Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine Review

What Happened When I Tried the Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine

My go-to for reliable firearm magazines has always been a point of careful consideration, and the quest for consistent feeding in my Smith & Wesson 5906 was becoming increasingly frustrating. After experiencing a few too many frustrating range sessions punctuated by failures to feed, I knew it was time to explore aftermarket options. My search led me to the Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine, a brand I’d heard good things about in terms of quality and durability. The promise of a 20-round capacity was particularly appealing for extended range time, offering more trigger time and less time on mag changes.

The initial impression upon unboxing this Mec-Gar magazine was positive. The blued steel tube felt robust, and the polymer follower and floor plate seemed well-integrated. I had been using older, perhaps worn-out factory magazines, and this felt like a significant upgrade in terms of material quality. I had also briefly considered some less expensive, off-brand options, but the consistent reputation of Mec-Gar for producing reliable firearm accessories made this particular unit a no-brainer for serious use. My first reaction was one of quiet optimism, a feeling that I might have finally found a solution to my magazine woes.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for this Mec-Gar magazine were the controlled environment of my home workshop and, more importantly, the familiar firing line at my local indoor range. The simple act of loading was straightforward; the magazine fed smoothly into the S&W 5906 without any hangups. At the range, I tested it over several shooting sessions, running drills that involved rapid firing and deliberate slow fire.

The magazine performed admirably in these conditions, cycling through a variety of 9mm ammunition types without a single hiccup. It integrated seamlessly with the firearm, and the extended capacity meant fewer interruptions to my practice. There were no surprises or quirks; it just worked as expected from the moment I inserted it into the pistol.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, including multiple range trips and even a day spent in a slightly dusty outdoor setting, this Mec-Gar magazine has proven its mettle. It has become my primary magazine for my Smith & Wesson 5906, reliably feeding rounds under various conditions. I’ve loaded and unloaded it dozens of times now, and the spring tension remains consistent, with no signs of weakening.

Durability has been excellent; there are no visible cracks, significant scuffs, or performance degradation. The heat-treated carbon steel tube and high-impact polymer components appear to be holding up exceptionally well against the rigors of frequent use. Maintenance is as simple as it gets: a quick wipe-down with a cleaning cloth and occasional lubrication of the follower and spring. Compared to some budget magazines I’ve encountered over the years that quickly develop feeding issues or loosen up, this Mec-Gar unit feels significantly more robust and reliable.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine boasts a solid set of specifications designed for reliability and capacity. It features a 20-round capacity, which is a significant step up from standard single-stack or lower-capacity double-stack magazines. The magazine tube is constructed from heat-treated carbon steel, providing a strong and durable housing for the ammunition.

At its core is a high-impact polymer follower, designed to guide rounds smoothly up the stack and prevent jams. The high-impact polymer floor plate not only adds durability but also sits flush with the pistol grip, offering a clean aesthetic and preventing accidental unseating. The material is listed as Polymer for the follower and floor plate, while the tube is steel. This blend of materials ensures a balance of strength, lightness, and resistance to wear.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, this Mec-Gar magazine performs exceptionally well. It consistently feeds 9mm Luger ammunition into compatible Smith & Wesson firearms, including the 5900 series, 915, 910, and 659 models. Reliability is the standout feature; I experienced no feeding failures, stovepipes, or jams during my testing period, even with faster shooting.

The magazine’s 20-round capacity means more rounds on tap before a reload is necessary, which is beneficial for training and defensive scenarios alike. It clearly meets, and in my experience, exceeds the expectations for a replacement or extended magazine. Its performance is on par with, if not slightly better than, some OEM magazines I’ve used in the past, offering a noticeable improvement in consistent feeding.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Mec-Gar magazine is focused on function and durability, with a few thoughtful touches. The blued finish on the steel tube is smooth and appears to offer decent corrosion resistance. The high-impact polymer follower is well-shaped, guiding the rounds without snagging.

The high-impact polymer floor plate is a significant ergonomic improvement over some older designs, as it sits flush and doesn’t create an awkward extension that could snag on clothing or holsters. Loading rounds into the magazine is relatively easy, though as with any higher-capacity magazine, the last few rounds can require a bit more effort. This is a minor point, however, and typical for magazines of this type.

Durability & Maintenance

The Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine is built for longevity. The combination of heat-treated carbon steel for the tube and robust polymer for the follower and base plate suggests it’s designed for extended service life. Under normal range use and handling, I anticipate this magazine will last for many thousands of rounds.

Maintenance is straightforward. Disassembly for cleaning is typically done by pressing a tab on the floor plate to remove it, allowing access to the spring and follower. A simple wipe-down of the interior with a clean cloth and a light application of firearm lubricant on the spring and follower are usually sufficient. No specific maintenance is required beyond standard firearm care.

Accessories and Customization Options

This particular product is a standalone magazine, so it does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options for the magazine itself. However, its design ensures it functions as intended within the specified firearm models.

Pros and Cons of Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine

Who Should Buy Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine?

This magazine is ideal for owners of Smith & Wesson 5900 series, 915, 910, and 659 pistols who are looking to enhance their firearm’s capability. It’s a fantastic choice for range shooters who want more trigger time between reloads and for defensive firearm owners seeking a reliable, higher-capacity spare magazine. Anyone who has experienced issues with their factory magazines or desires improved reliability will find this unit a worthwhile investment.

Those who should probably skip this are individuals who own firearms outside of the specified Smith & Wesson models. Additionally, if you prefer the absolute smallest possible magazine footprint, a lower-capacity option might be more suitable, though this 20-round model is quite streamlined for its capacity. A good quality speed loader can complement this magazine, making the loading process easier, especially when dealing with those final rounds.

Conclusion on Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine

The Mec-Gar Smith & Wesson 5900 Series/ 915/ 910/ 659 9mm Luger 20 Round Pistol Magazine stands out as a superb aftermarket accessory. It delivers on its promise of increased capacity and, more importantly, rock-solid reliability. The build quality is evident, combining durable steel with resilient polymer components that feel built to last.

Considering its performance and build quality, the price of $36.54 is an excellent value proposition. It significantly enhances the usability and performance of compatible Smith & Wesson firearms without breaking the bank. I would wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to any owner of the aforementioned S&W models looking for a dependable upgrade. It’s a practical, well-made component that simply works, providing peace of mind and more enjoyment at the range.