First Impressions of Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round
The Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round promises to boost your AR-15’s magazine capacity without sacrificing reliability. As someone who’s spent years both competing and instructing in tactical shooting, I’m always on the lookout for enhancements that offer a real edge. This extension caught my eye because Taran Tactical Innovations has a solid reputation for quality and performance in the competitive shooting world.
My primary reason for looking into magazine extensions is simple: more rounds mean less reloading. Specifically, I wanted something that added capacity without significantly increasing the magazine’s length, as that can interfere with prone shooting or maneuverability in tight spaces. I had considered other extensions from Magpul and Strike Industries, but Taran Tactical Innovations’ reputation for reliability and the promise of a simple, tool-less installation swayed me. My initial impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism; could this simple add-on really live up to the hype?
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the heft of the extension. The CNC-machined billet aluminum felt substantial and durable, and the hard anodized finish looked like it could withstand serious abuse. Compared to the polymer extensions I’ve handled in the past, this one exuded quality. I was definitely excited to get it to the range, but a small part of me was hesitant due to the price being around $50, especially given I have other extensions that are a third of the cost; I felt like they’re basically the same thing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor range, under typical sunny California conditions. I outfitted several PMAG 30s and PMAG 40s with the Taran Tactical Innovations extensions and ran them through various drills, focusing on magazine changes and rapid-fire sequences. Installation was simple, as advertised. After removing the factory baseplate, the extension slid on smoothly, locking into place with the push-pin design.
The added weight of the extension was immediately noticeable and seemed to help the magazines drop free more consistently, even when partially loaded. I did experience one early hiccup with a PMAG 30 where the last round failed to feed correctly. However, after disassembling the mag and ensuring the spring wasn’t binding, the issue resolved itself.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round has proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve used these mags in several carbine courses and practice sessions. They’ve been subjected to plenty of dirt, drops, and rough handling. Despite all of this, the anodized finish still looks great, and I’ve seen no signs of cracking or deformation.
Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and some CLP is all it takes. The only thing is, I did get some oil on my shirt when cleaning it, which sucked. Compared to some cheaper extensions I’ve used that have cracked or chipped after minimal use, this one definitely stands out in terms of longevity. I’ve experienced no other malfunctions or issues since the initial hiccups mentioned earlier.
Breaking Down the Features of Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round
Specifications
The Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round is designed for .223/5.56 AR-15 magazines. The extension adds 5 rounds to a PMAG 30 and 6 rounds to a PMAG 40. It weighs in at 2.1 ounces and adds approximately 1 inch to the magazine’s overall length.
The extension is constructed from CNC machined billet aluminum with a hard coat anodized finish. The Manufacturer specifically designs it to work with the stock magazine spring. The push-pin design allows for easy, tool-less installation and removal.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round is to increase magazine capacity. It does this reliably and effectively. The added rounds give a significant advantage in competitive shooting or any scenario where minimizing reloads is critical. The increased weight also aids in faster, more consistent magazine ejection, even when the magazine is empty.
However, the added length, although minimal, could be a drawback for some users when shooting prone. The extension performs as advertised and delivers a noticeable improvement in magazine capacity and reload speed. I was quite surprised by the speed increase after running with the extension.
Design & Ergonomics
The Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round features a simple, one-piece design that is easy to install and remove. The CNC machined aluminum construction feels robust and durable. It blends seamlessly with the PMAG body, maintaining a consistent look and feel. The hard anodized finish provides a non-slip surface and protects against corrosion.
The design is intuitive and requires no specialized tools or skills for installation or maintenance. The added length is minimal, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with the rifle’s balance or handling. Overall, the extension is well-designed and ergonomically sound, making it a pleasure to use. I’m glad that Taran Tactical Innovations considered not over-doing the length; a lot of other brands make the extension too long and hinder the gun.
Durability & Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, the Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round is exceptionally durable. The billet aluminum construction and hard anodized finish hold up well to rough handling and exposure to the elements. I expect this extension to last for many years of regular use.
Maintenance is simple. The one-piece design eliminates the need for any disassembly or specialized cleaning tools. The smooth surface makes it easy to wipe away dirt, grime, and lubricant. The durability and ease of maintenance make this extension a reliable choice for serious shooters.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round is primarily designed to work with standard PMAG 30 and PMAG 40 magazines. It doesn’t require any specific accessories. While no customization is possible for the extension itself, users can still use their preferred magazine pouches and carriers.
Because it’s compatible with standard PMAGs, the extension benefits from the wide availability of PMAG accessories, such as magazine couplers and ranger plates. However, these don’t directly interact with the extension itself. The simple, direct design of the extension means that it doesn’t need additional accessories to function effectively.
Pros and Cons of Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round
Pros
- Increases magazine capacity by 5-6 rounds without sacrificing reliability.
- CNC machined from billet aluminum for exceptional durability.
- Easy, tool-less installation and removal with the push-pin design.
- Added weight promotes faster and more consistent magazine ejection.
- Minimal length increase prevents interference with prone shooting.
Cons
- The price is a significant investment compared to other magazine extensions on the market.
- Minimal length increase may still be a concern for some shooters when shooting prone.
Who Should Buy Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round?
The Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round is perfect for competitive shooters. Its’ the best for tactical shooters, and anyone who values increased magazine capacity and enhanced reload speed. This extension is also ideal for those who demand exceptional durability and reliability from their equipment.
Those who should skip this product are casual shooters or those on a tight budget. Also, people who are extremely sensitive to added length or weight will not benefit from the extension. A must-have modification for those who want the best performance is a high-quality PMAG magazine body.
Conclusion on Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round
The Taran Tactical Innovations Firepower Rifle Magazine Extension For AR, 5/6 Round is a high-quality, well-designed accessory that delivers on its promises. It increases magazine capacity, enhances reload speed, and offers exceptional durability. While the price may be a barrier for some, the performance and longevity of this extension justify the investment for serious shooters.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking to gain a competitive edge or enhance the reliability of their AR-15. If you’re serious about your shooting and demand the best, the Taran Tactical Innovations magazine extension is worth every penny. So, upgrade your magazine capacity and experience the difference that quality makes!