Product Review - Magpul PMAG 10 GEN M3

For a very large part of the country, it may seem silly or unnecessary to own 10-round magazines for an AR-15. One of the key points and selling features of the platform is the greater capacity over older alternatives like bolt- or lever-action rifles. For other parts of the country, a 10-round magazine is all citizens can aspire to own. Whether you live in a gun-friendly state or jurisdiction or a more restrictive one, a 10-round magazine, particularly of a very high quality from a well-respected manufacturer, can be a very useful thing.

Awww. It's like a little baby PMAG!

Magpul has been updating their line of legendary PMAGs (including the gold-standard PMAG 30) with the "GEN M3" treatment. In addition to the features we've all come to expect - like the stainless steel spring, anti-tilt follower, an internal geometry optimized for reliable feeding, and the simplicity of tool-less disassembly - the GEN M3 brings a redesigned and improved bolt catch, an enhanced texture and rib design for superior control in all environments and conditions, and a slimmer floorplate design that lends itself to better compatibility with tight mag pouches. The PMAG 10 GEN M3 is the 10-round variety of this generation.

Why a 10-round magazine, though? Why not (if you can) buy a standard capacity, 30-round magazine? Why not something really fun like a PMAG 40, so I can wait that much longer before changing mags? I see three fantastic reasons - one practical, one contextual, and one subjective.

First, a short, 10-round magazine, like the PMAG 10 GEN M3 is a very practical solution for bench-rest shooting or shooting with the rifle in a rest during scope sighting. A larger, standard capacity magazine can present challenges for bench-rest shooters due to its extension below the bottom of the receiver, and such length may entirely preclude the use of a rifle rest. The minimum extension of the PMAG 10 below the bottom of the receiver means bench-rest positions can be achieved more comfortably. Further, few rifle rests would have a problem with accommodating an AR-15 with a 10-round mag installed.

The next place Magpul's 10-round magazine shines is in the context of hunting. Many areas that permit use of an AR-15 for hunting will caveat that allowance with a restriction on the magazine capacity carried "in" the rifle when in the field. Pairing a PMAG 10 GEN M3 with a Magpul Minus 5-Round Limiter, makes for a great combo for AR-15 hunting. (Hunting with an AR-15, that is. Not hunting for AR-15s. But, let's face it - we're always hunting for another AR-15.)

Finally, and this could just be my subjective opinion, but a 10-round magazine is a great tool to promote - or require - self-control. At the range, it's really easy to burn through 30 rounds of ammunition quickly. (After all, that's what the AR-15 was designed to do.) Shooting with the PMAG 10 GEN M3 injects some intent into my shooting. When target shooting, I can practically a mantra like, "Take your time. You've only got 10 rounds." running through my head. And counting down from "10" is a lot easier than "30".

You may be fortunate enough to live in an area where magazine capacity for your AR-15 isn't an issue. Many of your fellow patriots are not so lucky. However, no matter your situation, shooting style, or application, you can't go wrong with adding a couple of Magpul's PMAG 10 GEN M3 magazines to your collection.

- Matt