A magazine (a.k.a mag) is often the most disregarded component of a rifle, where proper functionality is concerned. Many people seem too ignorant about the quality and maintenance of magazines. But a magazine is still a very important part of the rifle. Especially where a not-so-common caliber like the 6.5 Grendel is concerned.
Here, we’ll discuss the importance of having some extra magazines for your rifle, especially for the 6.5 Grendel. We will also learn about the features that make a great magazine stand out from the crowd.
To conclude the discussion, we have also selected and reviewed the best 6.5 Grendel magazines on the market, in case you need to buy one.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 6.5 Grendel Magazines
- OUR TOP PICK: Franklin Armory DFM Magazine
- RUNNER-UP: Alexander Arms Alexander Magazine 6.5 Grendel
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Molot Vepr Magazine 6.5 Grendel 10-rds
Comparison of the Best 6.5 Grendel Magazines
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Why You Should Always Have Spare Mags
Let's tackle this question with the right balance between logic and economics. You must have at least a couple of extra magazines for your rifle, and there are some good reasons for that. Consider the following points:
Magazines take a hell of beating at the range. They get dropped, dragged, thrown, and stomped while you change them. Mags are not made out of ‘adamantium’, and are susceptible to damage, especially under harsh or rushed conditions.
Plus, such mags are more likely to malfunction due to the resulting deformities. You must have separate mags for range use and for more precise applications like hunting, competitions, self-defense, and patrol.
6.5 Grendel Setup (Source)
Self-defense is also an important reason for owning weapons. Things might get messy sometimes and you may need to call law enforcement for help. If you live in an urban area, having extra mags might not seem very important for self-defense. But if you live in a country area, it’s better to have some extra pre-loaded mags to put up a fight until help arrives.
Magazines are not a very expensive accessory and having some extras is not going to shrink your wallet much. Having extra mags keeps you ready for action, serves as a backup, and ensures that you spend more time shooting, rather than reloading, at the range.
What Makes a Great 6.5 Grendel Magazine?
The 6.5 Grendel has different dimensions than the 5.56 caliber, commonly used with AR platform rifles. Technically, you can feed the 6.5 Grendel rounds to your rifle using the normal 5.56 mags, but they will consistently jam, which is obviously not a good decision.
Using magazines specially designed for the 6.5 Grendel ensures proper cycling of rounds under all situations. There are certain factors that make a 6.5 Grendel magazine great. These include:
Material
Since a magazine is quite susceptible to mishandling, you must ensure that your magazine is made from a durable material. Steel mags are always a better bet over polymer. They are heavy, but they are less prone to fractures and deformations under stress.
Steel vs. Polymer Magazines (Source)
Proper Feeding
A good 6.5 Grendel magazine must have a reliable and heavy-duty spring to ensure the rounds are fed properly. Plus, the feed lips also have to be in good shape, since the 6.5 Grendel is a thicker round, compared to the 5.56. The 6.5 Grendel is more likely to be used for long range shooting, so you cannot afford improper cycling as it would let you take your eyes off the target.
Anti-Tilt Follower
An anti-tilt follower ensures that the rifle doesn’t jam when ammunition is being fed into the chamber (especially the last round). A good 6.5 Grendel magazine must have an anti-tilt follower.
Window
The semi-automatic AR platform is generally used for rapid shooting. Having some sort of a window on your magazine lets you keep an estimate of the number of rounds left inside.
Coating
A good magazine must be coated with some sort of a protective material which resists dirt and moisture. Magazines are subjected to a lot of stress, and it is important that your magazine gets through all of it. Plus, having a magazine with a good finish also adds to the aesthetics of your rifle.
Proper Size and Grip
A magazine should automatically drop out as soon as you press the mag release. You shouldn’t have to apply even the slightest force to pull it out. A good magazine is also easy to grip, which ensures you don’t fumble while changing.
Review of the Best 6.5 Grendel Magazines
Finding the right components for your 6.5 Grendel-based rifle can be tough because it is still not a very widely used caliber. So, finding the right aftermarket components for it is really a pain. To help you out with this, we scoured the internet to find the best 6.5 Grendel magazines on the online market. These mags have been shortlisted based on the ideal qualities of a 6.5 Grendel magazine discussed above.
Best Overall:
Franklin Armory DFM Magazine
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users say that this magazine was great for varmint and big game hunting. And 10 rounds was just enough for them to use. They said the magazine lasted them quite some time and they didn’t always need to use all ten rounds. At best, they used a couple per hunting day. Quality-wise, the magazine was well-constructed and fit well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Franklin Armory is a company out of Nevada that makes various firearms components, but specializes in making products for restrictive jurisdictions such as California, Connecticut, and New York State. This magazine is a good example. It features limiting tabs that prevent the mag from being removed unless the receiver of your modern sporting rifle, or AR, is tilted up.
