First Impressions of Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine
In the world of AR-15 magazines, reliability and durability are paramount. The Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine enters the scene promising exactly that, along with the added benefit of a translucent body for quick round count assessment. It piqued my interest due to the increasing need for reliable magazines that can withstand heavy use and offer instant visual feedback in dynamic shooting scenarios.
I was searching for a magazine that could withstand the rigors of both training and potential tactical applications. The clear body and the Mission First Tactical name, known for quality polymer products, were the primary draw. I recently had a string of failures with some older GI-style aluminum magazines, prompting me to seek a more robust and modern alternative.
Upon receiving the Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine, my initial impression was positive. The polymer felt robust and the translucent body offered a clear view of the internal components and potential rounds. The texture felt aggressive enough to provide a secure grip without being abrasive.
Compared to Magpul PMAGs and Lancer L5 AWM magazines, the Mission First Tactical EXD stood out due to its price point and claims of enhanced durability exceeding standard polymer magazines. While PMAGs are ubiquitous and Lancer magazines offer steel-reinforced feed lips, the EXD aimed for a balance of cost, visual round count, and impact resistance. I wanted to see if the EXD could really deliver on its promises.
I was genuinely excited to test the Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine. The translucent design combined with the promise of military-grade copolymer construction created a high expectation for performance and longevity. I hoped it would live up to the hype and provide a reliable, easy-to-monitor magazine solution for my AR-15.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was a local outdoor shooting range during a carbine training session. I ran the Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine through several drills, focusing on rapid magazine changes and varied firing positions. The weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal conditions for initial evaluation.
The magazine performed flawlessly in these conditions. It seated securely in the magazine well, fed rounds smoothly, and dropped free consistently when released. There were no failures to feed or double feeds during the first 150 rounds fired.
Ease of use was immediately apparent. The textured surface provided a positive grip during magazine changes, even with gloves, and the translucent body allowed for instant assessment of remaining rounds. There was no initial learning curve or adjustments required.
No immediate issues arose during the initial range session. I was particularly impressed by the smooth feeding and consistent lock-back on empty magazines. This boosted my confidence in its potential reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine has proven itself to be a reliable addition to my range gear. I have used it in various conditions including dusty environments and slightly damp weather with no noticeable degradation in performance.
The magazine has held up remarkably well. There are only minor scratches on the exterior polymer, which is expected with regular use. The feed lips remain intact, and the magazine still locks into the lower receiver securely.
Maintenance is simple. A quick wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient to remove dust and debris. Occasionally, I disassemble it to clean the internal components, which is easily accomplished without tools thanks to the double floor plate safety release tabs.
In comparison to my older GI-style aluminum magazines, the Mission First Tactical EXD outperforms them in terms of reliability and durability. It feeds more consistently and is far more resistant to damage from drops and impacts. The clear body is also a significant advantage, allowing for quick round checks.
Breaking Down the Features of Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine is designed for use with AR-15 platforms chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington. Its magazine capacity is 30 rounds. The magazine body is constructed from a military-grade copolymer, chosen for its resistance to heat, cold, UV exposure, harsh chemicals, and impact damage.
The magazine features a USGI Spec stainless steel spring and a four-way anti-tilt self-lubricating follower. These components ensure consistent feeding and prevent malfunctions. It also includes a flared floor plate, an oversized bolt catch, and a paint pen dot matrix for identification and marking.
These specifications are crucial for reliable performance. The military-grade copolymer ensures the magazine can withstand extreme temperatures and rough handling without cracking or deforming. The stainless steel spring and anti-tilt follower contribute to smooth and reliable feeding, minimizing malfunctions.
Performance & Functionality
The Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine excels at its primary function: reliably feeding ammunition into an AR-15. Accuracy is indirectly improved due to consistent feeding, minimizing potential disruptions during the firing sequence.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its durability, reliable feeding, and easy round count assessment. One area that could potentially be improved is the floorplate, which, while flared, could be made even more aggressive for easier extraction from pouches. The textured surface provides excellent grip in various conditions.
It largely meets and exceeds expectations for a polymer magazine in this price range. The translucent body and rugged construction are significant advantages. The feeding is smooth and consistent, and the magazine has proven reliable in a variety of conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine boasts a robust build quality. The military-grade copolymer feels solid and durable, instilling confidence in its ability to withstand abuse. The weight is comparable to other polymer magazines, and the textured surface provides a secure and comfortable grip.
The design is user-friendly. The magazine seats easily into the magazine well and releases smoothly. The translucent body allows for instant visual confirmation of remaining rounds. There is no significant learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on several months of use, the Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine appears to be built to last. The polymer construction is highly resistant to impacts and scratches. The internal components are also well-protected.
Maintenance is straightforward. The magazine can be easily disassembled for cleaning using the double floor plate safety release tabs. Regular cleaning of the internal components will help maintain its reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with most standard AR-15 magazine pouches and loading devices.
The paint pen dot matrix allows for simple customization for identification purposes. While there aren’t specific MFT-branded accessories designed solely for this magazine, it functions seamlessly with standard AR-15 platforms and compatible accessories. The compatibility with Magpul speed loaders is especially useful.
Pros and Cons of Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine
Pros
- The clear body allows for instant visual round count and ammo type confirmation.
- The military-grade copolymer construction provides exceptional durability and resistance to heat, cold, UV, and chemicals.
- The USGI Spec stainless steel spring and four-way anti-tilt self-lubricating follower ensure reliable feeding.
- It is easy to disassemble without tools for cleaning and maintenance.
- The price point makes it an excellent value for a high-quality magazine.
Cons
- The floor plate design, while flared, could offer a more aggressive grip for easier extraction.
- While the polymer is durable, long-term exposure to extreme heat may eventually cause some degradation (though not yet observed).
Who Should Buy Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine?
This magazine is perfect for shooting enthusiasts, tactical training participants, and home defense proponents who demand reliable and durable magazines with instant visual feedback. It’s also a great choice for those who want to easily identify different ammo types.
Individuals primarily focused on benchrest shooting or those with unlimited budgets for premium magazines with steel-reinforced feed lips might not find the Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine essential. However, even they would benefit from having a few on hand for training purposes.
A must-have modification would be adding colored followers to differentiate between different grain weights of ammunition for easy identification. Beyond that, it’s ready to go out of the box.
Conclusion on Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine
The Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, durable, and affordable AR-15 magazine with the added benefit of a translucent body. Its robust construction and consistent feeding make it a valuable addition to any AR-15 owner’s kit.
The price is definitely justified by the quality and features offered. The ability to quickly assess round count and ammo type is a significant advantage, particularly in dynamic shooting scenarios.
I would personally recommend the Mission First Tactical EXD AR15 5.56x45mm 30 Rounds Rifle Magazine to anyone looking to upgrade their existing magazines or stock up on reliable options. Don’t hesitate – grab a few of these mags and experience the reliability and convenience for yourself. It is an outstanding value!