[Fatelvis]

I just experienced my first/only problem with my Armalite AR ever. I took it out in the cold, to do some informal target shooting, (I usually shoot in the warmer weather with it), and the steel GI mags failed to lock in the magwell solidly, causing failure to pick up the first round. I borrowed my Bro-inlaw`s "nylon" mag of some sort, and it worked fine. I assume the temp made the mag contract, causing this problem. I dont want to EVER worry about temp making my rifle inoperable. What mag can I use to ELIMINATE these variances? Thanx guys-

[AR-10]

Random thoughts;

USGI mags are aluminum, not steel.

Full mags are sometimes hard to seat fully. You have to smack them just a bit when inserting. I load twenty round mags to eighteen, thirty round mags to twenty eight. Doing this allows them to seat with less effort.

Any shrinkage from cold would allow the mag to seat easier. Course, the rifle might be shrinking too...

Best AR mags- varies a bit from opinion to opinion. My choices;

LaBelle Teflon thirty round mags. The best, hard to find. Also come with Bushmaster or Defense Procurement Manufacturing Services floorplates.

DPMS Teflon mags. Different floorplate, not as valued because parentage is disputed. Buyers like them.

Colt, Bushmaster, LaBelle, Adventure Line, OKay, Center Industries, FN, or Parsons brand thirties. USGI powdercoat mags.

Colt, or Adventure Line twenties, powder coat.

I don't like the nylon ones. Others do. JMHO

Coopers have certain batches that give problems. Fewer welds on the spine caused some mags to crack. Some guys like 'em, most don't buy them.

There are new thirty rounders on the market that are steel, made in England. They are pretty cheap and seem to be good mags. Made for their armed forces. Not to be confused with steel aftermarket mags made in this country.

There are also Sterling thirty and fourty round steel mags. They are made in England as well. They are expensive and very hard to find. Very high quality, very collectable.

[Fatelvis]

Thanx AR, but these mags were noticably loose in the magwell, (sloppy fit) when cold. A problem that wasnt present in warmer temps.

[DaveH]

Are the mags you were using steel? If so maybe they are English mags or aftermarket. Both have had reported problems. As stated above, USGI mags are aluminum. Our troops use alot of them in various climates without problems.

[bad_dad_brad]

If you don't mind 10 rounders, the factory Bushmaster mags are great.

[Gary G23]

Any USGI mags except Cooper. Make sure the 30 rounders have green followers.

[firestar]

The only AR mags I have had a problem with has been Adventure Line mags. They wouldn't pick up the last round from the mag. It would lock open with the last round loose on top the mag.