Your bolt catch will also have to be removed and reinstalled. This process makes it legally a fixed mag. If you live in California or Connecticut, you will need a modified bolt catch, which is also available from Franklin Armory.
Installation requires no modifications whatsoever to your rifle. The magazine is designed to be used in conjunction with a bolt catch to function properly and prevent it from marking your lower receiver. This steel mag has USGI-reminiscent aesthetics and a polymer anti-tilt follower.
Who Will Use This Most
If you want a magazine that won’t give you too many shots (but not too little either), then you might want to consider putting this magazine to the test. This won’t disappoint you in the slightest and it will stay reliable every time you use it. And by the way, you might want to keep a couple of extras of this magazine handy in case you want to use them for other applications.
Bottom Line
If you live in a restrictive state like New York, Connecticut, or California, you need solutions to allow you to exercise your Second Amendment rights as much as possible. With this magazine, Franklin Arms lets you do that. The top features are the ease of installation, the lack of permanent modifications required, and the ability to switch back to detachable mags if you move to another state. The steel construction is also a nice feature.
Runner-up:
Alexander Arms Alexander Magazine 6.5 Grendel
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This magazine was quite a hit with users who were hunters or competitive shooters. It was also perfect for anyone looking for a magazine that might be very hard to break. Even dropping this on the hardwood floor will not break this mag. Loading it isn't as hard as some other high-capacity magazines.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Alexander Arms may be a new company, having been founded in 2001 in Virginia. Nevertheless, as a major force behind the development of the 6.5 Grendel, Alexander Arms has already left an indelible mark on the firearms industry.
This ten-round 6.5 Grendel magazine is a new product made by E-Lander under contract from Alexander Arms. The construction quality is top-notch. Its magazine body is heat-treated steel with a durable body coating and has reinforced floor plate tags. The floorplate is also steel and has an integral locking plate. The feed lips are completely deburred and the follower is a cutting edge anti-tilt design.
Each component is precision manufactured with the aim of serving as the highest quality 6.5 Grendel mag available. Needless to say, the durability and longevity of these mags are outstanding. The sharp Alexander Arms logo on the side of the mag makes it an interesting conversation piece down at the range. A bright white follower gives the magazine a unique and easily identifiable look.
Who Will Use This Most
Do you want a magazine that will be hardcore in quality? Something that will give you a reasonable amount of rounds for all of your hunting and target shooting applications? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you’re definitely going to need this magazine (and probably a few extras) so you are ready for any kind of action where using a 6.5 Grendel compatible rifle is warranted.
Bottom Line
If you want a top quality magazine that will last forever, this mag is for you. Its classic steel military aesthetic is given a little extra pop by the bright white follower. An added perk is knowing that this mag was designed by Alexander Arms, the force behind the development of the 6.5 Grendel.
Best for the Money:
Molot Vepr Magazine 6.5 Grendel 10-rds
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to one user, he was able to load this by hand quickly and it didn’t feel like it would take forever. He said even when it was fully loaded, it didn’t feel heavy. The feeding was smooth and reliable, thus making it free from any jams even through 100 rounds. Thus far, not a single user had any complaints about the overall construction or functionality of the magazine.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Molot means hammer in Russian. The company was founded near Moscow in 1940 but was evacuated to the Urals the following year. The factory manufactured the legendary RPK, PPSh-41, and the Makarov pistol. In recent years they have produced a number of sporting rifles including the popular Vepr-12. No matter one's overall opinion about Russia, it is hard to fault their legacy in firearms design.
With this magazine, you can own a little piece of that legacy. This is a black polymer magazine but has a completely different aesthetic to the MSR polymer mags that you know and love. Russia has been making polymer mags for the standard military issue with the AK platform for around half a century.
Although gun enthusiasts tend to have a bias in favor of steel, in many cases, polymer will spring back into shape where steel would permanently bend. The mag features some exotic Russian logos and manufacturer's markings.
Who Will Use This Most
If you hunt varmint during the day or night, this could be the magazine that will help you knock those invasive critters down (including coyotes). Think of this magazine as something that will be helpful for “property management” hunting. You have a deer population to protect (or you might be protecting your livestock). Either way, this can be used no matter what you hunt.
Bottom Line
Molot has come a long way since it was founded in the midst of the Second World War. It still produces many of its iconic firearms from that era but has kept up with progress at the same time. This is a great mag, given its moderate capacity and unique, yet robust design. Plus, it has that ex-Soviet exoticism.
4. E-Lander - AR-15 Magazine 6.5 Grendel Steel Black
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
According to some users, they said that this magazine was one tough customer. And since it contained up to 24 rounds, it made it so much fun to shoot off their rounds at the range.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Undoubtedly, the E-lander magazine had to be on this list. It is the most popular and reliable 6.5 Grendel magazine on the market. The magazine is made from high-grade stainless steel which has been heat-treated for extra durability and features a ten round capacity.
