M14 Magazines

ericthered

I just bought some M14 magazines online and was told they are
GI issue. I find no markings of any kind. They are very professional
looking 20 round steel magazines, but I need to know if they could be
GI or if they are after market.
Eric

thats'me

Laredo Lefty

If they have a gray phosphate type finish they are probably US GI mags. If they came in a wrapper made of paper and foil that could also indicate they are US GI. If they are shiny blued finish, they are likely after market.
Norinco,a Chinese company, made some also, but they are tiney and usually came in a oiled paper wrapper.
The price might also indicate their quality, but not always. US GI mags would sell for $50.00 and up, and after market mags for $15.00 and up. Hope this helps.
Happy shootin --Joe--

nmyers

I am not sure that I agree entirely with Lefty. All original USGI mags that I own are a dark gray-black, and have the makers ID stamped on the back. I have refinished USGI mags that are the same color, but on which the makers ID has become missing or difficult to read.

The unmarked silver-gray mags are Chinese, but they work as well as USGI.

I have tried to use blued mags with raised bosses in place of the spot-welded latching plate found on good quality mags; these aftermarket pieces of junk don't work at all. The sellers usually call them "GI", which could mean anything; they don't call them "USGI", since that would be deceptive.

Neal

ericthered

They are a matte black. Looks baked on. Sturdy finish.
They still have some of what looks like cosmoline? on them.
The "follower"? the metal piece inside, is also steel.
Eric

thats'me