GSDesigns XCR Pistol mag extensions. Pics and initial review.

pavmentsurfer

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Ive been hunting for mags for my XCR in 7.62 that are longer than the stock 10 round mags. The short mags are too short to really be useable in any kind of pouch and are awkward to use in competition. My first solution was to use two mags coupled to get the length but the angle was weird and it made the mags quite heavy. They were also uncomfortable to hit on the bottom if they needed some help seating on a closed bolt.

Trying to find 20/5 round mags in 7.62 is impossible and youd be limited to 5 rounds so that option was out. Then, while randomly surfing the black rifle accessory EE forum I found the listing by GSDesigns for their LAR and XCR pistol mag extensions. They are 3D printed and are designed for each type of magazine to mimic the contour of a proper 20 round mag. They attach to the bottom of the mag by replacing the floor plate just like a coupler and use a screw to hold them on (like a coupler does). They come in a variety of colors and only cost $13 each or $12 each if you buy 6. So, figuring this was the best solution ive found so far and they really arent expensive I thought id try them out.

First, GSDesigns was excellent to deal with. Fast communication, no issues. Once the mags were printed (which took a couple days) they were immediately shipped and arrived in 2 days.

My first impressions after opening the package was that A: The finish was a little rough as most 3D printed parts are and B: the color was off just a bit from what I was hoping (I was hoping it would match the XCR mags more closely). BUT... they feel solid but not heavy and PERFECTLY match the shape of a 20 round mag. For $12 each... I can live with the finish and slightly off color. On a side note, the rougher printed texture actually makes them quite grippy... which is actually a benefit.

Installation was as expected. Remove the screw, slip the mag floor plate off, slip the extension on and replace the screw. 60 seconds tops. I was concerned they may be flimsy or feel flexible or brittle... but once installed they do NOT feel weak at all. Im quite impressed with how sturdy they are. I cant comment how long they'll last but my initial impression is very good.

I bought these strange rubber slip on mag covers a while back... not even sure why or where i got them. But, after thinking about it, they are the perfect addition to the GSD extensions. They cover the entire extension, give additional grip AND give some cushion when dropping the mags on hard surfaces. Im going to see if I can find more.

Here are the pics:






Here are some comparison pics with coupled mags and with the rubber covers:




Mags with the covers:



Hope this helps someone who may be looking for a better solution for a longer XCR mag or is thinking about trying these.
 
If you had your LAR mags sitting on the coupler the other way the angle wouldn't be so extreme. ;)

LAR15MAG.JPG
 
If you had your LAR mags sitting on the coupler the other way the angle wouldn't be so extreme. ;)

LAR15MAG.JPG

Tried it... doesnt work the way the couplers and mags are built.


The lips on the extensions look rough when you get them, but once installed they look just fine. Yes, the finish isnt perfect, but they cost $12 each and are the ONLY solution to problem no one else is addressing. Its worth living with. If you dont own a 7.62 rifle that takes these mags, you wont understand.

I woudl imagine with a very small amount of effort you could sand them down smooth and even arms-coat them... which I may do at some point.

My opinion is that at the moment, these are not necessarily ideal for someone overly concerned about looks. They are for someone concerned about function. I have 10 round mags with FDE ranger plates on the bottom that look slick when inserted but are not easy to actually work with. If I want to look ultra perfect, ill use those. For real life use, ill use the extensions.

I still cant find more of those rubber covers. Ive searched everwhere. Anyone seen them before?
 
I just vinyl taped mine end to end. So same setup as you but the floor plates butted together. Makes the angle way more natural and manageable. I have no problem using them this way and prefer having the "10 round, flip, 10 more" option.
 
I agree the 10 + 10 is nice. But I tried to run this way in a match and the feed lips got damaged on the bottom mag when dropped and it would get full of dirt. If I wasn't going to drop it, it's not an issue really. But I don't like dropping mags on the feed lips. I like your idea about taping the 2 mags together though. I think I'll do that to the 2 pairs I do still have coupled.
 
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