Having easy and quick access to a full magazine of AR-15 ammo comes in handy in a wide variety of different shooting scenarios. From trips to the range to shooting competitions and even tactical situations, it is never a bad thing to have a fresh magazine within reach.
This is especially true in areas or locations where high-capacity magazines are outlawed. Magazine couplers are a great way to have that fully loaded magazine right where it needs to be for an extremely quick reload.
Keep reading to learn more and to see the best AR-15 magazine couplers on the market today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR-15 Magazine Couplers
- OUR TOP PICK: Magpul - AR-15/M16 PMag Mag-Link Magazine Coupler
- RUNNER-UP: Fab Defense - AR-15/M16 Magazine Coupler
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Lancer Systems - AR-15/M16 L5 Magazine Coupler
Comparison of the Best AR-15 Magazine Couplers
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What to Watch For When Buying an AR-15 Magazine Coupler
Magazine couplers are an ideal alternative to the duct tape, electrical tape, rubber bands, and other crude methods firearm enthusiasts have employed to hold two loaded rifle magazines together. They offer a more secure hold and a better overall look than those other materials.
You won’t have to worry about things coming apart at an inopportune time if you invest in a high-quality AR-15 magazine coupler. Considering the low cost and high level of durability, upgrading to a magazine coupler is a no-brainer. Use the following tips and information as a good starting point for finding the best AR-15 magazine coupler for your needs!
This Section Written By: Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Balancing Act
A good AR-15 magazine coupler will be easy to attach to your magazines while also maintaining a tight grip that you can rely on at the range or in the field. This can feel like a bit of a balancing act when you are in the market for a coupler. One of the best strategies here is to go with a brand that you have heard of and that you trust.
By doing that you can be at least semi-confident that you will be getting a useful and quality item. There are a lot of cheap knockoffs out there when it comes to a simple item like a magazine coupler. While it might be tempting to save a few bucks, you’ll likely be paying more in the long run if you go with the cheapest magazine coupler you can find.
Connection Style
The way an AR-15 magazine coupler holds a pair of magazines is an important factor to consider. The most basic connection style is holding two magazines of the same total capacity level with each other. However, if you prefer an offset type of connection for switching magazines or if you have two magazines of different capacities, then a magazine coupler that allows for a staggered connection would be ideal. Having the ability to adjust how your magazines are coupled together will allow you to fine-tune your setup to your own preferences.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t expect to be an instant expert at switching between coupled magazines the first time you try it. As with any other gun or shooting skill, practice is vital for proficient use. Take your time getting used to the motion before you start to ramp up the speed. It won’t be long before slamming that fresh magazine into your AR-15 becomes second nature. Just always make sure to practice in a safe manner especially if using full magazines.
Review of the Best AR-15 Magazine Couplers
Below is a list of five of the best AR-15 magazine couplers that are currently on the market. As you take a look at each of them, it is important to carefully note any features or abilities that they may have. While they share the same purpose, they are different in some aspects like the material or design.
Also, the pros and cons of each might come in handy so you’ll know what to expect once you settle for a magazine coupler that you like. Now, let’s kick off our list with what we chose as our “best overall” magazine coupler:
Best Overall
Magpul – AR-15/M16 PMag Mag-Link Magazine Coupler
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First, we’ll be taking a look at the Magpul AR-15/M16 PMag Magazine Coupler. If you have a couple of 30-round mags handy and need them at your disposal at any time, then this magazine coupler might be worth the investment. This is made from reinforced polymer and can fit almost any 30-round PMAG magazines.
Once you attach the magazines in place they will stay secure and won’t wiggle at all. Even when you’re firing off your AR-15 they will stay in place and won’t come loose. If you’re looking for a coupler you can count on no matter what condition you’re in or what application you best use your AR-15 rifle for, then the Magpul might be something that you’re looking for.
Bottom Line
The Magpul magazine coupler is more than deserving of the title of “best overall”. This will provide you with an unmatched ability to reload quickly and efficiently.
It fastens your magazines in place and will stay put even when you’re firing off multiple rounds per second. This is as close as you’ll get to becoming the best of the best. If that’s what you’re aiming for, then the Magpul magazine coupler might be something you’ll enjoy.
Pros
Perfectly Aligned, Doesn’t Get Crooked
Stays in Place Even During Multiple Amounts of Gunfire
Stronger than Any Other Magazine Coupler on the Market
Cons
None
Runner-up
Fab Defense – AR-15/M16 Magazine Coupler
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Finally, we’ll be taking a look at the Fab Defense AR-15/M16 Magazine Coupler. This will end up being your best friend either out in the field, at the range, or in a high-stress situation like a home defense application. No matter what, you’ll have something that you’ll rely on.
Especially when it comes to finding a magazine that will give you quick and speedy loading. This is a universal style magazine coupler. Meaning this can fit magazines that will contain either .223 rounds, .300 AAC Blackout rounds, 5.56 NATO rounds, etc.
