HCMAGS is a company that makes an easy loading magazine for the 10/22, or any other firearm that uses 10/22 magazines. I first saw one of their magazine systems at a local gun shop. The idea looked really cool, so I purchased one. The magazine holds 25rds of .22lr with a side saddle that holds another 20rds for quick loading.
The HC3R magazine can be used like any other mag, but why? Well, since the HC mag has a slider on the side of the magazine, you could just slide it down while loading it up. But there's more. The back of the magazine acts like a stripper clip. One can push it down slightly and rock the whole stripper clip out. Fill the clip up with 25rds, pull the slider on the side of the mag down and lock it in place. Then roll the clip back into the magazine and release the slider and your ready to go. When the clip is off of the magazine, you can also put 20rds in the magazine side saddle before loading up the other 25rds. Once you have depleted the contents, you can take the stripper off of the magazine, slide it over the rims of the 20rds in the side saddle, and reinstall it with 20 new rounds. An extra stripper clip is included also.
Now I would have thought that this was the best thing since sliced bread. The biggest problem is that I couldn't get the magazine to feed in 3 different 10/22's. HCMAGS instructions say to watch their video on their website to make sure you are loading the magazine correctly. I watched it 3 or 4 times and still the magazine wouldn't work. I called them and they told me that I had a 1st generation HC3R mag and when the 2nd gen was out they would replace mine with a gen 2. They replaced it after about 6 months. Okay, sometimes manufacturing takes longer, so I was alright with that. Now I have my gen 2 in hand, and it works a little bit better. It only jams about every 3rd round, instead of every time. I can't load 25 in the mag or it won't even feed, I have to load 20 to get it to feed the first round. Different manufacturers of .22lr don't seem to make a difference either. As is with different 10/22's.
Basically the HC3R magazine is an innovative design. It is kind of a shame that it doesn't live up to its hype.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Quick reloading 10/22 magazine
Target Market:
Someone who wants extra magazine capacity without the need for an extra magazine.
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
- Quick reloading
- Stripper clips
- Lockable thumb stud
- Extra ammo on hand in magazine side saddle
- Disassembles for cleaning
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
Tactical pack available with extra stripper clips, loader, and case.
What others are saying?:
Bill K. at Botach 2/5 stars
Cumbersom
This magazine is difficult to load for me. I found bullets jamming during the loading process and falling out of the Rib Clip and extra holding channel when I didn't hold it properly. For me, it is more hassle than it's worth.
LEXRated at Cabelas 5/5 stars
Awesome and Innovative
There's not much real fun in loading, but this system these folks have developed is simply amazing.
Follow their instructions and get a couple extra magazines and this system will let you shoot all day and even for days. It is effortless.
NOTE: this listing is incorrectly listing the magazine as a 20 round magazine. Once they update the product to show it is in fact a 25 round magazine and it's part of the whole system whereby the strip clip feeders hold 20 rounds on the same mag. That means with one mag you have 45 rounds, 25 in and 20 out, and dumping the 20 in is super fast.
I hope Cabela's gets the HC Mags HC3R Tactical Kit (I have one already) but others need to know about it. I do not work for HC, just an impressed customer of their product and fan of Cabela's.
Additional note: some may say that having an open/exposed magazine makes it not worth it, but considering how much more one typically shoots with 22, i see the value in making the loading delays and effort go away and getting back to shooting more important. Plus, it's a breeze to clean and frankly, most of any significant debris easily going in, can fall out the same way. Mud is mud and play safe.
Price point:
MSRP = $29.95 at HCMAGS
Retail = $30.00 at Botach
I need it now! Availability:
Our Rating:
Pros:
- Stripper clip
- Steel feed lips
- Ease of loading
- Comes apart for cleaning
Cons:
- Will not feed properly
- Shouldn't need special loading instructions
