First Impressions of Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell
The Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell promises faster, no-look magazine changes, a critical advantage in tactical scenarios or competitive shooting. Sylvan Arms claims this magwell boasts a wider flare than competing products and includes an integral trigger guard. At a price point of $43.99, it seems like an affordable upgrade. My initial thoughts were cautiously optimistic.
I’ve been running AR-platform rifles for over a decade, both professionally and recreationally. Speed and efficiency are paramount in many situations, so I’m always looking for ways to improve my weapon handling. The primary problem I was aiming to solve was reducing fumble time during magazine changes, particularly under stress.
Upon unboxing, the Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell felt surprisingly lightweight. The 6061-T6 Aluminum construction seemed solid, and the anodized black finish was clean and consistent. My first impression was that it was a well-machined piece of kit, however, I did notice the included hardware felt a bit cheap.
I considered a few other flared magwells, including those from Magpul and Strike Industries. However, the Sylvan Arms model’s integrated trigger guard and claimed wider flare caught my eye. Plus, the price was significantly lower, making it a tempting option for experimentation.
Initially, I was excited by the potential for faster reloads. However, the mixed user reviews I’d seen gave me pause. Only extensive testing would reveal if the Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell could live up to its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell at my local outdoor range. The weather was dry and mild, typical for a Southern California afternoon. I ran several drills involving rapid magazine changes, simulating both tactical reloads (retaining the partially spent magazine) and speed reloads (dropping the magazine).
Installation was straightforward, taking less than 15 minutes as advertised. I immediately noticed a smoother magazine insertion. It did feel more natural guiding the magazine into the well, even without looking.
The biggest issue I encountered during the first range session was compatibility with Magpul PMAGs, specifically Gen 3. The magazine would insert, but getting it to seat and lock in place required significant force. Also, ejecting the PMAG was also difficult, often requiring me to physically yank the magazine out of the magwell.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell has held up reasonably well. There are no visible signs of cracking or bending, despite repeated magazine changes and some accidental bumps against barricades. The anodized finish has only minor wear marks.
Cleaning is simple. The open design allows for easy access, and a quick wipe-down with a CLP-soaked cloth is usually sufficient. I still find that the Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell works best with metal magazines.
Compared to not having a flared magwell, this product is a marginal improvement in reload speed when using metal magazines. However, the PMAG compatibility issues are a major drawback. My previous experiences with other magwells have been more positive in terms of magazine compatibility.
Breaking Down the Features of Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell
Specifications
The Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell is manufactured by Sylvan Arms. It features an anodized finish for corrosion resistance.
It is specifically designed for the AR-15 platform, constructed from 6061-T6 Aluminum, and finished in black. The unit weighs only 1.4 oz.
The choice of 6061-T6 Aluminum provides a good balance of strength and weight. The lightweight design is essential for minimizing added bulk to the rifle.
Performance & Functionality
The Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell‘s primary function is to facilitate faster magazine changes. The wider opening allows for more forgiving magazine insertion. The integral trigger guard is a nice addition, providing extra space for gloved hands.
The biggest weakness is its poor compatibility with Gen 3 Magpul PMAGs, as reported by other users. This severely limits its usefulness for anyone relying on these popular magazines. The claim of fitting a “variety of platforms” is somewhat misleading given this limitation.
With metal magazines, the Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell slightly exceeds my expectations for reload speed. However, the PMAG issue makes it a disappointing overall experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell has a sleek, low-profile design that doesn’t add excessive bulk to the rifle. The 6061-T6 Aluminum construction feels solid. The integrated trigger guard is a welcome feature, providing ample space for gloved operation.
Installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and minimal gunsmithing knowledge. However, the gap between the magwell and lower receiver is unsightly, an aesthetic concern that could be annoying to some users.
Durability & Maintenance
The Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell appears reasonably durable, thanks to its aluminum construction and anodized finish. It should withstand normal use and handling without significant wear and tear.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. The anodized finish is corrosion-resistant.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell itself doesn’t have any customization options. It is designed as a standalone unit.
However, it is compatible with most AR-15 lower receivers that accept removable trigger guards. It is not compatible with drum magazines.
Pros and Cons of Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell
Pros
- Noticeably faster reloads with metal magazines. The flared design genuinely aids in guiding magazines into the well.
- Integrated trigger guard provides extra space for gloved hands. This is a valuable feature for tactical applications.
- Lightweight design adds minimal bulk to the rifle. The aluminum construction keeps the weight down.
- Easy installation requires only basic tools. Anyone can install this magwell in minutes.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to other flared magwells. The low price makes it an accessible upgrade.
Cons
- Incompatible with Gen 3 Magpul PMAGs. This is a major limitation for many AR-15 users.
- Noticeable gap between the magwell and the lower receiver on certain lowers. This gap is an aesthetic concern.
- The included hardware felt a bit cheap. There might be problems after prolonged usage.
Who Should Buy Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell?
The Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell is perfect for AR-15 owners who primarily use metal magazines and are looking for a budget-friendly upgrade to improve reload speed. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate the added space provided by the integrated trigger guard.
Anyone who relies heavily on Gen 3 Magpul PMAGs should skip this product. Also, those who prioritize aesthetics and demand a seamless fit with their lower receiver might be disappointed.
A must-have modification might be to look into alternative hardware, such as buying better screws, washers and pins. Also, users should ensure their setup utilizes metal magazines.
Conclusion on Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell
The Sylvan Arms AR-15 Flared Magwell offers a mixed bag of results. While it delivers on its promise of faster reloads with metal magazines, the glaring incompatibility with Gen 3 PMAGs is a significant drawback.
The price is certainly justified for the functionality it provides, if you don’t use PMAGs. However, the PMAG issue undermines the overall value proposition.
Personally, I’m hesitant to recommend it without a strong caveat about the magazine compatibility. While the faster reloads with metal magazines and integrated trigger guard are appealing, the PMAG incompatibility is a deal-breaker for many. If you’re on a tight budget and only use metal mags, it’s worth considering. Otherwise, I’d recommend exploring other options.