The Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer Made a Bold First Impression
The Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer is more than just an accessory; it’s a statement. This simple upgrade promises to boost your magazine capacity by five rounds, enhancing reload speed and overall handling, all while sporting a sleek Flat Dark Earth finish. It’s a promise of enhanced performance and a touch of personalized aesthetics, all from Strike Industries.
I’ve always believed that in tactical situations, or even during competitive shooting, every round counts. Running dry at the wrong moment is simply unacceptable, and I’d been looking for a reliable way to increase my magazine capacity without sacrificing reliability or adding excessive bulk. The Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate seemed like the perfect solution, offering a balance of added capacity and improved ergonomics.
Unboxing the Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate, I was immediately impressed by its clean design and robust polymer construction. The Flat Dark Earth color perfectly matched my PMAG Gen M3 magazines, creating a seamless and professional look. It felt solid and well-made, reassuring me of its potential durability.
Compared to other magazine extensions I’ve used in the past, like some cheaper, generic brands that felt flimsy, the Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate stood out due to its brand reputation and positive reviews, which spoke to its reliability. I also considered the Magpul PMAG Ranger Plate, but the promise of +5 capacity and the Strike branding ultimately swayed my decision. My initial excitement stemmed from the potential for increased firepower and faster reloads.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer was at my local shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to test its functionality and reliability. The weather was clear and dry, ideal for accurate shooting and observation.
Installing the magazine plate was straightforward, requiring only a simple push-pin removal and slide-on replacement. During live fire, the added capacity was immediately noticeable and welcome. I experienced smoother and faster reloads thanks to the slightly extended grip surface, offering a more positive purchase.
I did encounter one minor issue during my initial testing: the first couple of magazines with the extension were a little tight when seating into my AR-15. After a few repetitions, however, the issue resolved itself as the magazine settled.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including participation in a local 3-gun competition, the Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate has held up admirably. There are no visible signs of wear and tear despite repeated magazine changes and rough handling. The polymer material remains resilient, showing no signs of cracking or deformation.
Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or grime. I’ve also occasionally used a mild solvent to clean more stubborn residue. Comparing this to other magazine extensions I’ve used, the Strike product has proven to be far more durable and reliable. It has exceeded my initial expectations, becoming an indispensable part of my shooting gear.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer
Specifications
The Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer is designed to increase the capacity of standard Magpul PMAG Gen M3 magazines by five rounds. It is constructed from a high-strength polymer, ensuring durability and longevity. The finish is Flat Dark Earth, providing a visually appealing and tactically sound aesthetic that matches many popular firearm platforms.
This adds a minimal amount of weight and length to the magazine, preserving handling characteristics. The compatibility with the PMAG Gen M3 is crucial, ensuring a secure and reliable fit. This translates to consistent feeding and fewer malfunctions.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate performs exceptionally well, increasing magazine capacity without compromising reliability. It enables faster reloads due to the enhanced grip surface. The extension is easy to install and remove, making maintenance a breeze.
Its strength lies in its simple yet effective design and the quality of materials used. The primary weakness is the initial tightness when seating a fully loaded magazine, which can be resolved with use. Overall, it has exceeded my expectations by providing a significant increase in capacity and improving handling.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate features a streamlined design that integrates seamlessly with the PMAG Gen M3. The polymer construction is both lightweight and durable, adding minimal bulk to the magazine. It also creates a more comfortable grip surface, especially beneficial during rapid reloads.
The design is user-friendly. Installation is straightforward and requires no special tools.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-strength polymer construction ensures the Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate is built to last. The material is resistant to impacts, abrasions, and temperature variations. It requires minimal maintenance; regular cleaning with a cloth is usually sufficient.
Occasional lubrication of the magazine spring may also be beneficial. The durable construction suggests that this extension will withstand years of regular use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer doesn’t inherently require any additional accessories. It’s a standalone upgrade designed to enhance existing PMAG Gen M3 magazines. While no direct customization options are available for the extension itself, its compatibility with PMAG Gen M3 magazines means it works seamlessly with all existing PMAG accessories, like magazine couplers and pull tabs.
This ensures that users can further tailor their magazines to suit their specific needs. The compatibility with Magpul accessories is a key selling point.
Pros and Cons of Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer
Pros
- Increased Magazine Capacity: Adds five rounds, providing a significant tactical advantage.
- Enhanced Reload Speed: The extended grip surface facilitates faster and more positive magazine changes.
- Durable Construction: The high-strength polymer ensures longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
- Easy Installation: Simple, drop-in replacement requires no special tools.
- Seamless Integration: The Flat Dark Earth finish and design integrate perfectly with PMAG Gen M3 magazines.
Cons
- Initial Tightness: Fully loaded magazines may be slightly tight when initially seated.
- Slight Added Length: While minimal, the added length may affect magazine pouch compatibility for some users.
Who Should Buy Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer?
This product is perfect for competitive shooters, tactical enthusiasts, and anyone who values increased magazine capacity and faster reloads. It is also ideal for those seeking a simple and reliable upgrade to their PMAG Gen M3 magazines. Anyone using AR-15 platforms where PMAGs are used and wants a slight edge would enjoy it.
Those prioritizing ultra-compact magazine profiles or extremely lightweight setups may want to skip this product. Those on a very tight budget may also consider cheaper, albeit less reliable, alternatives. A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine loader to assist with loading the increased capacity.
Conclusion on Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer
The Strike Enhanced Magazine Plate +5 PMAG Gen M3 Flat Dark Earth Polymer is a fantastic upgrade that delivers on its promises. It increases magazine capacity, enhances reload speed, and maintains excellent reliability. The price of $10.95 is exceptionally reasonable, making it an easily justifiable investment for anyone looking to improve their AR-15 platform.
I would absolutely recommend it to anyone seeking a simple yet effective magazine upgrade. If you are on the fence, take the plunge; you won’t be disappointed! Upgrade your PMAGs today and experience the Strike Industries difference!