Thermold AR Magazines review. Providing info, no arguments please.

Just some information for anyone who cares. I probably keep around 30 AR magazines on stock at all times. Half of them are USGI military surplus 30 round magazines, which I have gotten for $5-$6. I spend $1.50 more and replace the followers with Magpul Generation III followers. This is so I don't risk ammo tilting and having a feed problem. FWIW: I am not a fan of Magpul plastic magazines. I have a few, but I never use them. For 30 round magazines, I prefer USGI Military Surplus and the Magpul Gen III followers. For 30 round magazines, I just don't care for plastic.

HOWEVER: For 20 round magazines, which I like a lot; especially for at the range, laying prone, and home defense; I have no problem with plastic, and per the title of this thread, I have had no issues with thermolds. Plastic in 20 rounders is fine, because they are straight magazines, and therefor, I don't have issues with rounds tilting, and therefor don't need anti-tilt followers. So for me, the thermold 20 round magazines work great. I have been using them for more than 10 years, and have yet to have any problems with them at all. Again; I am speaking ONLY of 20 round magazines. For 30 round magazines, I only shoot USGI surplus with a Magpul Generation III follower.

The "Master Mold - LE/Govt use only - Made in USA (North Carolina)" 20 round magazines can be found for between $4-$5 each at places like CDNN or Centerfire Systems. Be careful, because there are still a lot of places that sell them for between $9-$13 a piece. Some argue that they are $4-$5 for a reason. Sorry; but it's not because they are crap, but because they are surplus and there are a lot of them available. Again; I have used them extensively for more than 10 years, and have never had any problems with them in 3 AR's and 1 Saiga .223 (Which I have an AR/M16 magazine adapter). Now; even if you bought some of these simply for range use, because 30 round magazines can be inconvenient at times, and you don't trust them for self defense purposes, that would still be worth $4-$5. I just bought some more from CDNN when they were running a sale; buy 2 get 1 free. (It was on a LOT of magazines, not just these). So I got 6 total for the price of $16. That's $2.66 each. (I was buying other stuff, so there was no additional shipping charges. Their sale included a $6.99 flat rate shipping per order).

In all fairness, there have been 2 issues in the past with Thermolds, and these are the ONLY 2 issues I've ever heard of. 1) The canadian military started using them. HOWEVER; they insisted on buying the "RIGHT" to produce the magazines themselves. They did NOT use the Zytel nylon material that "Master Mold" originally uses. They used apparently a cheaper plastic, which more easily cracked/broke. I've never heard of the USA made ones having this issue. 2) The other issue that "SOME" have mentioned, was that the magazine feed lips actually melted a little. But the ONLY TIME I've ever heard or read of this, was when the weapon was shot if FULL AUTOMATIC for extended periods of time. So; for the 99.9583% of you who don't own/shoot a fully automatic AR, this probably isn't an issue for you.

I don't buy magazines often. I've had 20 of these at one time. I've sold one AR and a Kel-tec that used AR magazines, and I gave 5 of the thermolds to each person. They were just starting out with rifles, and I gave them as part of the sale. They still use these magazines and don't have any problems. I also lost a couple in my numerous moves throughout the military. I currently have about 13 Thermolds. 11 each of the 20 rounders which I use often. A Couple 30 rounders, which I'll NEVER use. (I explained my preference for 30 rounders). I also have about 3 Magpuls that I'll hold only for "Trading material" for someone who's got something I need. Anyway; this is just an individual review of the Thermolds. I don't work for them and have never met them. But for those looking for good 20 round magazines, the $4-$5 each for these is great. They are great magazines. Of course, if you want to pay $10-$15 for other 20 round magazines, I don't care at all. I didn't start this thread for a debate. Simply my opinion. Just because I trust the 20 round thermold for home defense, and definitely at the range, doesn't mean you have to. Matter of fact; you could order 5 of these simply for range use, and make your own mind up whether or not you like them. Then you can either decide they actually are decent, or throw them in the garbage. Again; it doesn't affect me either way.

So; just my review and opinion. Whether you don't trust them for defense, but want a source of inexpensive range magazines, or you trust them for defense. $4-$5 each is a good price. Of course I'm sure there are those that hate them, and say they use them only to practice "Clearing Jams". They can write their own review. Maybe they have an expensive crappy rifle that's picky with magazines. My M&P, Frankenstein, and RockRiver as well as my Saiga, has never had an issue with the 20 round LE thermolds. Anyway; if you're interested, this was my review. later....

