AR-15 magazines - advice needed

actionherotrainee

I need to purchase some extra magazines for a Bushmaster AR-15.

I never gave magazines much thought until I went through a course recently with some borrowed magazines. They seemed to be made of something like plastic and they did not work well at all... not quite sure what the problem was, I think they just weren't seating properly so the rounds weren't being chambered.

Anyway, to the question: What do I want to look for when purchasing magazines? I've done a little looking and noticed some are made of aluminum and others are stainless steel. Are either of these acceptible? And what else do I need to know to make an informed decision?

Thanks for the advice.

BHAVIN

USGI. If you use USGI aluminum mags with the green followers or the newer gray or tan ones you will be fine. The HK steel ones are nice but aren't needed in my opinion.

tsavo303

those mags you ware using were probally orlite or thermold.
the orlite are not compatable with bushmasters for some reason.do not seat properly
buy USGI, should not be more than $12 ea, clean them , replaace the followers and springs if you have any trouble with MAGPUL ones (3 of $10) and you will have great mags.
Plain USGI are fine

Txs

Agreed that USGI contract mags are good stuff. You can find used ones for sale cheap all over the place, but they are an unknown quantity. If the mag body itself passes inspection (no dents, no bent feed lips, catch slot undamaged), drop in a fresh spring and green follower and you're good to go. The teflon finished mags made by LaBelle are considered the most desirable USGI mags, but keep in mind that external finish wear from honest use is strictly a cosmetic issue.

As for factory new non-USGI mags, C-Products (www.cproductsllc.com) are widely considered to be the best stuff. They've developed a reputation for rock solid reliability and go for a decent price.Their aluminum mags sell for $12-$13 and stainless (less prone to damage) go for $17-$18.

Brownell's has recently started selling AR magazines that are reportedly manufactured by C-Products. (www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=21225)

Increased maintenance is the big problem with steel mags. Rust is a big issue and most people tend to be lax about their schedule of totally diassembling every mag they own and properly cleaning/lubing.

HK mags are known as top of the line by equipment snobs, but they also sell for MANY times more than any others. Their finish is outstanding, but reliability is about the same new USGI or C-Products. For your extra investment you're really just getting that HK emblem.

4440rk

You might try: bravocompanyusa.com. They have 10 packs of 30rd mags for 109.00. I have 20 of these and they run flawless. Have loaned one to anyone at range that was having mag troubles and they ran great. They are made by D&H and stamped Bravo Company. Hope this helps you.

Wehrmacht_45

I have had really good luck with the new mags from Brownells. They are reasonably priced for new mags and have worked flawlessly in the Stag and Colt ARs I have shot with them.

Kodiakk

Personally I go with HK mags. Yep they sure do cost some more, but if I ever have to seriously use the gun I want the best equipment I can find.

After I felt a USGI mag then felt a HK mag in my hand I was sold.

tsavo303

feel 10 of them together, and I would rather carry the USGI! not considering the price.
if you want to upgrade buy the $12 ones from MAGPUL with the antitilt followers

actionherotrainee

A big THANK YOU to everyone who responded. I'm sorry if this is appears as a double posting, but the first one simply disappeared, it seems.

Anyway, I feel educated now... many thanks..

Doug

tsavo303

TXS- those are the ones I was reffering too, thanks for the link! Didnt have it

drobs

Good place to go for C-Product Mags.

$10.60 each
http://www.44mag.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CP30CG