It has a heavy-duty steel floor plate that contains the high-strength magazine spring. The magazine also has a self-lubricating, anti-tilt follower made from strong polymer, which will not malfunction even under the harshest tactical conditions.
The magazine has a tough anti-corrosion coating that makes it resistant to moisture and water. Plus, this coating also keeps the sheen and the appearance of the magazine intact. The magazine is available in 4, 10, 17, and 24 round capacities, but please be careful about your local laws before choosing a capacity.
The magazine is made in Israel, and it is rightfully etched on the left-hand side, along with the caliber.
Who Will Use This Most
For a magazine that is larger in capacity, it will serve you best as a target shooting magazine. If you do it casually or competitively, this magazine will give you enough rounds to get you through each range session. If you have extras of these, you’ll be much better off. Who says that you shouldn’t have too many 6.5 rounds for target shooting?
Bottom Line
The E-lander mags are custom-designed for the 6.5 Grendel. They are a bit heavy, being made from steel, though this also makes them durable. The mag feeds properly, and the anti-tilt follower aids in the flawless operation. The magazine is good for all purposes including hunting and precision shooting.
5. C-Products - AR-15 Magazine 6.5 Grendel Stainless Steel Black
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users were really happy with this magazine. It was really easy to load either by hand or with a speedloader. Either way, it was perfect for shooters using it for hunting or target shooting purposes. One user said that the magazine looks really rugged and did a good job providing him with reliable, jam-free shooting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This comes with an easy to see follower that will be useful for when you need to load it and use it as an indicator of how many rounds you need. At 28 rounds, it’s more than enough to handle all of your shooting applications. Whether you are at the range or staring down a deer through your scope at 300 yards away, this magazine will provide plenty of firing power.
This 6.5 Grendel magazine from C-products has been made from stainless steel, making it durable and resistant to damage. The anti-tilt follower of the magazine stays aligned for proper cycling of the rounds.
A high-grade, stainless steel spring also aids the operation of the mag. It is available in 5, 10, 20, and 28 round variants, so you have quite a range to choose from. The magazine itself is very lightweight and cycles rounds perfectly.
The corrosion-resistant matte black finish ensures that the magazine won’t rust, chip, or corrode with time. Plus, the matte black finish is also glare-free, so you can use it for tactical purposes. Another catch is that the five and ten-round variants are of the same size.
The five-round variant has a limiter installed in it. This extra length lets you feed the magazine easily into the mag well. Most people don’t buy five-rounders, but they are still a good choice. Overall, the mag is built well and serves its purpose.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are a hunter or a target shooter in search of a magazine that is super durable and will give you so much to work with, as far as 6.5 Grendel shots are concerned then you will enjoy using this magazine. It will be so smooth and reliable that you will never deal with a jam or malfunction for as long as you use them.
Bottom Line
The 6.5 Grendel magazine from C-products is a durable aftermarket accessory for your rifle. The magazine feeds properly and is easy to disassemble and clean. It is good for bench rest shooting and hunting.
6. 3-pk. of CPD 25-rd. 6.5mm Grendel Mags
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new buyers were budget shoppers that said that they hit the jackpot when they managed to get their hands on this package deal. This was great for most target shooters that wanted nothing more than plenty of rounds to fire off at the range.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pick is more of a high capacity mag combo. The set includes three pieces of 25-round 6.5 Grendel magazines at a very reasonable price. The magazines have been made from high-grade stainless steel, which assures durability.
The heavy-duty, chrome-silicon spring, coupled with an anti-tilt follower provides flawless and reliable cycling of rounds, even after continuous usage. The mags feature a black Teflon finish, which is resistant to moisture and chipping.
The curved design of the magazine makes it easy to grip and consumes less space while you carry it. If your state allows high capacity magazines, you must go for this combo.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for some magazines that won’t suck the life out of your bank account but will be useful in target shooting applications (both in a casual or competitive setting), this might just be what you need to get you through a few years or more. As long as you take the best care of them, they will take care of you in more ways than one. Reliable feeding, superior durability, and tons of fun are exactly what you are going to get with these magazines.
Bottom Line
This three mag combo is an amazing deal, which will leave you with three extra mags to spare. You can use one for the range and the other two for more intricate uses. These magazines are well-built and have a proper texture and design to let you shoot with ease.
Conclusion
A magazine is a very important part of a semi-automatic rifle, like the AR. The 6.5 Grendel has different dimensions, so you can't use the regular 5.56 AR mags.
Having some extra mags keeps you prepared for self-defense and lets you segregate them for different purposes. A good 6.5 Grendel magazine must be durable, facilitate proper feeding, have an anti-tilt follower, and feature a good coating to resist wear and tear.
