Has anybody ever bought an EMA Tactical AR-15 countdown mag?

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DustyVermonter

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I bought an EMA Tactical AR-15 magazine and for some strange reason in order to get it to fit into the mag well I have to apply a rediculous amount of force just to get it in, and then I have to smack the bottom of the mag extremely hard to get it to 'click' in all the way. It is a polymer countdown mag that looks like any ordinary mag(dimension wise) but does not fit. The only thing I thought of is, it says its made for an AR-15 and technically I have an M4gery, but as far as I know they are the same as far as mag well dimensions. Has anybody else bought one of these and had the same problem? Is there any way to troubleshoot this issue. I paid $26 for it and its actually a pretty nifty mag, obviously except for the fact that it doesn't fit. It has a little square window at the base of the mag that tells you how many rounds you have left as you shoot and for every ten rounds fired it displays a different color so you can quicky glance at it to see how low you are getting. 30-20(green) 19-10(yellow) 9-0(red). If no solution exsist's does anybody know of any other Mags that share the same features that have a trusted track record?
 
Seriously, Pmags are going for $13 without the window and $15 with it around here. I've yet to hear anyone say anything bad about Pmags. Picked up 4 of em myself to use at work and in my Sig 556 and haven't had any complaints.
 
The color reference is a gimmick. In all the contacts I've been in, I've shot dry or reloaded during a lull. Repeat as neccesary.
 
Well, I don't normally shoot people, I'm usually just out there target practicing like an idiot so to me the window seemed like kind of a neat feature. But you could bet your ass that if you came to bring fire down on my house the chances of anyone being around to tell me I did something wrong would be slim to none. Usually when im just plinking I have plenty of time to consult a mag without having to duck for cover from the bad men. But go ahead, tell me I'm doing it wrong, Mr. Internet Gun God.
 
Well, I don't normally shoot people, I'm usually just out there target practicing like an idiot so to me the window seemed like kind of a neat feature. But you could bet your ass that if you came to bring fire down on my house the chances of anyone being around to tell me I did something wrong would be slim to none. Usually when im just plinking I have plenty of time to consult a mag without having to duck for cover from the bad men. But go ahead, tell me I'm doing it wrong, Mr. Internet Gun God.
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...and that is exactly the wrong way to ask for help. You were already given the alternatives you ask for; alternatives that cost less and actually work. You're making yourself seem like a jackass, though I doubt you really are.
 
I wouldn't put the blame completely on him. Poor communication is usually perpetrated on BOTH sides of a conversation.

And you DID circumvent the bulk of his question. That aggravates me too. If you don't know how to fix it, or don't know anyone who does, then just politely SAY so. Hammering away with "Buy P-mags" and calling him names for not doing so is a bit of a red herring, and it certainly isn't High Road.

OP: it is not all that uncommon for polymer mags to not fit in some brand lowers. There are a number of manufacturers both of lowers and of magazines, and both sides try and keep there tolerances tight. Once and a while a boo-boo happens.

Could you be more specific as to how this mag "doesn't fit"? Is it too thick, or too long? is it dragging on one side or the other? Any additional information may help.
 
I'm not an 'internet gun god.' Just a guy whose been in some dirty corners of the world and has real experience with what works and what doesn't. If you don't like my opinions, that's fine, but there's no reason to start calling names. Buy whatever mags you want. I'll stick with what I've known to work, over and over.
Speaking of which, the aluminum GI mags work pretty well also...here's a couple photos of the 'internet gun god' himself in Kabul, using GI mags, and then again using PMAGS.

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You're supposed to look at the lower right corner of the screen. That's where you see how much ammo you have left.

If it isn't there it might be in the other corner. Make sure to turn the HUD display all the way up.
 
OP, stop crying, use PMags, and take a carbine course. Don't waste your time doing something at the range that you wouldn't do in an exchange, unless you just have a range toy.

BTW I once questioned JP too, he is legit.
 
Do the P-mags have the color reference?
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No, they allow you to see the round stack directly, and I believe the newer ones even have "25......15.......5" markings, which tells you how many rounds you have left when a painted indicator on the mag spring reaches that point.

Sorry, all I could find on the 'net was a photo of a military/gov setup, but this is a good shot of the mag:

http://brigadearmory.com/catalog/pr...d=469&osCsid=6648ca5d518e8e9c66818255c58814b2
window%20pmag.jpg


It is a common opinion among serious shooters that the PMAGs are the best AR-platform magazine currently on the market, bar none, even though they are toward the low end of the price scale.
 
As far as your current magazine, the tolerances may be a little loose, more likely on the magazine, but alternatively on the lower. You can likely grind or sand the magazine to fit. Personally I see nothing wrong with using such a magazine for a range toy, but I would stick to the "tried and true" designs for serious use (though I have no experience with the magazine in question, so my assumptions could be incorrect). Both USGI Al. magazines as well as Magpul PMags qualify under this condition.

