Frequently Asked Questions

There are several unique attributes to HEXMAG magazines. To present the product successfully focus on these features.

  • POLYHEX 2 – This term refers to the proprietary advanced composite material of which the magazine is constructed and is a glass fiber reinforced to add rigidity and strength over standard polymer magazines.
  • Carbon Fiber – Lighter and Stronger than Steel. The proprietary Carbon Fiber blend
    reduces weight by 20% while delivering superior strength and reliability. Carbon Fiber is one of the unique differentiators between HEXMAG and other brands who offer only polymer mags. Carbon Fiber is far superior to polymer, outperforms polymer, last longer, is heat proof, and very hard to damage. For the price, it is a much better
    magazine and can be used to help promote HEXMAG over other brands.
  • HEXVIEW – Through new material development we have found produced a clear mag that performs to the standards of our standard Polyhex2 materials. This allows users to visually identify ammo capacity.
  • HEXTURE – Patented design feature to enhance handling grip and indexing of the magazine.
  • Heat-Treated Stainless-Steel Spring – Heat treating is done to ensure that the spring will not compress or fatigue over time. You can leave the magazine loaded in your safe or range bag. The Stainless-Steel feature will not corrode, ensuring that the product will continuously work in the most challenging environments.
  • TOOL-LESS Takedown – Eliminates the need for a multi-tool or bullet tip to
    disassemble the magazine. Simply use your finger to push the HEXID inward on the bottom of the mag and slide to remove the base plate. Please note that this feature is not available in round capacity restricted states.
  • HEXID system – HEXMAG’s customizable colored identification system allows the user to designate a distinct color latch plate and follower to a specific ammo type or caliber primarily for safety. This feature also allows the user to readily identify their magazine from others.
  • Safety – Identifying caliber to never chamber the wrong ammo.
  • In Training – Identify mags by student
  • In Competition – Segment out long-range vs short-range ammo, or mags that function best in the gun.

Tolerances for magwells may vary between the various manufactures. Often there are specific brands or models that are tighter or slightly under standard   specification.  There are a few remedies for magazines which will not drop free when ejected.

  • The mag body may wear slightly over time and use, thus allowing it to drop free.
  • The mag well may be treated with a HEXKOTE to assist with ejecting.
  • Replace the polymer mag with our Carbon Fiber mag, which may be better suited for the firearm in question.
  • Tight machining tolerances are common especially on specific brands of rifles. We often get calls about Aero Precision, S.A. Saint, and Smith&Wesson
  • Check magwell, it’s not uncommon to have a small burr or machine marks inside the magwell
  • Cerakote finishes can often add thickness to the internal dimensions of the magwell on the rifle.

Like magwell dimensions, there can be slight variations in the magazine release catch, please look for drag marks or any knicks around the magazine catch window.

Another issue often seen with restricted magazines, or an overloaded magazine is when performing a closed bolt reload there may issues with locking into place due to too much pressure on the top round, or not enough give on the top round to allow the magazine to fully engage with magazine catch.

Try leaving out one round when you load you load your magazine and see if it will seat.

Please see this video for more information:

https://youtu.be/RaH91aLsPOs?si=cCLRYuCaaQonRUPO

There are two possible issues to check that can cause this to happen:

 

  • The magazine’s interior can become dirty or has carbon residue. Disassemble and thoroughly clean the interior of the magazine. If the magazine has restricted capacity, compress the spring by pushing down the follower and wipe down the interior.
  • The inner dimensions of the magazine support the SAAMI specification for the rounds supported. At times hand loaded ammunition may be slightly beyond the specifications and the tip of the bullet will drag on the magazine’s inner surface. This can cause the stack of ammo to bind, or the bullet will nosedive stopping rounds from rising.

When the bolt advances to chamber a round if the bullet tip is presented too high, or too low it may run into the feed ramp and prevent the round from seating properly, why does this happen?

The presentation of the round is controlled by the feed lips. The feed lips should be parallel the full length, if they are too open the round will sit too high. Secondly if the round does not advance to the correct position the bolt may miss the case and fail to feed.

