Mako E-Lander Mags

[Eric]

I figured that since most AR15/M4/M16 magazines are a scarce commodity right now, I'd grab a few E-Lander mags that were in stock, run some rounds through them and do a quick review (http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?4624-Mako-E-Lander-30-Round-Magazine). Has anyone else given them and try and if so, what are your thoughts?

Overall, they appear to be well made magazines. However, I found that it was difficult to seat them on a closed bolt, even when downloaded. I did not experience any feeding issues.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Magazines/IMG_2981.jpg

[Stickman]

Great review, I think the video really made your point with the mags not wanting to seat.

[skullworks]

The sad thing is that over here (in Europe) they are priced a lot higher than in the US, so we're still better off buying PMAGs from the US despite shipping and customs etc.

Tapatapatapatalk

[lamarbrog]

I just bought 3 today. I haven't had a chance to load them yet, but the overall construction seems to be high quality. The most comparable products I can think of to these would be the H&K "High Reliability' magazines and the old CProducts Stainless Steel magazines. I like these E-Lander ones better than both of those based on first impressions.

The magazine body is thick and rigid- seems like it could really take some abuse. My plan for them is team drills with movement- I feel like they'd handle being stepped on more so than an aluminum magazines.

[tac40]

I got a few samples and will be running them this weekend.

[jhjfdf]

Will get mine next week...bought some 30 round and a 40 round magazine.
The 30 round are 20 Euro and the 40 round are 45 euro ...so the 30 rnd cost me the same as a non windowed PMAG here.


And as seen in the video ,i got the same issue with my CAA Mag17 ...they wont lock when the bolt is closed.

[browcs]

I purchased five; got them late last week. I have not been able to go to the range with mine yet. Great review Eric. Thanks for posting this and the video.

[Stickman]

I purchased five; got them late last week. I have not been able to go to the range with mine yet. Great review Eric. Thanks for posting this and the video.

Can you check and see how they do or don't seat with the bolt close?

[FortTom]

I must be missing the obvious, but where are you getting these, and they're available?
Thanks,
FT

[zero7one]

Great review and perfect video, short and very informative! Well done.

[Eric]

http://www.themakogroup.com/product_p/earm30%20w.htm
Coupon code FREE-GRND for free shipping over $99

[Mrgunsngear]

http://imageshack.us/a/img708/2537/img1489rx.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img10/7268/picture5aj.png

Here's a quick write up/video with what I've found with mine...

Pros:
-Available
-In terms of reliability, they function flawlessly in all rifles they've been used in to date
-Come in 10, 20, 30, and 40 round capacity
-Nice even finish
-Anti-tilt follower
-Made out of steel. I'm not really a metal magazine AR fan but I think steel mitigates some of the issues the aluminum USGI mags are known for (spread feed lips, denting, ect...)
-Insert fully loaded and drop free in my Colt LE6920
-Cost. The 30 rounders are $18.70 and have free shipping if you order 6 or more.
-The overall construction seems pretty good. Nice welds, finish, ect...


Cons:
-Unmodified, they were difficult to insert on a closed bolt when fully loaded in several rifles. They were extremely difficult to release after insertion when fully loaded. All mags tested were fully loaded for over a week before testing.
-They're heavier than other competitor's mags (USGI/PMag/Lancer/ect...)

Once I took off about 1/16-1/8'' from the mag catch in the mags (see the end of the video below) they functioned just fine in every way in all the rifles I've tried them in. All in all---I'd be more concerned if they didn't work than the fact that they had to be slightly modified to drop free so that's a good thing but I'd prefer not having to tinker with mags to get them to function in my rifles...

If you just need to get a hold of some 30 rounders there's certainly worse mags out there (Promag for example--they're selling at the same price these days as well).

Here's the video showing a little shooting and demonstrating the things I talked about above:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvxlN55VsWY

[Eric]

Good news. Mako has acknowledged that some users of the AR15/M4/M16 platform in the US have experienced issues with the magazines seating and locking in place. They are adjusting the manufacturing specs to accommodate a wider range of different rifles.

[browcs]

Can you check and see how they do or don't seat with the bolt close?

Loaded the mags and tried to seat them in a BCM with the bolt closed. Same results as reported by Eric...will not seat unless you rap it hard. The loaded mags again did not seat in a Robinson Arms XCR-L on a closed bolt either unless you gave it a good smack.

[Popeye]

I saw a video on that (Elander Mags) and if you load one round under capacity supposedly they will function. Can't test the theory because I am still waiting on mine.

[Eric]

I saw a video on that (Elander Mags) and if you load one round under capacity supposedly they will function. I downloaded to 28 round, with the same results.

[Popeye]

That I did not want to hear! I have two ordered and now I'm getting worried.

[Eric]

Mako will be receiving the updated Gen 3 mags soon and I'm looking forward to checking them out.