First Thoughts on the Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
The Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin presents an intriguing option for FAL owners seeking affordable, readily available magazines. Thermold is a brand known for its polymer magazines, often offering a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional steel mags. This particular magazine caters to the FN/FAL rifle, chambered in the potent .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO caliber, holding 20 rounds and sporting a black finish of aftermarket origin.
I needed a reliable and affordable source of magazines for my FAL. Surplus steel magazines are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. I was looking for a practical alternative for range use and training.
My initial impression upon unboxing the Thermold magazine was… well, it’s a polymer magazine. It felt lightweight, noticeably lighter than a steel FAL magazine. The Zytel nylon construction felt reasonably solid, though perhaps not as confidence-inspiring as cold, hard steel.
Compared to a surplus steel FAL magazine, the Thermold feels less robust. It’s clearly designed to be a cost-effective alternative, prioritizing affordability over ultimate durability. I also considered magazines from DSArms but ultimately chose the Thermold for its price point, acknowledging the potential trade-offs.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price point was attractive, but I was also aware of potential issues with aftermarket polymer magazines, especially concerning feeding reliability and long-term durability. The mixed user feedback I had found online added to my apprehension.
Real-World Testing: Putting Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Thermold magazines primarily at an outdoor shooting range. I ran them through my Belgian FN/FAL, alternating between the Thermold mags and my standard steel magazines. The weather was dry and sunny, typical range conditions.
Initially, I experienced some difficulty seating the magazine. It required more force to lock into place compared to the steel magazines, both with the bolt open and closed. The plastic felt a little slick, making it harder to get a solid grip while inserting the magazine.
After the first few insertions and removals, the seating issue seemed to improve slightly. The magazine started to break in, but it was still not as smooth as my steel magazines. No other issues presented themselves after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a few months of use, the Thermold magazines have held up reasonably well. They haven’t cracked or broken, but they do show some wear marks where they rub against the magazine well. The finish has also started to wear off in those areas.
Durability-wise, they are definitely not as robust as steel magazines. I wouldn’t subject them to extreme abuse, and I’m particularly wary after seeing the drop test video. I make sure to handle them with a bit more care.
Maintenance is simple. I wipe them down with a cloth after each range session to remove any dirt or grime. I haven’t needed to do any deep cleaning. Compared to my steel magazines, they require less maintenance.
Compared to my experiences with steel magazines, the Thermold lags behind in terms of overall durability and seating ease. However, for the price, they provide a functional, if somewhat less refined, alternative for range use. They haven’t failed to feed, but I don’t trust them as much as my steel magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is designed for FN/FAL rifles chambered in .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO. It has a 20-round capacity, which is standard for FAL magazines. The magazine is finished in black and is of aftermarket origin.
The magazine is constructed from Zytel nylon, a durable polymer known for its impact resistance. This material choice contributes to the magazine’s lightweight design. The fact that it’s an aftermarket product means it’s not manufactured by FN, implying potential differences in quality control or specifications compared to original factory magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The Thermold magazine functions adequately for range use. It feeds ammunition reliably once seated correctly. The primary issue lies in the initial seating, which often requires more force than steel magazines.
The magazine’s strength is its affordable price and availability. Its weakness is its less robust construction and the potential for seating issues. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly range magazine, but it doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s black polymer construction is simple and functional. It lacks the aesthetic appeal of a well-worn steel magazine. The weight is noticeably lighter, which can be an advantage for carrying multiple magazines.
The magazine seating can be cumbersome. A learning curve exists in finding the right angle and force to lock it into the magazine well consistently. This is especially important for those accustomed to the smoother operation of steel magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The Thermold magazine’s lifespan will likely be shorter than that of a steel magazine. The Zytel nylon is durable but prone to wear and tear over extended use and exposure to the elements. Proper storage and handling are essential for maximizing its lifespan.
Maintenance is straightforward. Cleaning involves wiping down the magazine with a cloth to remove dirt and debris. No special tools or solvents are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin comes with no additional accessories. There are no readily available customization options for the magazine itself. The magazine is compatible with any standard FAL rifle designed to accept metric pattern magazines.
Pros and Cons of Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Affordable price: Significantly cheaper than surplus steel magazines.
- Readily available: Easier to find than original FN/FAL magazines.
- Lightweight: Easier to carry multiple magazines without significant weight burden.
- Functional: Feeds ammunition reliably once properly seated.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Seating issues: Can be difficult to seat, requiring more force than steel magazines.
- Durability Concerns: Zytel nylon construction is not as robust as steel.
- Aftermarket Origin: Quality control may be less stringent than with original factory magazines.
Who Should Buy Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin?
The Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for FAL owners who need affordable magazines for range use and casual shooting. This magazine suits individuals who prioritize cost-effectiveness over ultimate durability and authenticity. It also benefits those who want a lightweight option for carrying multiple magazines.
This product is not suitable for individuals who demand the highest level of reliability and durability in their magazines, particularly for tactical or defensive applications. Collectors seeking authentic FN/FAL magazines should also avoid this aftermarket option. Anyone wanting to avoid polymer magazines entirely should also avoid this item.
A magazine loader designed for FAL magazines can be helpful. It also helps to have extra steel magazines for when you really need them.
Conclusion on Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
The Thermold 20 Round Black Mag For FN Falcon – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin offers a budget-friendly solution for FAL owners needing additional magazines. It is a functional, albeit less refined, alternative to increasingly scarce and expensive steel magazines. Its reliability is acceptable for range use, but its durability is a valid concern.
At $12.99, the price is justified for a functional magazine that can supplement a collection of steel magazines. I would recommend it for recreational shooters seeking affordable magazines, but I would advise against relying on it for critical situations. If you need more magazines for range use, consider purchasing one or two.