Let’s Talk About Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate
As a seasoned firearms enthusiast and tactical gear specialist, I’ve handled countless magazines. The Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate promises increased capacity for my M&P .45, potentially bridging the gap between standard magazines and the need for frequent reloads in certain situations. This magazine stood out with its advertised capacity and Smith & Wesson pedigree.
I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to improve the performance and practicality of my firearms. My search for a higher-capacity magazine for my M&P .45 led me to this product. I needed a reliable magazine that wouldn’t sacrifice durability for capacity.
Upon receiving the magazine, I immediately noticed the robust steel construction. The blued finish gave it a professional look. The brown floor plate was a subtle, yet welcome, aesthetic touch, and the weight felt substantial, inspiring confidence.
Compared to standard 8-round magazines and aftermarket 10-round options, the Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate offered a significant capacity increase. I chose this magazine specifically because it came directly from Smith & Wesson. I was hoping that factory support would translate to better reliability and function.
My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism, typical when trying new magazines. I was eager to test its feeding reliability and overall performance at the range. The prospect of fewer reloads was appealing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran several drills involving rapid target acquisition and multiple shots. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze.
In general, the magazine performed well, but it wasn’t perfect right out of the box. The spring felt a little stiff, especially when loading the last few rounds. A few times, the slide failed to lock back after the last round.
It took some effort to fully load the magazine the first couple of times, however it functioned flawlessly as expected. There were no other immediate issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate has become more reliable. The spring has broken in nicely, and loading is much smoother. It now locks the slide back consistently after the last round.
The blued steel shows minimal signs of wear despite repeated use and magazine changes. I’ve disassembled and cleaned the magazine several times. It has proven to be relatively easy to maintain.
Compared to some aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, this Smith & Wesson magazine is significantly more robust and reliable. It’s not a night-and-day difference, but it’s a noticeable improvement.
Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate is specifically designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P .45 pistol. It features a 14-round capacity, significantly increasing the firepower of the handgun. The magazine body is constructed of steel, and the finish is blued for corrosion resistance.
The magazine is chambered in .45 ACP. The floor plate is made of a durable polymer. These specifications are crucial for ensuring reliability and longevity in a high-stress environment.
Performance & Functionality
The magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed .45 ACP rounds into the chamber of the M&P .45 pistol. It has generally performed well in this role, especially after the initial break-in period. Its increased capacity allows for more rounds downrange between reloads.
The magazine’s strength lies in its increased capacity and robust construction. One weakness is the initial stiffness of the spring. After it wears in, however, it’s a high-performing magazine.
The magazine mostly meets expectations, and certainly exceeds the capacity of standard magazines. It provides a noticeable increase in firepower without sacrificing reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s steel construction feels solid in hand and inspires confidence. The blued finish provides a sleek and professional look, as well as corrosion resistance. The brown floor plate adds a subtle touch of style.
The magazine is fairly easy to load, although the initial stiffness of the spring requires some extra effort. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the steel construction and blued finish, the magazine is expected to last a long time with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent rust and ensure smooth feeding. The magazine feels sturdy and can endure regular use.
The magazine disassembles easily for cleaning. This enhances its long-term reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate doesn’t require any additional accessories for its basic function. The brown floor plate is not customizable, as it comes standard with the magazine. It is compatible with any Smith & Wesson M&P .45 that accepts standard magazines.
Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 14-round capacity offers a significant advantage over standard 8-round magazines.
- Durable Steel Construction: The steel body provides excellent strength and longevity.
- Reliable Feeding: After a brief break-in period, the magazine feeds rounds consistently.
- Factory Support: Being a Smith & Wesson product, it enjoys the company’s reputation and potential support.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The blued finish and brown floor plate give the magazine a professional look.
Cons
- Initial Spring Stiffness: The spring can be quite stiff, making loading difficult initially.
- Price: It is relatively expensive compared to aftermarket magazines.
Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate?
The Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate is perfect for competitive shooters who need higher capacity magazines to reduce reload times. It is also well-suited for law enforcement personnel or individuals who prioritize maximum firepower in a self-defense situation. Anyone looking to enhance their M&P .45’s capabilities will benefit.
Individuals on a tight budget or those who only require standard-capacity magazines should probably skip this product. Those who are not willing to deal with a break-in period might also consider other options.
There are no must-have accessories or modifications. The magazine is ready to use out of the box.
Conclusion on Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate
The Smith & Wesson M&P 14 Round .45 ACP Pistol Magazine w/Blued/Brown Floor Plate is a solid upgrade for any M&P .45 owner seeking increased capacity and reliability. The initial spring stiffness is a minor inconvenience that resolves with use. Its steel construction and Smith & Wesson backing provide peace of mind.
The price is justified by the increased capacity and overall quality of the magazine. It is a worthwhile investment for those who demand the most from their firearm.
I would absolutely recommend this magazine to anyone looking to enhance their M&P .45’s performance. Upgrade your firepower and improve your shooting experience.