Inspect the mag, you may have a swollen, old, or damaged magazine.

Another cause may be a dirty firearm that may slow the bolt carrier group down or impede proper movement.

The primary benefit of the HEXID system is safety. As the AR 15 and SR25 magazines both support multiple calibers, errors in loading, chambering and firing the wrong caliber can cause serious harm. The HEXID system allows the end user to color code the magazine follower and latch plate to identify different calibers. Prior to the HEXID system end users would have to mark magazines with tape or paint. A secondary benefit is having mags that match your build, or team colors. Users also have utilized the HEXID to segment out magazines by user in training to eliminate confusion.

It is possible that rounds will eject when the magazine is dropped on a hard surface at the range or in training. This is not dissimilar across the polymer magazine market.

By weight carbon fiber is lighter and stronger than steel. HEXMAG’s proprietary Carbon Fiber Blend gives the rigid performance of a steel lipped magazine, while issues such as rounds ejecting when dropped, mag swell, or heat related material warp is eliminated but unlike steel feed lips, they will not become bent or non-functional when dropped on the feed lips. It is 20% lighter and significantly stronger than the standard polymer magazines on the market.

  • Carbon Fiber also allows HEXMAG to get maximum strength and minimal flex while remaining thin enough to function within the confines of the magwell, especially on pistols that are traditionally made from metal.
  • Why does Carbon Fiber only come in Black? Due to the nature of the Carbon Fiber raw material, it is naturally black and will not show a color additive.

Video: https://youtu.be/LJbzHAm2_o0

There are a few markings to note on the magazine. In the HEXMAG name block you will find the HEXMAG logo, patent information and identification for SERIES 1 or SERIES 2 along the mold number the product was produced from. Directly below this block is a circular Date Clock used to identify the date of manufacturer. Located at the bottom of the magazine is the caliber designation, i.e. 5.56X45mm NATO.

Compliance with the individual state regulations is important to HEXMAG and our consumers. To meet state regulations on capacity restrictions the bottom of the magazine is riveted preventing the HEXID from being depressed which would allow the end user to disassemble the magazine. Along with the rivet there are two other modifications to the restricted magazine:

  • A riser inserted to fill a portion of the body, and a shortened spring is used. If the mag is disassembled and the riser is removed there is not enough spring pressure. Removal of the rivet indicates that the body was tampered with or modified and voids all warranties.
  • There are several unauthorized videos floating around showing how to remove the rivet and restricted round riser. What they don’t show is that the magazine is no longer functional due to the short spring configuration and will void the warranty.

Yes, the mag can be rinsed in water to remove any sand, dirt or contaminates. Just thoroughly dry the body prior to loading the magazine.

If the round is loaded to SAAMI specifications, then no. If it is loaded outside of the specifications, (at or above Max Overall Length) there may be issues with bullet tips dragging on the inner face of the magazine.

The AR15 “Shorty” magazine was developed to support bench rest shooters. The shorter magazine does not restrict movement or balance when shooting with bipods or shooting bags. The shorty magazine not only reduces weight but is still sized to function with most standard magazine pouches.

  • The “Shorty” magazine measures at 5 ½” compared to our full size 30rnd magazine at 7 ½”.

The tolerance required to load the maximum capacity in a magazine and still have enough spring compression to support loading the magazine with the bolt closed is very tight. A fully loaded magazine (standard capacity and restricted capacity) will have ½ of a cartridge downward travel. This is to remain compliant with restricted capacity state laws while allowing enough travel to seat with a closed bolt. Due to this, the user will feel resistance in seating a magazine on a closed bolt.

No. Unfortunately, the magazines with 10-round limiters cannot be converted back into 30-round magazines. The limiter is permanently installed during manufacturing to ensure compliance with state regulations, and modifying or removing it would compromise the magazine’s integrity and violate compliance standards.

HEXMAG’s line of Carbon Fiber compatible pistol magazines are made from a unique blend of materials to provide unmatched capability in a lightweight pistol magazine.

