Let’s Dive into Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine
The Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine is designed as an enhanced alternative to standard STANAG magazines, particularly for those in capacity-restricted states. Manufactured by Mission First Tactical, it aims to provide reliable feeding and durability in a compact, compliant package. Its features, such as the flared floor plate and anti-tilt follower, caught my attention as potential improvements over standard-issue magazines.
Living in a state with magazine capacity restrictions, I needed reliable 10-round magazines for my AR-15. I was looking for magazines that would feed reliably, drop freely, and withstand regular use at the range. I was particularly interested in a magazine with enhanced features that addressed some common issues found in standard-capacity magazines that have been neutered to a 10 round capacity.
My first impression upon receiving the Mission First Tactical magazines was positive. The polymer felt robust, and the flared floor plate offered a secure grip. The magazines felt lightweight yet solid, suggesting a good balance between durability and portability.
Compared to standard GI-style magazines and even some aftermarket options like the Magpul PMAG 10-round, the Mission First Tactical magazine stood out due to its enhanced features. While PMAGs are known for their reliability, I was curious to see how Mission First Tactical’s design enhancements would perform in real-world scenarios. I ultimately chose the Mission First Tactical magazine because its flared floor plate and toolless disassembly appealed to me, and I wanted to test their impact on usability and maintenance. I was hoping that the flared floor plate made for much easier extraction in a pinch, and the toolless disassembly would make cleaning a breeze.
I was cautiously optimistic. While the initial build quality appeared promising, I knew the true test would be how they performed during live fire. Would they feed reliably? Would they stand up to repeated use? Only time and rounds downrange would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine primarily at my local outdoor shooting range. The range offered a variety of shooting distances and simulated tactical scenarios, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation. Conditions were generally favorable, although one session involved light rain, which provided an opportunity to assess grip and functionality in less-than-ideal circumstances.
The magazines performed flawlessly in dry conditions. The flared floor plate made for quick and easy magazine changes, even when wearing gloves. In the light rain, the textured polymer provided a secure grip, and there were no feeding or extraction issues.
The magazines were easy to load and seated securely in my AR-15. No adjustments were needed. The flared floor plate became second nature after a few magazine changes.
There were no immediate issues or surprises after the first use. The magazines performed exactly as expected, providing reliable feeding and easy handling. I did notice, however, that loading the 10th round could require a bit of extra force, a common issue in capacity-restricted magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mission First Tactical magazines have held up exceptionally well. They’ve been through numerous range sessions and training drills, with no signs of significant wear and tear. The polymer construction has proven to be robust, resisting scratches and impacts.
The magazines have consistently fed rounds without any malfunctions. They drop free from the magazine well every time, even when fully loaded. Maintenance is straightforward, thanks to the toolless disassembly feature.
Compared to some older steel magazines I’ve used, the Mission First Tactical magazines are significantly lighter and more resistant to corrosion. They outperform the GI style steel magazines and are on par with the best polymer magazines I’ve used. I found them to be just as good or better than a Magpul PMAG, with the added bonus of the flared floor plate.
Breaking Down the Features of Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine boasts several key specifications. The magazine is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO, but is also compatible with .223 Remington and .300 AAC Blackout. It has a 10-round magazine capacity.
The magazine’s body is constructed from a durable polymer. The use of polymer makes the magazine lightweight yet resistant to impacts and chemicals. Its anti-tilt follower contributes to reliable feeding, and the long-life steel spring maintains consistent tension over time.
The flared floor plate aids in extraction and handling. It also features a paint pen dot matrix area for easy identification marking. The toolless disassembly simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and ease of use. The polymer construction ensures the magazine can withstand the rigors of regular use. The anti-tilt follower and steel spring are essential for consistent feeding.
Performance & Functionality
The Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine performs its job admirably. It provides reliable feeding, secure seating, and easy handling. I have experienced no malfunctions during live fire, even with rapid firing drills.
