When selecting the right magazines for firearms, I’m not just looking for a simple cartridge holder. I want something that enhances my shooting experience, provides reliability, and is built to withstand harsh conditions. After putting the Mission First Tactical Translucent EXD 30 Polymer Magazines to the test, it’s safe to say they check all the boxes. Available in five colors—smoke, clear, red, yellow, and blue—these magazines offer a range of aesthetics and bring a lot of functionality to the table.

Start with the Obvious

Let’s start with these magazines’ biggest selling feature: transparency. Yes, they say they are “translucent,” but that’s incorrect. Allow me to digress for a moment while I take the industry to task. It’s not just Mission First Tactical’s fault that they mislabeled their magazines. I’ve seen this with plenty of other non-opaque magazines from various manufacturers. The word is not “translucent.” It’s “transparent.” Translucent means light passes through, but you can’t make out any details about what’s behind the surface.

On the other hand, transparency lets light through and lets you see details of what’s on the other side. If you can see that there is ammunition inside the magazine, then the magazine is transparent, not translucent. But, as I said, I’m not trying to beat up Mission First Tactical for this oversight, as it seems to be an industry standard that is wrong across the board. Okay, with that off my chest, let’s dive into the magazines themselves.

Being able to see inside a magazine is huge. Opaque mags are either completely closed off or have tiny windows where you can see how many rounds remain, but some guesswork is involved. But with the Mission First Tactical magazines, you know exactly how much ammo you have left at a glance. This can be especially helpful to a shooter who needs to know his ammo status and instructors who might want to keep tabs on student round counts.

Color Selection and Practical Use

The availability of five colors is more than just a cosmetic choice; it also has practical implications. For those who train in different environments, having color-coded magazines can be a great way to quickly identify which magazine is loaded with a specific type of ammunition. For example, you might reserve red for standard ball ammo and yellow for hollow points. The cobalt blue could be used for training rounds, while the smoke and clear could serve as your everyday carry mags. Set them up however you like. It’s just nice to have the option.

This color-coding system can be especially useful in high-stress situations where you don’t want to waste time figuring out what’s in your magazine.

First Impressions

Straight out of the box, the Mission First Tactical EXD 30 magazines felt slightly iffy but not cheap. The polymer felt thinner than similar polymer magazines I’ve tried, so I was concerned they wouldn’t hold up. The translucent finish is immediately striking. I could see the appeal of each color depending on the situation or environment. The smoke and clear options are great for anyone who prefers a more tactical, low-profile look, while the other three colors are fun but can also serve a real purpose.

No-Tilt Follower

The Mission First Tactical EXD magazines have a no-tilt follower that ensures smooth feeding every time. I ran a few drills, deliberately trying to induce failures by loading rounds at odd angles or jostling the magazine as much as possible. The follower stayed in place, keeping the rounds aligned perfectly and feeding them into the chamber without issues.

The peace of mind that comes with a no-tilt follower is priceless, particularly in a defensive or competitive shooting scenario. There’s nothing more frustrating—or dangerous—than dealing with a malfunction at a critical moment, and the EXD 30s virtually eliminate that concern.

Easy Baseplate Removal for Maintenance

One of the most overlooked parts of magazine ownership is maintenance. We clean the gun, but what about the magazines? They don’t get as dirty from shooting but can pick up dirt and debris from being dropped and repeated use. So they need periodic maintenance.

The baseplates slide off with minimal effort, but they’re secure enough not to worry about them coming loose during use. Two small tabs on the bottom allow the plate to slide off smoothly when pressed. Reassembly is just as straightforward, making cleaning quick and painless.

Many magazine failures are due to dirt, debris, or lack of lubrication, so being able to clean your mags thoroughly and efficiently is a big plus. The EXD 30s make this process so simple that there’s no excuse not to keep them in top condition.

Rugged Durability

One of the most important aspects of any magazine is durability. No one wants to invest in gear that will break after a few uses, especially when that gear could potentially save your life. I subjected the Mission First Tactical EXD 30 magazines to rough treatment to see how they’d hold up.

First, I repeatedly dropped them on various surfaces—concrete, dirt, and gravel—loaded and empty. The magazines held up remarkably well. The polymer construction is tough, absorbing impacts without cracking or deforming.

I also left them loaded for an extended period to test the spring tension and follower integrity. After several weeks of being fully loaded, the springs still had plenty of life, and the followers remained perfectly functional. There was no noticeable difference in feeding performance, which speaks volumes about the long-term durability of these magazines.

Parting Shot

The Mission First Tactical Translucent EXD 30 Polymer Magazines offer the perfect blend of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. The no-tilt follower ensures reliable feeding, while the translucent design allows for quick round count identification. Maintenance is made easy with a baseplate that’s simple to remove, and the rugged polymer construction stands up to the rigors of hard use.

The range of colors available isn’t just about looks. It can be a practical tool for organizing your gear and ensuring you’re always prepared with the right ammo for the situation. Whether in the field, on the range, or relying on these magazines for home defense, you can trust that they’ll perform when you need them most.

If you want to upgrade your AR-15 magazine selection, try the Mission First Tactical EXD 30 magazines. With their combination of innovative features and reliable performance, they’ve quickly become a favorite in my gear lineup.