AR Mags to avoid buying (at gunshow later today)

[Cupcake]

I've only got two, so I'm looking to probably triple that later today, depending on prices (also need to buy primers, powder, and some other stuff). I get that Pmags are great, "GI" mags are usually fine...
But does a "GI" mag have certain markings I should look for? When I see a pile of metal AR mags, they all look the same to me...are some absolute junk? Or are they usually these "GI" mags?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Siafu]

I've only got two, so I'm looking to probably triple that later today, depending on prices (also need to buy primers, powder, and some other stuff). I get that Pmags are great, "GI" mags are usually fine...
But does a "GI" mag have certain markings I should look for? When I see a pile of metal AR mags, they all look the same to me...are some absolute junk? Or are they usually these "GI" mags?

My experience with C-Products mags has been very favorable. The ones I bought had Magpul followers and a grayish finish. I paid about $16 each for them a few months ago, right around election time. Look on the floor plate for the mfg logo.

[BAC]

Avoid Promags, certainly. Pmags good, Promags very very bad.

USGI mags usually have the distributor/manufacturer, then city/state/country on the floorplate. Mine, for example, say:

D & H INDUSTRIES, INC.
OCONOMOWOC WI. U.S.A

It's been a while since I've looked, but last I knew there were a bunch of companies contracted to make USGI magazines: Bravo Company (made by C-Products, upgraded by Bravo Company), Brownells, C-Products, Center Industries, Colt (made by NHMTG, I think), D&H Industries, OKAY Industries, and maybe more I'm forgetting. These are all enormous manufacturers, so consistency is definitely going to be there, meaning you can count on these to perform as USGI magazines are intended to perform. Any of these would be acceptable mags.


-B

[cvhoss]

I've actually had very good luck with Pro-Mag magazines though I've never had one of theirs for an AR, only for handguns. The one I would absolutely NOT recommend is Triple-K. Bought some of these once from Midway and they wouldn't even fit into the mag well on my Colt AR. IMHO, they are absolute junk.

Hoss

[Cupcake]

Thanks for the tips. About an hour before I head out...anyone else?

[MP15TDriver]

All I can say is that I absolutely love my PMAGs (both windowed and non-windowed). There is a youtube video showing a truck driving over one to provide durability.

They are great mags, although they are hard to find right now. Typical prices nowadays seem to be $14.95 (non-window) and $17.95 (windowed).

[nutz4utwo]

in case you didn't find what you wanted at the gun show:

Pmags:

Magpul Industries

I ordered a few the other day, they have yet to arrive, but I believe they are in stock. They charged my card

[MP15TDriver]

I think Palmetto is pretty good about displaying only that which they have in stock.

[Cupcake]

Thanks. I bought an overpriced 30 rounder from center industries and a 20 rounder from colt. I think I'll still order some pmags...hopefully I can find something to put in them...no luck finding brass or rifle primers at the show, at any price.

[MP15TDriver]

Which show did you go to?

[ICTsnub]

Thanks. I bought an overpriced 30 rounder from center industries and a 20 rounder from colt. I think I'll still order some pmags...hopefully I can find something to put in them...no luck finding brass or rifle primers at the show, at any price.

Center is a company in Wichita that hires the disabled, and a good mag at that. I live 15 minutes from the factory, but got mine via New Jersey.

[Cupcake]

Which show did you go to?

Gibralter Trade Center in MT Clemens, MI.

[Cupcake]

Center is a company in Wichita that hires the disabled, and a good mag at that. I live 15 minutes from the factory, but got mine via New Jersey.

That's actually great to know. I doubt the disable saw any of the price inflation, but don't mind supporting them at all.

[Siafu]

Cupcake,

Just an FYI: PMags are great but don't drop a full one on the lip or it will crack. At least you can bend the metal ones back into shape with needle nose pliers if you drop them. Pmags are great but the plastic has its limitations.

~Siafu

[BAC]

I have never heard of this problem before with Pmags, so I just did, a few times, onto concrete. The lips are a little scuffed, but that's it. I have three loaded Pmags that I did this with, which were purchased at two different times.


-B