The flared floor plate offers a significant advantage during magazine changes. It allows for a more secure grip and faster extraction, especially when wearing gloves. One minor weakness is the slightly increased effort required to load the 10th round, but this is a common characteristic of capacity-restricted magazines.
Overall, the magazine meets and exceeds expectations. Its reliability, durability, and user-friendly design make it a valuable addition to any AR-15 platform, especially in capacity restricted states.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Mission First Tactical magazine is excellent. The polymer is robust and well-molded, with no sharp edges or imperfections. The magazine feels solid in hand without being overly heavy.
The flared floor plate is a key design element that enhances ergonomics. The textured surface provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions. The toolless disassembly feature simplifies maintenance.
There is no significant learning curve associated with this magazine. It functions like any standard AR-15 magazine, with the added benefit of enhanced features. The toolless disassembly may require a quick read of the instructions, but it is a simple and intuitive process.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine is designed for long-term durability. The polymer construction resists impacts and chemicals. The steel spring maintains consistent tension over extended use.
Maintenance is straightforward. The toolless disassembly allows for easy cleaning and inspection. Simply depress the floor plate release tabs, slide off the floor plate, and remove the spring and follower. Regular cleaning will help ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine does not come with any specific accessories beyond its standard features. However, the paint pen dot matrix on the floor plate allows for user customization. The end-user can mark each magazine with a code to easily distinguish them from one another, making it easy to identify a specific magazine.
The magazine is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver designed to accept STANAG magazines. While there are no specific Mission First Tactical accessories designed for this magazine, it can be used with aftermarket magazine pouches and loading devices. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications of the accessories being used.
Pros and Cons of Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Reliable Feeding: The anti-tilt follower and long-life steel spring ensure consistent and reliable feeding. This provides a huge confidence boost when at the range.
- Durable Construction: The polymer body is impact-resistant and stands up to regular use. This makes the magazines stand out among other competitors.
- Flared Floor Plate: The flared floor plate allows for quick and easy magazine changes, even when wearing gloves. I found this feature to be extremely beneficial when running drills.
- Toolless Disassembly: The toolless disassembly simplifies cleaning and maintenance. This feature allows for easy access to all parts of the magazine.
- Affordable Price: At around $12, the magazine offers excellent value for its features and performance.
Cons
- Loading the 10th Round: Requires a bit of extra force to load the 10th round compared to lower capacity magazines. The extra force is usually due to a more aggressive magazine spring.
- Color Matching: Scorched Dark Earth color can vary slightly from other FDE parts. This makes the magazine not look uniform with the other parts.
Who Should Buy Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine?
The Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine is perfect for AR-15 owners in capacity-restricted states. It is also good for recreational shooters looking for reliable and durable magazines, or anyone wanting magazines that are easy to clean and maintain.
Those who require higher capacity magazines or are extremely sensitive to color variations should skip this product. Those seeking a true mil-spec magazine might also look elsewhere.
A quality magazine pouch is a must-have accessory for carrying spare magazines. A magazine loader can make loading easier, especially when filling multiple magazines at the range. It would also be worth investing in the tools required to fully disassemble the AR platform rifle, not just the magazine.
Conclusion on Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine
The Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine is a well-designed and reliable option for AR-15 owners, especially those in capacity-restricted states. Its enhanced features, such as the flared floor plate and toolless disassembly, set it apart from standard-issue magazines. The polymer construction is durable, and the anti-tilt follower ensures consistent feeding.
At around $12, the magazine offers excellent value for its performance and features. The minor drawbacks, such as the effort required to load the 10th round and potential color variations, are outweighed by its overall reliability and user-friendliness.
I would definitely recommend the Mission First Tactical AR15 5.56mm/.223/.300 AAC Bagged 10 Rounds Rifle Magazine. If you’re looking for a dependable and affordable magazine for your AR-15, give these magazines a try. They’re a solid investment for any shooter.