Quick review of new Mecgar Luger mag

K.Wilhelm · 05-27-2014, 04:51 PM

I was finally able to get my hands on one of the new Mecgar Luger mags from a friend. Mine is the nickle plated version. Its fit and finish are about as good as the old model. The follower is polymer instead of metal- not a good idea imo.

I tried the mag in my 1920 Commercial and my byf 42. It fit, inserted and released well in each pistol. Fired about 30 rounds total, 10 in .30 and 20 in 9mm. (My friend and I had previously fired about 25 rounds in his Artillery Luger with this mag with no problems.) Feeding was fine and holdopens functioned correctly in both pistols (I did have one early lockback in the byf- the 4th out of 5 rounds).

In short I would personally prefer the old Mecgar mag primarily because of its metal follower; but, I don't really have anything else bad to say about the new model so far. KW

rhuff · 05-27-2014, 05:11 PM

Thanks for a first hand review of the new Mec-Gar mags. It is good to know that they functioned well for you. Perhaps the polymer followers will be less prone to stick in the tube than the metal ones, but time will tell. They shouldn't need any type of lube(silicone, etc.).

ithacaartist · 05-27-2014, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhuff

Perhaps the polymer followers will be less prone to stick in the tube than the metal ones, but time will tell. They shouldn't need any type of lube(silicone, etc.).

Aaah, I think polymer will be OK. The forces on it don't act in such a way as to tear it apart, like might happen with a mag bottom, and it tends to be slippery in contact with metal rubbed along it--or as it rubs along. I wouldn't worry about wearing one out. But I can see how the sense of aesthetics and nostalgia might kick in, 'cause it's just not a metal follower. Was it a problem for anyone when followers changed from steel to Zn/Al alloy? In any of these cases, the need for lube would be minimal, due to dissimilar materials in whatever combination (Has anyone ever seen a brass follower?).

The bottom line would be dependable function, and your trials point in the direction of adequacy. I think the mag is unlikely to have been instrumental in the early holding-open you experienced during the trials; more likely a foible of the holdopen/spring .

K.Wilhelm · 05-27-2014, 11:25 PM

Both of you gentlemen make excellent points. The follower does seem to glide more smoothly than the metal ones. Also, I would agree that in normal usage, the polymer should hold up allright. Bill

05-27-2014, 04:51 PM	#1
K.Wilhelm User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Central Colorado Posts: 215 Thanks: 45 Thanked 109 Times in 66 Posts	Quick review of new Mecgar Luger mag I was finally able to get my hands on one of the new Mecgar Luger mags from a friend. Mine is the nickle plated version. Its fit and finish are about as good as the old model. The follower is polymer instead of metal- not a good idea imo. I tried the mag in my 1920 Commercial and my byf 42. It fit, inserted and released well in each pistol. Fired about 30 rounds total, 10 in .30 and 20 in 9mm. (My friend and I had previously fired about 25 rounds in his Artillery Luger with this mag with no problems.) Feeding was fine and holdopens functioned correctly in both pistols (I did have one early lockback in the byf- the 4th out of 5 rounds). In short I would personally prefer the old Mecgar mag primarily because of its metal follower; but, I don't really have anything else bad to say about the new model so far. KW __________________ NRA Endowment Life member Proud veteran of the Naval Security Group

05-27-2014, 11:25 PM	#4
K.Wilhelm User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Central Colorado Posts: 215 Thanks: 45 Thanked 109 Times in 66 Posts	New type Mecgar mag Both of you gentlemen make excellent points. The follower does seem to glide more smoothly than the metal ones. Also, I would agree that in normal usage, the polymer should hold up allright. Bill __________________ NRA Endowment Life member Proud veteran of the Naval Security Group

05-27-2014, 05:11 PM	#2
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,274 Thanks: 2,695 Thanked 961 Times in 707 Posts	Thanks for a first hand review of the new Mec-Gar mags. It is good to know that they functioned well for you. Perhaps the polymer followers will be less prone to stick in the tube than the metal ones, but time will tell. They shouldn't need any type of lube(silicone, etc.).