  • Easy to index from pouch to gun with front index point and tactile HEXTURE-X™  built right into the magazine.
  • Carbon Fiber composite eliminates swelling or bulging in the pistol grip for faster reloads.
  • See the pistol mags in action: https://youtu.be/mOeL5tmy8s4?si=wyWR0sTC8GqCId3w

Generally, the bullet tip dragging inside of the magazine can be very ammunition specific. Some manufacturers and some reloaders will load their rounds at the very top of the SAAMI Max Overall Length specification.

  • If the bullet tips are dragging, the first thing to do is try another brand or of ammunition.
  • If they still drag even with a variety of brands, please contact HEXMAG.

HEXKOTE products use a dry film technology that goes on wet and leaves behind a dry micro bonded barrier that protects against corrosion, friction, and wear. Once dry its bond will not wipe away or wash off. The protective shield is engineered to endure extreme use and long-term storage.

Available in a wide variety of applicators, HEXKOTE is available in multiple formulations all of which are designed to provide maximum performance:

  • Anti-corrosion
  • Repels dirt, dust, and debrie
  • Withstands extreme heat & cool
  • Displaces moisture
  • Inhibits rust
  • Oil free synthetic formula

For more information on HEXKOTE please visit: https://hexmag.com/hexkote-cleaning-and-lubrication/

The HEXMAG patented iconic HEXTURE™ design is more than just an instantly identifiable feature! It not only adds structural strength, but also functions as a grip surface to prevent slipping when handling with wet, or dust covered hands.

Hydro dipping, also known as water transfer printing or hydro graphics, is a method of applying decorative designs to three-dimensional objects. It involves floating a thin, printed film on water, then immersing the object into the water, where the design adheres to its surface. This technique allows for complex patterns and artwork to be transferred onto a wide range of materials and shapes.  This process bonds in a way that is super durable and wear resistant.

  • All HEXMAG Hydro Dipped Magazines leave the upper portion of the magazine standard and end the transfer film at the magwell, due to a slight added thickness with the film and primer coat. The added thickness may interfere with the ability for the magazine to drop free or interfere with the bolt carrier group.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Ensure Safety: Before starting, make sure your AR-15 is unloaded and safe to work on. Remove the magazine and check the chamber to confirm it is empty.

Remove the Existing Grip:

Locate the screw or bolt securing the current grip. Use the appropriate tool (screwdriver or Allen wrench) to loosen and remove it.

Prepare the New Grip:

If your new grip has a safety detent, ensure it is properly aligned. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the detent and spring for easier installation.

Install the New Grip:

Align the new grip with the lower receiver. Insert the safety detent spring into the hole in the grip, ensuring it lines up with the hole in the lower receiver.

Slide the grip into position and secure it with the screw or bolt. If you have difficulty holding the screw in place, consider using masking tape on the screwdriver to help keep it in position while tightening.

Check Functionality:

After securing the grip, check the safety selector to ensure it functions properly. Test the grip for a firm fit and comfort.

Final Adjustments:

If necessary, make any final adjustments to ensure the grip is secure and comfortable for use. Lubricate any moving parts as needed to maintain functionality.

Tips:

Keep track of small parts like the selector spring, as they can be easy to lose during installation.

Ensure that the grip you are installing is compatible with your specific AR-15 model.

Video: https://youtu.be/s77M9QBRPCc

Ensure Safety: Before starting, make sure your AR-15 is unloaded and safe to work on. Remove the magazine and check the chamber to confirm it is empty.

Step 1: Line up the HEXMAG Wedgelock® Slot Rail Cover over the slots on the rifle hand guard. The rail covers can be cut down to reduce length for selected placement.

Step 2: Press firmly on the rubber rail cover to insert the toothed gripper into place for a secure hold.

M-LOK is a modular locking accessory mounting system that is a direct attachment method for hard mounting accessories to a negative space mounting point. Designed by Magpul Industries as an evolution of the MOE slot system used since 2007, the M-LOK system is a free licensed platform to allow greater compatibility of accessories between all manufacturers.

For more installation tips please visit: https://magpul.com/m-lok

Video: https://youtu.be/IMIdq-eqR-A