Mags; are you using these in an AR-15, or a Saiga with an AR mag adapter???

I have not found one AR-15 that it wouldn't keep the bolt open on the last round. My RR, frankenstein, and my current M&P15. It WON'T hold the bolt on my saiga, but that's not the magazine's fault. It's an AK-47, and it's different. And like Tonyangle said, never a problem holding open the bolt on an AR-15. If you have 5 that don't hold the bolt open; and your buddy has 5 that won't hold the bolt open; then there is a common denominator between the two of you. Tell us what rifle you're using it in. Saiga, Kel-tec, or some other rifle that uses AR-15 magazines; OR, is it a real AR-15???

For the rest of you, the "PURPOSE" you use these magazines, is strictly a personal issue. I happen to trust them for defensive use. Others only trust them for range use. But what I think is important is: Even if you only trust them for range use, and NEVER for personal use; my question is: "What Do You Think You'll Be Doing More of? Shooting targets or shooting people". If you don't trust thermolds for defensive use, that's cool. Buy you 5 or so Magpuls; USGI; or whatever magazine you believe will keep you alive. THEN; buy 20 of these Thermolds for $80, and use them for the 99.5893% of the time that you're holding your weapon. when you're at home and done fondling your weapon, throw your magpul, usgi, or whatever you're more comfortable with. Why spend $10, $15, $20 for a magazine that all you're going to do with it is punch paper. And for those that say they have their Thermolds to practice "Clearing Jams". Sorry, I call B.S. 100% on you. Can you have an issue? sure. I've also had issues with USGI magazines. For instance. A .223 ammo has an overall length of 57mm. The 5.56 ammo actually is a pubic hair longer. 57.40mm. .4mm isn't even really noticeable; however; I have had an occasional feed issue with some older USGI mags. It's rare, but it does happen. Point is; to believe or state that a Thermold magazine causes Jams on a regular basis, is nothing but B.S. I've never had one in 10+ years.

For most people, these are great for range use. You can decide whether or not you trust them for defensive purposes. But even if not, you still have a good supply of magazines for range use. This way you don't spend all day reloading magazines. Go to the range with 20 loaded magazines; 20 each; 400 rounds total; no reloading necessary; and you don't have a too long 30 round magazine in your way. And remember: I only reviewed and recommend the 20 round magazines. 30 round mags curve. Without a good anti-tilt follower, the curve in the magazine can cause feed issue. (Maybe this is the JAM that some people complain of). In 20 round magazines, this issue is NOT AN ISSUE!!! 20 round Thermolds are straight feed. The magazine doesn't curve. Anyway; I'd rather have 3-4 thermolds for every 1 of the other mags. But again; only talking about 20 rounders. ALL my 30 rounders that I use, are USGI surplus magazines with NEW Magpul Generation III followers. I won't use plastic 30 round magazines. And that includes Magpul. But i will use plastic 20 round magazines. Thermolds work quite fine. Even if they are only for the range, it's a great deal.

Justin said:

Sounds like they might be fine for general plinking aorund, but if there's a chance that the feed lips will melt if exposed to sustained rapid fire, I'm not so sure that I'd want to include them in my setup.

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Justin; the ONLY time i've EVER read of that happening, was with the Canadian magazines. And these were NOT built by Thermold/Master-Mold of North Carolina. When the Canadians bought these magazines, they bought the Production rights. And they used a totally different plastic in their production. That's why it's important not to get the canadian thermolds. Get only the ones that say manufactured in North Carolina by Master-Mold. Again; the ONLY time I've ever read of the melting feed lips, was on FULL AUTO, and only with the Canadian magazines.

Currently, Centerfire Systems: http://www.centerfiresystems.com/magar-ther-20.aspx has them for $4.99; but they have a flat shipping charge sale of $5.99 for any order under $99, and FREE Shipping on orders over $99.

CDNN still has a flat rate shipping of $6.99; but for the weekend, they are using Thermold 20 round mags as a special if you buy other mags too. That is over on Monday, so you'll be able to buy them again on Monday. Price then is $3.99. http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

Both companies are good. CDNN has a lot more specials, but you just never know what they'll be. I've seen a lot of 2-For-1 sales on everything. You never know. Anyway; there's some decent deals out there. Locally, we have a gun store selling them for $8 each. But as long as there are places like CDNN and Centerfire systems with their shipping specials, it's best to get them from them.

