The Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin Made a Bold First Impression
When it comes to magazines, reliability and capacity are king, especially in a caliber like .45 ACP. I was eager to get my hands on the Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin because it promised both, directly from the Smith & Wesson factory. This magazine wasn’t just about more rounds; it was about having confidence in every single shot, knowing it’s backed by Smith & Wesson‘s reputation.
I’ve always been a proponent of carrying as much ammo as practically possible, particularly for home defense scenarios. My primary home defense pistol is a Smith & Wesson M&P45, and the standard 10-round magazines always felt a bit lacking. The allure of an extra four rounds without sacrificing reliability was too strong to ignore.
The magazine arrived in simple, no-frills packaging, as expected from an OEM product. Picking it up, the first thing I noticed was its solid, robust feel. The black finish was clean and even, and the polymer baseplate felt durable.
I considered several other options, including aftermarket magazines with similar capacities. However, I chose the Smith & Wesson magazine for its guaranteed compatibility and the peace of mind that comes with OEM quality. Cheaper magazines often suffer from feeding issues, which is unacceptable when your life might depend on it.
My initial impression was positive. The magazine felt well-made and looked like it would hold up to regular use. I was excited to test it at the range and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin was at my local shooting range. I ran approximately 200 rounds of various .45 ACP ammunition through it, including FMJ and JHP rounds. The magazine performed flawlessly, feeding every round smoothly and reliably.
I tested the magazine in both dry and slightly humid conditions. It performed equally well in both scenarios. Loading the magazine was relatively easy, even to its full 14-round capacity, although the last couple of rounds required a bit of effort.
There were no immediate issues or surprises. The magazine locked into the gun securely and dropped free easily when the magazine release was pressed. This initial experience gave me confidence in its reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin continues to perform admirably. I estimate I’ve put over 1000 rounds through it at this point. There are minimal signs of wear and tear.
The black finish has held up well, showing only minor scratches from regular handling. The polymer baseplate remains securely attached, and the spring tension feels as strong as when it was new. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward.
Compared to some aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, the Smith & Wesson magazine is noticeably more reliable. I’ve experienced no failures to feed or other malfunctions with it. It has significantly outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin is specifically designed for Smith & Wesson M&P45 pistols. It holds 14 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition. The magazine features a black finish and a polymer baseplate. The magazine is of OEM origin.
- Caliber: .45 ACP: This is a classic and powerful self-defense caliber, known for its stopping power.
- Capacity: 14 Rounds: Offers a significant increase over standard capacity magazines, providing more rounds for self-defense or competition.
- Finish: Black: Provides a durable and corrosion-resistant coating.
- Origin: OEM: Ensures proper fit and function with Smith & Wesson M&P45 pistols.
Performance & Functionality
The magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed ammunition into the pistol’s chamber. It excels in this role. The magazine’s spring tension provides consistent pressure, ensuring that rounds are presented correctly for feeding. The magazine meets and exceeds my expectations for reliability and functionality.
The magazine’s extended capacity is a significant strength, offering more rounds without compromising reliability. A potential weakness is its increased length, which may make it more difficult to conceal carry.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine is designed to be a direct replacement for the standard Smith & Wesson M&P45 magazine. The build quality is excellent, using high-quality materials that feel durable and robust. The magazine’s weight is appropriate for its capacity and construction.
The magazine is easy to load and use. There is a slight learning curve when loading the final few rounds to full capacity, but it’s manageable.
Durability & Maintenance
The Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin is built to last. The magazine is made from high-quality steel with a durable black finish.
Cleaning and maintaining the magazine is simple. Regular cleaning and lubrication will ensure its continued reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin does not come with any additional accessories. There are no readily available customization options specific to the magazine itself. However, it is compatible with any Smith & Wesson M&P45 pistol for which it is designed.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 14-round capacity provides a significant advantage in self-defense situations, offering more rounds without reloading.
- OEM Quality: Being a Smith & Wesson product, it guarantees proper fit and function with M&P45 pistols, ensuring reliability.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials, the magazine is built to withstand regular use and resist wear and tear.
- Reliable Feeding: The strong spring tension and well-designed follower ensure consistent and reliable feeding of ammunition.
- Easy to Load: While loading to full capacity requires some effort, the magazine is generally easy to load by hand.
Cons
- Increased Length: The extended capacity results in a longer magazine, which may make it more difficult to conceal carry.
- Price: OEM magazines tend to be more expensive than aftermarket options, which may be a deterrent for some buyers.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin?
The Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin is perfect for:
- Home defense users: The increased capacity offers a significant advantage in a defensive situation.
- Competitive shooters: More rounds mean fewer reloads during competition.
- Anyone who values reliability: Smith & Wesson OEM quality ensures consistent performance.
This product may not be ideal for:
- Those prioritizing concealability: The extended length makes it less suitable for concealed carry.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Aftermarket options may be more affordable.
A must-have modification would be quality magazine pouches designed to accommodate the extended length of the magazine.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
The Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin is an excellent upgrade for any Smith & Wesson M&P45 owner looking to increase their firepower and reliability. The magazine’s increased capacity, durable construction, and reliable feeding make it a worthwhile investment for home defense, competition, or general range use. The price is justified by the peace of mind that comes with OEM quality.
I would definitely recommend this magazine to anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable, and high-capacity magazine for their Smith & Wesson M&P45. If you value reliability and increased capacity, this magazine is a must-have. Invest in your peace of mind and get the Smith & Wesson 14 Round M&P45 Magazine w/Black Base – 45 ACP Caliber, 14 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin today!