For shooters living in areas limited to 5 or 10 round magazines for their AR-15/M16, Brownells has answered the call with 5 and 10 round capacity,223/5.56mm magazines, equipped with an extended floor plate that has the same profile as the 20 round GI magazine.
According to Brownells:
Brownells AR15/M16 Magazines now available in 5 & 10 round capacities. These 5 & 10 round magazines feature an extended polymer base, for fast and easy removal from the magazine well. The top portion of both of these magazines retain the finish & construction of the 20 & 30-round magazines magazines. These magazines are designed to not allow more than the specified number of rounds to comply with local laws. Base can be removed for cleaning. Just like our 30 round GI magazines, all components are made of mil-spec materials and are manufactured under strict, ISO quality control standards. The heat-treated, welded aluminum body is hard-anodized for superior corrosion resistance, then given a tough, dry-lube coating to eliminate the need for additional lubricants that would attract dust, sand, or dirt. The military-type, glass-fiber reinforced composite follower further guarantees flawless feeding in the harshest tactical conditions. 5 & 10 round capacity magazines are available with a high lubricity, dry-lube-coated chrome silicon spring that’s corrosion-resistant certified to 500 hour salt spray standards, and less prone to spring “set.”
To test the magazines, I headed out to a 20 degree, snow covered range with four of the 10 round version. Unlike shorter 5 and 10 round magazines (above, left), the 20 round magazine profile (above, right) made handling easy. Most magazine carriers designed to work with a standard magazine will work with the Brownells 5 and 10 round magazine as well.
I fired 200 rounds of Winchester M855 through the Brownells magazine and did not encounter any malfunctions (the rifle shown has a mid-length Daniel Defense barrel). Shooting in 20 degree weather is always difficult; but, the added length of the floor plate made magazine manipulation easier than a shorter version.
After running drills, I shot a 50 round qualification course with them. The added time required to reload the rifle made for a more challenging course of fire which proved to be a unexpected benefit of a decreased round count.
The Brownells 5 and 10 round AR-15 magazines are great for shooters who are stuck with restrictive laws; but, I also see these magazines useful where semi automatic rifle magazine capacities are restricted when hunting.
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