Mags said:

I am using them in BCM, Bushmaster and Armalite ARs. I have a Thermold 30 rounder that works fine but the 5 20 rounders I have won't lock the bolt back.

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Don't know what to tell you. There's obviously something about your rifle that is special. I have friends with bushmasters using Thermold 20 rounders, with absolutely no problems. The fact that you bought 5 magazines and NONE of them hold the bolt open, tells me it's something about that one particular rifle that doesn't like the magazine. This isn't uncommon. There are plenty of stories where a person says their rifle, pistol, semi, etc... doesn't like a particular magazine. Guess nothing is perfect.

Maybe you got a batch of the "Canadian" made ones. When the canadian military started using Thermolds, they didn't buy actual thermolds. They bought the "RIGHTS" to produce them themselves. They wound up using a different plastic than Zytel. They had a lot of issues with them. If you had the USA made ones, I don't know what to say. The USA made north carolina ones from Master Molder i've NEVER had an issue with. I've used them in 3 different AR's. Bolt open works on ALL of them. I've never had one crack or break. I'm not saying they are the best in the world. Personally, I prefer USGI Surplus metal magazines the best. But the 20 round thermolds have treated me well over the last 10+ years. Sorry you had a bad experience. Fortunately, that hasn't been the experience of most people who have used the USA made ones.

Sam; two things i noticed about your pics.

1. I've never seen a "Camo" version; unless you painted them.
2. There is no patent number on the pic you show. ALL of the one that I have that are REAL Master-Mold have the patent number on them.

Not saying yours were made by a 3rd party or canadian sub-contractor; just that they don't look normal to me.

As for bolt open lock issues being "Common"; I will only say that with the 20 Round Master-Mold, LE/GOVT Use only, Made in the USA, magazines; bolt hold open issues, are NOT common. And the last 20 that I have bought, as well as many others who have bought them, have not had any problems with them. Not to say that every rifle and every magazine is 100% compatible. That isn't realistic. I know some who's rifle don't like PMags. They don't drop out of the magwell without having to be PULLED OUT. I've also seen where an AR (RockRiver) had a major issue with USGI magazines. They fit too loose, and wouldn't feed well. When they replaced the followers, they worked better. So it doesn't matter if it's thermolds or any particular magazine/rifle/pistol combination; nothing is 100% compatible. It just doesn't exist. But your problem you describe is not the norm or common among the magazines I mentioned. Again, without a patent number, and with the camo color, I truly doubt that those are REAL Master-Mold LE/GVT only 20 round USA made magazines. As for your gunsamerica link; DAMN that's expensive. $8+ each per magazine. I just paid $3.99 each, and they work perfectly.

Horsesoldier: You asked why I thought plastic was OK in 20's but not 30's. It's not a "Plastic" thing. It's a "Follower" thing. In 30 round magazines, most are curved. If you don't have some sort of "Anti-Tilt" follower, you can have feed issues. The best "Anti-Tilt" follower, is a Magpul Generation III follower. They are only about $1-$1.50. You can easily replace the follower in a metal 30 round magazine in about 10 seconds. MOST, I won't say all, plastic magazines are molded in such a way, that a traditional MIL-SPEC magazine follower, won't fit in a plastic magazine. There are good plastic mags like PMag; but I won't spend $15 for a magazine, when I can get "In my opinion" a better USGI Surplus for $5-$6 and spend $1-$2 for a gen III follower and have a better magazine.

A 20 round magazine however is STRAIGHT. It doesn't curve. It has no need for an Anti-Tilt follower. Rarely do they have feed issues.

Fair enough on the camo. "I must have over looked that". Don't know what to say about eh patent number. I don't know where the "Crate" came from. But I have never had, owned, or seen one of the 20 round Official master-mold le/gvt only magazines that didn't have the patent number on it. And considering that yours says "Pat Pend" Which stands for, "Patent PENDING"; meaning the company doesn't have a PATENT on that yet, means that they are either very, very, old; or they are not originals. Master-mold DOES have a patent on their zytel magazines. Again; don't know what to tell you. Just because it came out of a crate, doesn't mean anything. Again; the missing patent numbers, and it saying patent PENDING means it's a 3rd party copy, or VERY OLD. All of mine, including the new batch from CDNN all have patent numbers. Matter of fact; they are all the SAME patent number.