First Impressions of Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine
The Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine arrives promising enhanced capacity and a unique aesthetic for the AR-15 platform. Its skeletonized design immediately sets it apart from standard magazines. With a 50-round capacity in 5.56x45mm NATO, it suggests a significant boost in firepower.
As an experienced shooter and gear specialist, I’m always looking for ways to improve my kit. Standard 30-round magazines often require frequent reloads during training or competition. The promise of 50 rounds in a single magazine piqued my interest, offering a potential advantage in sustained fire scenarios.
My first impression upon receiving the Warrior Systems magazine was positive. The tungsten gray finish is sleek and the aluminum construction feels robust. Picking it up, it felt surprisingly light for its size, a definite plus.
Compared to my standard Magpul PMAGs and Lancer L5AWMs, the Warrior Systems magazine presents a different approach. PMAGs offer renowned reliability, and Lancers provide a visual round count. However, the Warrior Systems magazine aims for a higher capacity and a distinctive, skeletonized look, something neither of the other two provide. I chose this magazine hoping for increased capacity without sacrificing reliability or adding significant weight.
Initially, I was excited by the potential of the Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine. The design is eye-catching and the capacity is impressive. The question remained: would it deliver on its promises in real-world use?
Real-World Testing: Putting Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Warrior Systems magazine took place at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal conditions. I loaded the magazine with 50 rounds of standard 5.56x45mm ammunition.
The first few rounds fed smoothly, but by round 20, I experienced a significant failure to feed. Clearing the malfunction, I continued, but the issues persisted intermittently throughout the magazine. The magazine appeared to struggle with consistent feeding, particularly at higher round counts.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of repeated range trips, the reliability of the Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine remained inconsistent. Malfunctions continued to occur, especially when the magazine was fully loaded or close to it. The aluminum construction itself appeared durable, showing no significant signs of wear and tear beyond minor cosmetic scratches.
Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward, thanks to its simple design. However, the skeletonized cuts allowed dirt and debris to accumulate inside more easily than with fully enclosed magazines. Compared to my experience with other high-capacity magazines (such as drum magazines), the Warrior Systems magazine falls short in reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine boasts the following specifications:
- Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO. This is the standard AR-15 caliber, ensuring compatibility with most rifles.
- Magazine Capacity: 50 rounds. A significant increase over standard 30-round magazines.
- Material: Aluminum. Providing a balance of durability and weight savings.
- Gun Make: AR Platform. Specifically designed for AR-15 rifles and similar platforms.
- Finish: Tungsten Gray. Offers a durable and aesthetically pleasing coating.
- Manufacturer: Warrior Systems.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s compatibility, capacity, durability, and overall performance. The 50-round capacity is its primary selling point. The aluminum construction suggests it will hold up to regular use.
Performance & Functionality
The Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine’s performance is a mixed bag. While it offers a substantial increase in capacity, its reliability is questionable. The feeding issues I encountered significantly detract from its usability.
Its primary strength is its increased ammunition capacity, allowing for extended firing sessions. However, its weakness is the unreliable feeding, which can lead to frustrating malfunctions. The magazine falls short of expectations, especially considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Warrior Systems magazine features a distinctive skeletonized design. The aluminum body is lightweight, but the sharp edges of the cutouts can be uncomfortable during handling, especially when loading. The design is visually appealing, but the ergonomics could be improved.
There is no significant learning curve to using the magazine, as it functions similarly to standard AR-15 magazines. However, the loading process can be tedious due to the high capacity. A loading tool is almost a necessity.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction of the magazine suggests reasonable durability. After weeks of use, there are no signs of structural damage. The magazine should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care.
Maintenance is relatively easy. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is straightforward, but the skeletonized design makes it harder to remove all debris. Regular cleaning is recommended to maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It is compatible with standard AR-15 magazine pouches. No specific customization options are available beyond the initial finish.
Compatibility with standard AR-15 accessories is a plus. However, the lack of included accessories is a missed opportunity. A magazine loader, for instance, would have been a welcome addition.
Pros and Cons of Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 50-round capacity significantly reduces the need for frequent reloads.
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction: Offers a balance of durability and manageable weight.
- Unique Skeletonized Design: Provides a distinct aesthetic that stands out from standard magazines.
- Easy to Maintain: Disassembly and cleaning are relatively simple.
Cons
- Reliability Issues: Frequent failures to feed, especially at higher round counts.
- Sharp Edges: Skeletonized cutouts can be uncomfortable during handling and loading.
- Price: The magazine is expensive compared to more reliable standard-capacity options.
Who Should Buy Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine?
The Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity and a unique aesthetic. It might also appeal to competitive shooters who can tolerate occasional malfunctions in exchange for fewer reloads.
Those who prioritize absolute reliability and consistent performance should skip this product. This includes tactical professionals, home defense users, and anyone who cannot afford malfunctions in critical situations. A reliable 30-round magazine is a better choice for those individuals. A reliable magazine loader is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine
The Warrior Systems Warrior Skeletonized AR-15 50 Round 5.56x45mm Tungsten Gray Rifle Magazine presents a compelling concept: high capacity combined with a lightweight and visually striking design. However, its unreliable feeding undermines its potential. The price, at $163.99, is difficult to justify given the performance issues.
I cannot personally recommend this magazine for serious use. While the high capacity and unique appearance are appealing, reliability is paramount in a firearm magazine. The Warrior Systems magazine simply doesn’t deliver consistent performance. Explore other high capacity magazines that deliver on reliability.