It was again at SHOT Present in early 2020 after I hit the Mission First Tactical (MFT) sales space and spied just a few distinctive AR-15 mags on show. That they had colourful photographs seemingly embedded into the polymer itself relatively than painted on or utilized through a sticker. I’d gone by means of the method myself on the time for an article detailing it, now I’ve executed it once more and may give a sturdiness report on the originals as nicely.
What are they?
The idea of the customized mags is MFT’s Excessive Responsibility (EXD) 30-rounders.
Tech Specs:
50% Stronger
3x Extra Influence Resistant than conventional nylons
Subsequent Technology Lengthy Glass Fiber Polymer
Enhanced Energy & Sturdiness
Ribbed entrance and rear gripping floor
Lengthy-life USGI-spec stainless-steel spring
4-way anti-tilt self-lubricating follower
Flared flooring plate
Outsized bolt catch
Paint Pen dot matrix
Device-less disassembly with double flooring plate security launch tabs
The manufacturing technique that MFT makes use of to use photographs continues to be fairly carefully held. “Variable Impregnation Course of” is the official time period used, and the large takeaway from my discussions with MFT about this process is that the picture isn’t simply on the floor, however runs deeper into the fabric of the journal physique itself. It appears such as you’d be capable to really feel the sides of the picture, however you possibly can’t. The picture actually is contained in the magazine physique materials. You’ll be able to’t scrape it off with a fingernail. There’s a particularly powerful (and barely shiny) clearcoat as nicely, even on sections of the picture which can be clean until you employ a clear background.
I’ll go into the method from the patron’s facet in a second. First, I’ll cowl just a few causes one would possibly need customized mags within the first place. There’s certain to be extra causes than what I can give you, however right here’s a fast concept checklist.
Reward for Father’s day/birthday
Mags printed to match your rifle’s paint/camo
Caliber or Rifle’s identify imprinted on magazine
Groomsman’s reward
Unit insignia
I’ve a lot of plain black mags. Now I need one which isn’t.
The method is fairly painless. Go to “https://missionfirsttactical.com/doogma-testing/” and there’s a useful instrument that lets you add a picture of your alternative and alter the positioning of the picture in addition to zoom stage and background elimination.
The web site’s instruments are simple to make use of, although I might need for a pair extra options. One, I’d like the power to rotate photographs barely to match the curve of the journal. Two, I’d like the power to click on a field and have a normal magwell seem superimposed on the journal so I can see exactly what can be minimize off when the magazine is inserted.
To keep away from copyright points from different artists, I used just a few items of my very own 3-D rendered artwork. MFT had their very own artist draw up just a few variations thereof and included them within the order. (The mags with “The Fact About Weapons” firm logos can be featured in a magazine giveaway quickly!) Moreover TTAG logos, Jessica Rabbit and Laura Kinney (X-23) acquired their very own mags. Additionally proven is the four-year-old magazine with Paigeosity’s “Summer season Aesthetic” (used with permission). Sure, I like pinup.
I pulled the OG Summer season Aesthetic magazine out of my taking pictures bag. It’s been in common use during the last 4 years, however is hardly worse for put on. The polymer Mission First Tactical makes use of for his or her mags isn’t weak, however it’s nonetheless fairly spectacular that the picture has held up for years.
One side that’s fairly spectacular is the extent of element MFT is ready to get onto these mags. It doesn’t present up in plenty of the pictures, however a superb zoom shot may give you an concept.
The mags themselves perform correctly. They feed .223 and .300 BLK high quality to incorporate heavy subs. The earliest mags from MFT had some points, the EXD (Excessive Responsibility) mags have undoubtedly remedied this. That’s together with the usual mags, the translucent mags, and these customized mags as nicely.
If I had one minor quibble about MFT’s customized mags, it’s the identical one I had 4 years in the past. I’d like to see a “slick facet” magazine with out cutouts, like Torkmag’s eponymous product.
When you’ve got any inclination towards spicing up the aesthetic of your rifle, or that of a buddy, undoubtedly try Mission First Tactical’s customized mags. Additionally they provide customized imagery on EDC dump trays, holsters and wallets.
Since a photograph is value a thousand phrases, right here’s a pair extra!
Try extra articles from Jens “Rex Nanorum” Hammer or go to him on Instagram @Rexnanorum.
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