March 02, 2011
By Joseph von Benedikt
The HCMs feature quad-stack configuration, with a revolutionary internal spring and follower system said to be particularly reliable.
By Joseph von Benedikt
Typically, we here at Shooting Times will only dub an item "product of the month" if we've had the chance to put our grubby paws on it and prove it for ourselves. This month, purely due to its unique nature, we decided to make an exception for SureFire's new High-Capacity Magazines (HCM). It's simply too cool to not show our trusty readers. So here's a bare-bones up-front look, and we'll follow up with a proper test and review when samples become available.
Those of you serving our country in active duty will understand the why behind this product. (Those of you who aren't will like it because, well, bigger is better, right?) Back to the why: As I understand it, the full-auto carbine platform is being phased back into common service in areas where ambushes are frequent, and engagements often occur at spitting distance. For the M4 platform to remain a viable tool in such circumstances, it needs increased magazine capacity. Enter SureFire's MAG5-60 and MAG5-100 HCMs.
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The HCMs feature quad-stack configuration, with a revolutionary internal spring and follower system said to be particularly reliable. It feeds both 5.56 NATO and SAAMI-spec .223 Remington ammo with equal aplomb. No spring fatigue occurs when stored for extended periods fully loaded, and the magazine is designed for easy insertion--fully loaded--on a closed bolt. Magazine floorplates are removable using the tip of a bullet as a tool, allowing easy disassembly for cleaning.
Both the 60-round (2 lbs., loaded, $129) and 100-round (3.3 lbs., loaded, $179) HCMs are made of 6000 series spot-welded aluminum with nylon followers and finished with MIL-L-46010. SureFire plans to start shipping this March.
CONTACT : Surefire, 800-828-8809, www.surefire.com
Joseph von Benedikt
Raised in a tiny Rocky Mountain town 100 miles from a stoplight or supermarket, Joseph von Benedikt began shooting competitively at age 14, gunsmithing at age 21, and guiding big game hunters professionally at age 23. While studying creative writing at the university he began publishing articles about firearms and hunting in nationally distributed magazines, as well as works of short fiction about ranch life. An editorial job offer presented an open door into the industry, along with an eye-opening two years stationed in the Petersen Publishing building in Los Angeles.
A position serving as Editor in Chief of Shooting Times magazine took von Benedikt and his young family to Illinois for four years. Homesick for the great Rocky Mountains, von Benedikt swapped his editorial seat for a position as a full-time writer and moved home to the West, where he's been writing full-time ever since, along with hosting the Backcountry Hunting Podcast.
Favorite pursuits include high-country elk and mule deer hunting, safaris in Africa, deep wilderness hunts in Alaska, and wandering old-growth forest in Europe for stag, roebuck, and wild boar.
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