TangoDown Introduces 30-Round Translucent Polymer ARC Magazine for Tactical ARs

By David Crane
defrev (at) gmail (dot) com

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December 3, 2010

TangoDown recently introduced a translucent ARC magazine (ARC-L Commercial magazine, to be specific) for 5.56mm NATO tactical ARs (tactical AR-15 rifle/carbines/SBRs). The 30-round ARC mag’s claim to fame is its patented two-piece modular construction, with the top and bottom sections utilizing a different type of aerospace polymer. In the case of the TangoDown translucent ARC mag, the top section is made from an opaque black polymer (fancy word for plastic), which, according to Jerking the Trigger, is supposed to be “generally stronger than plastic dyed other colors, so this design is actually an advantage for the ARC mags of all colors.”

Since the opaque black section of the ARC mag is covered when inserted in the magwell, there’s no disadvantage to that portion of the mag being opaque, other than not being able to count the rounds in a partially loaded mag (mag that’s already been partially used in a gunfight) being used for a tactical reload (in the same gunfight), which is probably going to be a pretty rare occurance.

The magazine follower on the Tango Down ARC mag is described by the company as a “unique low-friction semi-floating follower that is slotted to allow for easy magazine cleaning,” as well as a premium heat treated, stress relieved and moly-coated chromium-silicon spring (a.k.a. chrome-silicon spring) whose life expectancy is 100,000+ cycles. To clean the ARC mag, just “dunk the ARC Mag in hot soapy water, rinse and invert to drain.” Quick and easy.

The translucent ARC mag’s translucent lower body features ridge texturizing (ridges) on the front and rear for gripping, and large waffle-pattern ridges on the side. ARC mag weight is 4.48 ounces (4.48 oz).

According to the TangoDown ARC mag page, the ARC mag is NTOA member tested and recommended. NTOA stands for National Tactical Officers Association. That said, Defense Review hasn’t T&E’d the ARC mag at the range, ourselves, yet.

Company Contact Info:

Jeff Cahill
President/CEO
TangoDown, LLC
1588 Arrow Highway, Unit F
La Verne, CA 91750-5334
909-392-4757 Office
909-392-4802 Fax
sales@tangodown.com Sales Email
http://www.tangodown.com Website

Related Articles:

TangoDown ARC Polymer 30-round Magazine for Tactical AR-15 Carbines and SBRs

Lancer Systems L5 Translucent Polymer 30-Round Magazine for Tactical ARs

Fusil-USA Spring-Steel 30-round AR-15/M16 Magazine: Best Steel AR Mag?

MWG 90-Rounder Snail Drum Magazine: 90 Rounds of Immediate 5.56mm Firepower for Your M4/M4A1 Carbine (or AR-15 Carbine)