What kind of mags for an AK?

[Patti]

I recently picked up a nice little AK47.

I need to get some 30 round magazines.

What do you guys recommend?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[JaySkiBum]

I run Tapco mags, but mostly because my AK is so out-of-whack that metal mags don't seat correctly. I guess the plastic allows it enough give to sit just right, or something.


If you want my opinion, run what works. End of story.

[Rock and Glock]

I bought a bunch of steel comm-block Mil-Sup's real cheap several years ago.

[Patti]

I run Tapco mags, but mostly because my AK is so out-of-whack that metal mags don't seat correctly. I guess the plastic allows it enough give to sit just right, or something.


If you want my opinion, run what works. End of story.

I've always heard to stay away from Tapco. But if it works for you, that's good.

I was wondering if anyone has used Palm 21s? Or Circle 10 (or something like that).

I only have one 20 round metal mag - would rather go with plastic.

[tacman605]

Patti. I run AK's a lot and have several different mags that I use over here and at home.

For everyday use and training you cannot beat the European/ComBloc metal surplus mags. They are cheap, 11-15 bucks each, they take a lot of abuse and when they are so beat up that they will not feed reliably anymore I use them for training mags for reloading drills or to clamp into a vice to hold the rifle. They are also the perfect bottle opener. Anyways.

I also have several Circle 10 mags. Some say these are the best AK mags you can get. I have kept mine loaded for a year or more and they shot just fine. They are well made and stand up to abuse. They do cost a bit more and can be hard to find but are more than worth it. I also run some original Russian Bakelites just because they are Russian Bakelites. They are ungodly expensive but do run well.

I have never run a Tapco mag, have heard things but never run one. PALM Industries makes AK mags also that many swear by never used one simply because for the price they charge I can get three surplus mags or a Circle 10.

My suggestion is to get a few surplus mags for training. Some Circle 10's for serious use, function test them, load them with your good SD ammo and put them up. I ussually buy mine from AIM surplus, J&G sales or Gunbroker. They more you buy at a time the cheaper they are I generally buy in lots of 10.

Hope this helps if you need anymore information send me a PM and will help if I can.

[zero]

Congrats on your nice little AK.

Bulgy, Hungarian, and Chicom Milsurp metal mags work great and are still out there for a decent price. Not many for $9 anymore.

Have a US palm that seems fine. Not cheap at $30ish a pop.

I really like the Bulgy ((10))'s. Have a dozen or so. They feel good, have metal frame in the plastic and seem indestructible.

Copes, AIM, Centerfire and a few other surplus shops have ((10)) and metal milsurp.

Have read mixed reviews on tapco and the Bulgy plastic mags that have bullets on outside plastic.

Those tanker 20 round mags are nice too.

Good Luck!

ALSO: Don't remember where I picked the chart up. Kind of cool for reference though. AK_Mag_Chart.jpg

[tacman605]

Zero love the chart. Do you have a link or can you send it to me in an email so I can make it bigger to print out? If you can tacman605@yahoo.com

[Caertaker]

Here's a link to a larger version of the chart: AK Type Magazine Identification Chart

[bodhisattvya]

I'l second Bulgarian Circle 10's. Any of the ex-Warsaw Pact surplus mags should be GTG.

[tacman605]

Thanks Caertaker

[skunkworks]

I've run the Tapco's hard and they work great for me. I got a bunch for $6/each and squirreled a few away. The one's i have used have flawless.
I also have some of the comblock steel mags and they are built very well too and have been flawless (just a bit heavier).
I suggest picking up some of whatever you can and try them, but stay away from the promag and the cheap no-name mags.
If the Tapco mags work for you, they're a heck of a deal, but the steel mags seem to work well in everything.

[Piratesailor]

Patti, congrats on the new buy. What model did you pick up? I have a Saiga and run an original Russian, a bulgy and a tapco. They all work well. I do like the feel and weight of the tapco and given they are cheap, wil order a few more. I've been told that if you've got a good machine pretty much anything will work. I'm about weight and carry so I look for the lightest.

Ran 100 rds through mine yesterday. Damn I enjoy shooting that gun... Have fun.

[zero]

Thought if you kept clicking on the pic it would get bigger. Nice of Caertaker to help with link.

Sent an email with attachment anyway.

[NMB]

Buy a dozen cheap combloc 30 rounders, shoot the piss out of them and throw away whichever ones give you trouble.

[CR Williams]

Steel is fine, easy to get, the Circle 10s are good for times when you might be carrying mags for a while. Avoid Tapco and Promag, as I have read of and experienced problems with both those brands. AK30s are at the high end, yes, but also high-quality.