I have two 18-rounders. The first was the phosphated, and it took a couple of loading cycles and about twenty rounds of slapping the magazine in and out of the pistol to break it in. After that, I decided I needed another one and I wouldn't buy another factory magazine again. I have ten, so I'm not turning my back on them, I just won't buy them again if the Mec-Gars are available. I then purchased the anti-friction coating 18-rounder which is called Optimum now. It took absolutely no break-in to work as well as my phosphated mag. That is why only the Optimums are produced now. Easy in and out, inside and out, that's what you pay for, that's what you get. I tried unsuccessfully to trade two used factory mags for a single new or used Optimum or even phosphated. Any takers now? I would still do it, if anyone wants to call me on it.
They are the best Beretta 92 magazines on the market.