Name the caliber, it will handle the magazine. This has a smooth surface and is designed to not snag on any clothing while you’re quickly moving about and reloading your rifle. The coupler is made from polymer and is designed to handle all kinds of damage and extreme temperatures.
No matter the climate, it will still do its job. This will take seconds to install with the right kind of tools. Once complete, you’ll be armed with the advantage of having speedy reloads each time you need them the most.
If you’re looking for a coupler that will secure your magazines in place without any issues, then the Fab Defense may be a good coupler to look at. This is designed to give you a super secure hold for both of your magazines and will be ready to go when you need them the most.
Bottom Line
The Fab Defense magazine coupler might be a direct rival of the Magpul in this category. We won’t be surprised if we see a battle for the top spot in the not so distant future. This holds all kinds of magazines without getting loose during a session at the range.
Once you’ve fastened the magazines together, they stay put until you need them. If you hate the idea of losing magazines at the range, then the Fab Defense magazine coupler will prevent that from ever happening again. It’s built to last and will be great to use for years to come.
Pros
Fits Non-PMAGs Perfectly
Solid Fit and Functions Properly
Easy to Adjust for Most Shooters
Cons
May Not be Adequate for 20-Round Magazines
Best for the Money
Lancer Systems – AR-15/M16 L5 Magazine Coupler
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
Next, we’ll be taking a look at the Lancer Systems AR-15/M16 L5 Magazine Coupler. If you’re looking for something that is lightweight but insanely strong, then this magazine coupler might be the kind you’re looking for. This is made from reinforced polymer with a clamping system made from steel.
The clamping system is designed to hold the magazines in place so they are perfectly aligned and don’t move around while you’re moving quickly from target to target and firing off multiple rounds. Especially when you’re in a setting like in an intense shooting competition. When you’re ready to reload, the magazine will be popped out and ready to go with one push of a thumb.
Simple enough, right? If you’re looking for something that will give you fast reloading and a sturdy secure hold for your magazines when you don’t need them, this magazine coupler by Lancer Systems will probably be something that you’ll consider a little further.
Bottom Line
The Lancer Systems magazine coupler in our view is deserving of being a part of this list. That’s because the overall design is what makes this great. It keeps the overcrowding of magazines at bay and will allow for quick access just by the push of a thumb.
It’s the way a magazine coupler should be. Other than that, the construction is solid and does a good job holding magazines in place. Plus, the coupler is not easy to break (despite some complaining that it does).
Pros
Super Durable
Construction is Quite Solid
Reloading is Quick and Speedy
Cons
May Not Work With PMAGs
Screws May be Harder to Secure Over Time
May Add Some Unnecessary Weight to Your Rifle
4. Fab Defense Pentagon Magazine Coupler for Five fx-pmck
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Now we’ll be taking a look at the Fab Defense Pentagon Magazine Coupler. This will be the one you’ll want to consider buying if you’re one of the handfuls of AR-15 rifle owners that are looking for a coupler at an affordable price. The design looks quite unique.
That’s because it is a five-sided design that can hold up to not two, not three, but five different AR-15 magazines. Either this design will fascinate you or intimidate you. If you’re looking for something that will allow for more than two magazines, then this coupler might be exactly what you’re looking for.
This is designed from high-quality polymer that is durable from the inside out. This is a good sign if you’re looking for something that’s affordable but is also high in quality. So this cancels out the assumption that it’s just an average budget magazine coupler.
The rotation is quick and will allow for speedy loading no matter what application you use it for. If you’re looking for a magazine coupler that gets the job done and doesn’t break the bank, get the Fab Defense Pentagon Magazine Coupler.
Bottom Line
The Fab Defense exceeds all expectations. Especially for something that is considered affordable for most AR-15 users. Aside from that, the unique design is what impresses us the most. Especially when it’s able to handle five AR-15 magazines.
This definitely ups your reloading game quite a bit. If you’re looking for something that will get you through something like an extended range session, this magazine coupler from Fab Defense might just do the trick.
Pros
Snaps in Place Quite Easily
Lightweight, No Unnecessary Weight Added
Legal in Most States with Strict Gun Laws According to One Reviewer
Cons
Does Not Come with an Allen Wrench. You May Need One in Case You Need to Tighten it Some More
5. Command Arms Accessories AR15/M16 Mag Coupler for .223 Magazine
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For our next product, we’ll be taking a look at the Command Arms Accessories AR-15/M16 Mag Coupler. This is exclusively for .223 caliber AR-15 rounds. If that’s all you’re firing these days, then you’ll need a magazine coupler that will allow you to keep some extra magazines handy in case you need them.
What better coupler than this one? This is made from high-quality polymer and allows for spring loading insertion of magazines. The springs make it easy for magazines to slide on and stay in place. The design itself is robust and won’t easily break.
