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Black Dog polymer build hi-cap V22 magazines

Black Dog polymer build hi-cap V22 magazines

The only aspect of SGC’s V22 .22LR AR conversions that has always been something of a disappointment is their magazines. It’s all a question of shape and weight. Both the original 10-rounders and SGC’s own 25-rounders function well, but their robust metal build makes them heavy for their capacity, and neither offers dimensions that replicate those of the military spec .556 mag.

Now, however, there’s a third option in the shape of a full-size, 27-round magazine, which not only weighs in at just 175g thanks to its polymer construction – as compared to 160g for the 10- and a whopping 410g for the SGC 25-rounder – but also matches the dimensions of its 30-round centre-fire equivalent. This is good news, not just because it helps the V22 to emulate the looks of it CF counterpart, but also because it means that mil-spec pouches, and practical accessories such as Magpuls and couplers, can now be used in conjunction with this rifle.

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The new magazines are made in the US by Black Dog Machine (BDM) for Calibre Conversion Supply (CCS), who already offer similar mags for Ceiner and M261 .22LR AR conversions, and are distributed in the UK by Mark Bradley, whose company, Bradley Arms, specialise in building and customising “black rifles” such as the AR. Prices are still to be confirmed, but should be around the £28-£30 mark.

As regards their construction, the BDM clips are made of tough semi-transparent smoke-grey polymer that reveals an almost geodesic array of internal bulkheads within a clamshell design secured by 6 hex-head screws. It isn’t necessary to undo the screws to clean the mag, however, as the spring and follower can be removed via a sliding floor-plate. The spring itself is cylindrical and runs in a matching channel in the magazine body that keeps the follower at the correct angle and prevents kinking. All in all then, this is a rugged and well-designed item.

It was no surprise then that out on the range, the new mag fed perfectly (or in other words, just as well as the metal versions, which I’ve always found problem free) - once, that is, the round count was dropped from 27 to the recommended 25. Indeed, the only regrets voiced during my initial range sessions with the magazines were that they had not been produced either in solid black to match the rifle, or in a more transparent polymer (Steyr-AUG-style) to make it easier to see the contents, which are not readily visible in the smoke-tinted magazines tested. Both seem to me to be valid comments, but as BDM already produce Ceiner mags in black and see-through versions, as well as smoke and solid grey, I think it’s only a matter of time before you can take your pick.

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  • Black Dog polymer build hi-cap V22 magazines - image {image:count}

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  • Black Dog polymer build hi-cap V22 magazines - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Black Dog polymer build hi-cap V22 magazines - image {image:count}

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