The THRIL INC PMX 223 Rem,5.56x45mm NATO AR15, M4 Platforms 30rd Black Detachable – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The AR-15 is only as reliable as its weakest link, and often that link is the magazine. Enter the THRIL INC PMX 223 Rem,5.56x45mm NATO AR15, M4 Platforms 30rd Black Detachable – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin: a 30-round magazine designed for AR-15/M4 platforms and boasting compatibility with other rifles like the SCAR 16, HK416, and Sig MCX. THRIL INC promises reliability and versatility, but in the crowded AR-15 magazine market, does it deliver?
My search for a new magazine stemmed from consistent failures-to-feed with some of my older, more worn-out magazines. I needed something dependable for range days and potential tactical scenarios. Upon unboxing, the THRIL INC magazine felt solid. The black polymer had a slightly rough texture providing a good grip.
I compared it to my standard Magpul PMAGs and a steel GI-style magazine. The THRIL INC magazine seemed sturdier than the GI mag but slightly less refined than the PMAG. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. At a price of $11.49, it seemed like a worthwhile gamble.
Real-World Testing: Putting THRIL INC PMX 223 Rem,5.56x45mm NATO AR15, M4 Platforms 30rd Black Detachable – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor range in mixed conditions. The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, typical for a late autumn afternoon. I ran the THRIL INC magazine through my AR-15, loading it with both .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO ammunition.
Loading was smooth, and the magazine seated firmly in the magwell. During the first three magazines, I experienced no failures. The ammunition fed reliably, and the bolt locked back on empty every time. I was pleased with the initial performance.
However, in the fourth magazine, using some older, slightly tarnished 5.56 NATO rounds, I experienced two failures-to-feed. The rounds seemed to catch on the feed lips. This caused the bolt to jam halfway, requiring manual intervention to clear the rifle. This wasn’t a good sign.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range day, I used the THRIL INC magazine over several weeks in varying conditions. I tested it during a carbine course in slightly dusty conditions and another range session after a light rainfall. Over time, I put approximately 500 rounds through the magazine.
The THRIL INC magazine held up fairly well to the extended use, but the initial failures weren’t a one-off occurrence. With certain types of ammunition, especially older or slightly dirty rounds, the magazine still exhibited occasional failures-to-feed. The polymer body, however, showed no signs of cracking or significant wear.
Cleaning was relatively simple. A quick wipe down with a cloth and a brush to clear any debris was sufficient. Compared to my PMAGs, which I trust implicitly, the THRIL INC magazine felt less reliable. It did not inspire the same confidence.
Breaking Down the Features of THRIL INC PMX 223 Rem,5.56x45mm NATO AR15, M4 Platforms 30rd Black Detachable – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
Caliber: .223 Remington/5.56 NATO. This magazine is designed to handle both common AR-15 chamberings, offering versatility.
Capacity: 30 rounds. The standard capacity for AR-15 magazines, providing ample firepower for most applications.
Origin: Aftermarket. This indicates that the magazine is not manufactured by a primary firearms manufacturer. It raises questions about quality control and consistency.
Material: Black Polymer. The polymer construction keeps the magazine lightweight. It also helps to resist corrosion.
Compatibility: AR15/M4 platforms, SCAR 16, HK416, and Sig MCX. This magazine is built to work across a range of popular modern sporting rifles, expanding its potential use cases.
These specifications suggest a budget-friendly, versatile magazine. However, the “Aftermarket Origin” specification gives cause for concern. This requires careful evaluation of its performance and reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The THRIL INC PMX magazine aims to provide reliable feeding for AR-15 platforms. The initial testing showed promise, but the intermittent failures raised concerns about its overall performance. With clean, new ammunition, it generally performed well. However, it struggled with slightly older or dirty rounds.
Strengths: The magazine is lightweight, easy to load, and generally feeds reliably with new ammunition. It seats firmly in the magwell.
Weaknesses: It shows inconsistent feeding with older or slightly dirty ammunition. This leads to concerns about reliability in less-than-ideal conditions.
The THRIL INC magazine meets basic expectations for a 30-round AR-15 magazine. However, it falls short of the reliability offered by premium magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The THRIL INC PMX magazine features a simple, functional design. The black polymer body has a slightly textured surface, providing a decent grip. The magazine is easy to handle and load, with no sharp edges or awkward angles.
The build quality feels adequate for the price. It does not exude premium quality. The polymer construction appears sturdy. However, the feed lips seem to be a potential weak point.
There’s no significant learning curve with the magazine. It functions like any other standard AR-15 magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The THRIL INC magazine appears reasonably durable, capable of withstanding regular use. After several weeks of testing, the polymer body showed no signs of cracking or significant wear. The magazine is relatively easy to maintain.
Disassembly for thorough cleaning is not straightforward. However, a simple wipe-down and brush cleaning is usually sufficient. Long-term durability remains a question mark. The reliability issues with varying ammunition types are of greater concern than the physical durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The THRIL INC magazine doesn’t come with any accessories or specific customization options. As a standard AR-15 magazine, it is compatible with a wide range of magazine pouches and loading devices.
Aftermarket followers and baseplates designed for standard AR-15 magazines may be compatible. However, compatibility isn’t guaranteed due to the aftermarket origin of the THRIL INC magazine.
Pros and Cons of THRIL INC PMX 223 Rem,5.56x45mm NATO AR15, M4 Platforms 30rd Black Detachable – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Compatible with multiple rifle platforms (AR15/M4, SCAR 16, HK416, Sig MCX).
- Smooth loading and seating in the magwell.
- Affordable price point ($11.49) makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Generally reliable with new, clean ammunition.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding with older or slightly dirty ammunition.
- Aftermarket origin raises concerns about long-term quality control.
- Durability is adequate but may not withstand heavy use as well as premium magazines.
Who Should Buy THRIL INC PMX 223 Rem,5.56x45mm NATO AR15, M4 Platforms 30rd Black Detachable – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The THRIL INC PMX magazine is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who primarily use their AR-15 for recreational target practice with new ammunition. It may also be suitable for those building a range of magazines for emergency preparedness, where quantity is prioritized over absolute top-tier reliability.
Those who rely on their AR-15 for self-defense, competition, or duty use should skip this product. They should invest in higher-quality, more reliable magazines from manufacturers like Magpul, Lancer, or SureFeed. If you consistently use a variety of ammunition types, especially surplus or reloaded rounds, steer clear.
A must-have accessory would be a reliable magazine loader. It will ease the loading process.
Conclusion on THRIL INC PMX 223 Rem,5.56x45mm NATO AR15, M4 Platforms 30rd Black Detachable – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The THRIL INC PMX 223 Rem,5.56x45mm NATO AR15, M4 Platforms 30rd Black Detachable – 223 Remington/5.56 NATO Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is a budget-friendly option for AR-15 owners seeking additional magazines. Its reliability issues with certain ammunition types prevent it from being a top-tier choice.
The $11.49 price tag makes it an attractive option for casual shooters. However, those who depend on their AR-15 for serious applications should invest in more proven magazines.
I would cautiously recommend it as a range-only magazine. It is critical to test thoroughly with your chosen ammunition. Ultimately, peace of mind is worth the extra investment when it comes to magazines. Don’t bet your life on a maybe.