Despite this, it won’t add on any additional weight to your rifle. These are designed at the exact specified height so they won’t get in the way of the rifle’s ejection port. If you’re looking for something that is reliable and functions the way a magazine coupler should, then the Command Arms coupler is without a doubt the only one you can count on. Especially for .223 caliber rounds.
Bottom Line
The Command Arms mag coupler is the only one that will exclusively work with .223 magazines. If you’re unsure of whether or not the other couplers might work with your magazines or not, then this might be your fail-safe option. Regardless of which caliber your rifle is chambered in, there will always be a magazine coupler that will accommodate it.
The design is solid, dang near unbreakable, and is probably one of the most reliable couplers on the market. If these check off a few boxes on your wish list, you’ll know that its the right one for you.
Pros
Easy to Install
Very Sturdy Construction
Easy to Load Magazines In. Easy to Release Them and Add to Rifles
Cons
May Not be as Versatile Like Other Magazine Couplers
What is a Magazine Coupler and What Are They Used For?
A magazine coupler is used to fit two AR-15 magazines together. This is designed to help you reload your AR-15 rifle with a lot more speed and efficiency. Plus, it will allow you to keep some extra ammo handy at all times regardless of what your application might be.
Whether you’re hunting, target practicing or using your AR-15 for competitive shooting purposes, a good magazine coupler is a convenience when you want to save yourself time rather than waste it by manually loading one magazine.
What Makes a Great Magazine Coupler?
The most important question asked is: what distinguishes a great magazine coupler from one that is considered low-quality and ineffective? This list below will answer that question in a few parts. This is something to refer to when you’re a first-time user of these magazine couplers. You’ll never have to worry about having to buy something that is disappointing and cheap. With that said, here’s what distinguishes a good coupler from a bad one:
Material
Of course, the material is one of the most important aspects of any accessory. That’s because high-quality materials like polymer are designed to be tough and withstand all kinds of damage. The higher the material quality, the better it will last. Especially for years or even decades to come.
Installation
These magazine couplers are easy to install. This means you won’t have to rely on the services of a professional gunsmith to get the job done for you. Also, you won’t have to worry about the skill level that you have when it comes to gunsmithing skills. Luckily, all of these magazine couplers are all drop-in or easy to install.
Functionality
A great magazine coupler will allow you to be able to release magazines as quick and simple as possible. They will fasten and stay in place until you need them. While they are fastened, they will remain in place when you’re running or firing multiple rounds. So long as the screws or fasteners are tightened properly, you won’t have to worry about losing your extra magazines.
Pros and Cons of Magazine Couplers
Yes, you will get to experience the advantages of having a magazine coupler. However, there will be some downsides. This is what you might expect from a magazine coupler should you choose to get one for yourself:
PROS
Below are the main pros:
Faster Loading/Reloading
As mentioned before, these couplers are designed to keep your extra magazines handy until you need them. Since they’re closer to you, the unloading and reloading will be almost instant. This will definitely serve you well in the long run in pretty much any application. Especially if you’re in a target shooting or home defense situation.
Great In Case Of An Emergency
What if one of your magazines jam on you? Yes, it does happen to the best of us. It’s even more of a relief when you have two extra magazines handy just in case one fails. Not only are couplers great for faster reloading, but they’re also your “break glass in case of emergency” kind of accessories for your AR-15 rifle.
Hands-Free Magazine Compartments
Sometimes, holding an extra magazine in your hand will prove to be difficult. Especially when you’re trying to use your AR-15 with both hands. Your pockets won’t do you any good since the magazines themselves may snag inside them or on any parts of your clothing. You can consider this one of the many hands-free godsends that you can add onto your rifle at a moments notice.
CONS
Below are the main cons:
May Add On Extra Weight
Sometimes, if you’re carrying multiple rounds this will happen. Especially if you’re carrying more than two magazines at a time. The rifle may become slightly heavier than normal, and it might make it a little more uncomfortable to carry around. If you’re a first-time user, it is important to carry no more than two additional magazines at a time.
May Not Always Be Universal
Some magazine couplers will handle any caliber magazines. Some will not. This is where you’ll need to know what your AR-15 rifle is chambered in. If you fire 5.56 NATO rounds, then find a coupler that is compatible with those magazines. If you’re firing .300 Blackouts, find one that might be close enough to handle those kinds of mags. Universal mag couplers are out there, but they’re usually hard to find.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best AR-15 magazine coupler, you’ll know exactly what to look for. If not, think about what you might look for in an accessory that has the ability to hold extra magazines and allows you to reload your rifle in the shortest amount of time possible.
Once you’ve got a good idea, look through the list above again to see if they fit your criteria. There is nothing more convenient or reliable like a magazine coupler that will have all your extra shots handy when you need them the most.
