Are Springfield Armory 20-round mags REALLY that terrible?

Published on October 15, 2023
Duration: 9:29

This video tests the durability of Springfield Armory Echelon 20-round magazines through a series of drops and impacts, concluding they are surprisingly robust. It also provides a step-by-step guide for installing a Taran Tactical Innovations aluminum base pad and extension on a 17-round Echelon magazine, highlighting the ease of the process.

Quick Summary

Springfield Armory Echelon 20-round magazines demonstrated impressive durability during a torture test, withstanding multiple drops onto concrete both empty and fully loaded without failure. The installation of Taran Tactical Innovations base pads on the 17-round variant was also noted as exceptionally easy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Echelon 20-Round Mag Concerns
  2. 00:44Introducing Taran Tactical Mag Plates
  3. 01:41Torture Test Setup: Concrete Drops
  4. 02:13Test 1: Empty Mag Drop
  5. 02:56Test 2: Fully Loaded Mag Drop
  6. 04:33Test 3: Unreasonable Abuse
  7. 05:16Taran Tactical Mag Plate Install Guide
  8. 07:28Conclusion: Mag Durability & Install Ease
  9. 08:45Where to Buy Echelon Mags

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Springfield Armory Echelon 20-round magazines durable?

Yes, the Springfield Armory Echelon 20-round magazines proved to be surprisingly durable during a torture test. They withstood multiple drops onto concrete, both empty and fully loaded, without significant damage or functional issues, suggesting their design is robust for practical use.

How easy is it to install a Taran Tactical magazine base pad on a Springfield Echelon?

Installing a Taran Tactical Innovations magazine base pad on a Springfield Armory Echelon 17-round magazine is described as very easy. The process involves compressing the spring, removing the old plate, and securing the new aluminum base plate with a set screw, making it one of the simpler aftermarket installs.

What kind of abuse did the Springfield Echelon 20-round magazines endure?

The Springfield Echelon 20-round magazines were subjected to a rigorous torture test. This included dropping them from approximately gun height onto concrete multiple times, both when empty and when fully loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition, and even performing an 'unreasonable' slam against the ground.

Can the stock Springfield Echelon 20-round magazine base plates break easily?

Contrary to initial concerns, the stock Springfield Armory Echelon 20-round magazine base plates did not break or show significant deformation during a severe drop test. The reviewer concluded that what might have been perceived as a flaw is likely a robust design feature.

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