgrade to Mec-Gar today and experience the difference!