Let’s Talk About Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release
The Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release (MMR) is designed to offer AR-15 owners a customizable magazine release experience. Marketed by Strike Industries as a drop-in upgrade, it includes three different button options: Standard, Extended, and Oversized. The intent is to provide enhanced ergonomics and control, allowing users to tailor the magazine release to their specific needs and preferences.
I was seeking a magazine release that offered more tactile feedback and adjustability for gloved use during tactical training scenarios. I wanted something that could be quickly adapted to different shooting styles and hand sizes. The promise of modularity caught my eye, as it seemed like a versatile solution.
Upon unboxing, the Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release appeared well-machined. The polymer buttons felt lightweight, and the stainless-steel components seemed robust. The modular design was intriguing, but the polymer construction of the buttons raised some concerns about long-term durability compared to all-metal alternatives.
I considered several other extended magazine releases, including the Troy Industries Ambidextrous Magazine Release and the Magpul B.A.D. Lever. I ultimately chose the Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release because of its modular button design. The ability to switch between different button sizes without removing the entire magazine catch seemed like a significant advantage. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The concept was appealing, but the actual performance would determine if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release at an outdoor shooting range during a tactical carbine course. The weather was dry and sunny, presenting ideal conditions. I installed the extended button option for better accessibility with gloves.
The first few magazine changes revealed an issue. The extended button felt mushy, and required precise finger placement to reliably drop the magazine. When pressing slightly forward and inward, like I would naturally do under stress, the button would catch and jam.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continued use and multiple range sessions, my initial concerns were confirmed. The extended and oversized buttons continued to exhibit the same jamming issue. The standard button worked more reliably, but it negated the primary benefit of the modular design.
There were no visible signs of wear and tear on the polymer buttons, but the overall feel was still sloppy. Cleaning and maintenance were straightforward due to the simple design, but that didn’t compensate for the functional shortcomings. Compared to my previous experience with a standard, mil-spec magazine release, the Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release was a disappointment. It failed to deliver the enhanced performance and reliability I expected.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release
Specifications
The Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release includes a modular button design for quick and simple magazine button replacement. Users can swap the magazine button without removing the magazine catch. It comes with Standard, Extended, and Oversized included buttons to match different setups.
The buttons are textured for a positive feel and manipulation. They are made from durable and lightweight polymer. The shaft sleeve and button adapter are made from SUS630 stainless steel.
A steel magazine catch and magazine spring are included for a drop-in installation. It is designed for AR platform rifles, specifically the AR-15. The finish is textured, and the product weighs 0.6 oz.
These specifications aim to provide a customizable and ergonomic magazine release. The modularity is intended to enhance the user experience by allowing personalized configurations. However, the performance of these features in real-world conditions is crucial for overall satisfaction.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release aims to improve magazine changes by offering different button sizes. In practice, only the standard button performed reliably. The extended and oversized buttons suffered from jamming issues, undermining the intended functionality.
The primary weakness is the inconsistent performance of the extended and oversized buttons. The strength lies in the concept of modularity, but the execution falls short. It does not meet expectations for a reliable and consistent magazine release, particularly under stress.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release features a lightweight design due to the polymer buttons. The textured surfaces provide a decent grip.
There is a slight learning curve to installing and swapping the buttons, but the process is relatively straightforward. However, the poor performance of the larger buttons detracts from the overall ergonomic benefit.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer buttons appear to be reasonably durable, showing no significant wear after several range sessions. The stainless-steel components should resist corrosion and wear over time.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. The design is easy to disassemble and reassemble.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release comes with the Standard, Extended, and Oversized buttons. No other accessories are included.
It is compatible with any standard AR-15 lower receiver. Users can potentially combine it with aftermarket magazine wells or other ergonomic enhancements.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release
Pros
- Offers modularity with three button size options for customization.
- Easy drop-in installation with included magazine catch and spring.
- Lightweight polymer buttons with textured surfaces for improved grip.
- Stainless steel components for corrosion resistance.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to some other aftermarket magazine releases.
Cons
- Extended and Oversized buttons tend to jam when pressed at an angle.
- Polymer button construction raises durability concerns compared to metal alternatives.
- Inconsistent performance compared to a standard, mil-spec magazine release.
Who Should Buy Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release?
The Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release might be suitable for casual range shooters who prioritize customization options and don’t mind experimenting with different button sizes. It could also appeal to users who specifically prefer the standard button size and want a slightly more textured surface.
Competitive shooters or tactical users who require absolute reliability and consistent performance under stress should skip this product. The jamming issues with the extended and oversized buttons make it unsuitable for high-stakes situations.
A must-have modification would be sticking to the standard button option, but then you might as well just purchase a standard magazine release from the start.
Conclusion on Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release
The Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release presents an appealing concept with its modular design and multiple button options. However, real-world testing reveals significant performance issues, particularly with the extended and oversized buttons.
The value proposition is questionable, as the inconsistent performance undermines the intended benefits. The $29.66 price tag might seem reasonable, but the lack of reliability makes it a less attractive option.
I would not personally recommend the Strike Industries AR Modular Magazine Release based on my experience. The jamming issues outweigh the potential benefits of the modular design. Consider investing in a more reliable, all-metal magazine release for consistent performance.