Personally I like the Lancer L5 magazines the best. They are reinforced polymer, but have molded in steel feed lips. This makes them more durable than either USGI or PMags IME (but like I mentioned earlier, both of these are good). They are also smoked translucent polymer, so you can visibly see your round count (though they have no counter). Additionally these are available in both 20 and 30 round capacities, which is a major benefit for me as I prefer the more scarce 20rnd variety. The only disadvantage is that they cost a bit more than other magazines, but can still be found for sub-$20.00, so they are affordable. FWIW, I use the 20rnd. PMags for the range and the 20rnd Lancers for HD.

:)
 
I got no problem spending $20 on a mag if its quality and I know its gonna work every time I use it. I went off on a whim buying a mag that I haven't ever heard of but the clerk said he never had any complaints. The window isn't the main feature I look for, as I said before I just want them to work 100%. John Parker, I got no problems, nor do I doubt your creds and expertise. I apologize, I didn't catch that first post, Just didn't seem like you brought much to the table other than inferring that I didn't know what I was doing at first based off of an added mag feature, in retrospect I acted like a jackass. But as I said before, I'm lookin for 100% reliablilty and if it has a RC window, well then that's just swell. I didn't think somebody would have the brass to sell an AR mag for $26 that doesn't fit without having to basically hit it with a sledgehammer. I know that DPMS is known for a tight fit but I assume that's more or less referring to fit and finish. I know a lot of people have said that the mags that come with the DPMS are junk, but as far as I'm concerned they are awesome and work 100% of the time. I'd rather stick with the USGI and aluminum mags, I just wanted to have a few polymers with the round counts and so far I would not recommend EMA tactical, I do however like those Lancer L5's that Maverick was talkin about and I'm probably gonna buy 4-5 of those. I love P-mags though, my uncle always tells me I need to convert my Saiga to accept "REAL" mags but he just doesn't know, they are awesome in my opinion and come with a lifetime warrantee. To answer Grey Moral's question, the mag just does not fit, I have to align it perfectly up with the magwell and then I have to inch it back and fourth little by little to get it to go in the first inch, then I flip the gun upside down and force it down then grab the gun and give it a good smack to get the 'click'. Pain right in the @$$. The dimensions are just to long and wide. Thanks for all the input everybody, I'm gonna try and find some deals on Brownells and get some aluminum GI's and some of those Lancer L5's. BTW, JP no HF's
 
Wait a second, John parker, I wasn't even referring to you as the "Internet Gun God". Take a look at Arizza's post and you'll see why all the confusion, either way no biggie. Just to clarify I wasn't making the comment in referrence to you, sorry bout the foul up. BTW, thanks for the input
 
BTW, I know its a little off subject but John Parker, is an M1A scout squad one of the tings you would have liked to have had in those "Dirty Corners"? I'm only asking for a general consensus and the fact that it appears you could give an informed opinion based on certain experiences you probably have.
 
I wouldn't put the blame completely on him. Poor communication is usually perpetrated on BOTH sides of a conversation.

And you DID circumvent the bulk of his question. That aggravates me too. If you don't know how to fix it, or don't know anyone who does, then just politely SAY so. Hammering away with "Buy P-mags" and calling him names for not doing so is a bit of a red herring, and it certainly isn't High Road.
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+100
 
I don't ever presume to know how much or how little someone knows based on hardware/gear choices. I would have to see them use their gear in order to make a determination, and even then I could care less. If I have no information pertaining to someones thread, I don't waste my time posting. But if some one makes a comment in reference to me, bet your boots I'm gonna fire right back, but apparently some people don't deal with that very well and their arrogant, elitist mentalities really shine through. That's why it sux when 1 person makes a stupid comment because it causes confusion and steers the thread into a completely meaningless direction. I never even made any reference to John Parker but because Arizza makes comments when he doesn't have any ground to stand on, peoples feelings got hurt. Its simple, don't be presumptuous and don't post if you don't have anything meaningful to contribute, and then we can all play nice. I'm not out to be a jerk to anyone, but I'm not lookin to take any bullcrap either.
 
BTW, I know its a little off subject but John Parker, is an M1A scout squad one of the tings you would have liked to have had in those "Dirty Corners"? I'm only asking for a general consensus and the fact that it appears you could give an informed opinion based on certain experiences you probably have.
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If it goes 'bang' when I pull the trigger, then I'd use it. I've used M-14s for many applications and really liked them. Most of my work has been very low-profile, so I prefer short little rifles with folding stocks. I've had excellent luck with the AKS-74U and I really, really loved the HK G36K. It's the one and only rifle that I've had 100%, complete confidence with. Sad that they won't sell to individuals. They'd have a real money-maker with that rifle.
 
Were you using the M-14 for long shots, if so how did it perform. I live in Vermont way out in the sticks and its pretty hard to find any plot of land where you can shoot 500+ yrds. I have heard so many stories of M1A's reaching out to 800+ yrds easy and accurately. I am just curious as to what I can expect from my Scout version with the 18in barrel Vs. 22in. I have heard that you don't lose much if at all velocity and range with a .308 fired through an 18in barrel, I just have a hard time believing that you wouldn't gain accuracy and range with the 22in as opposed to the 18in. Also, what would you rank those Draco Romanian AK-47 pistols on a scale of 1-10, I am thinking of getting one of those for their Low-pro, discreet, concealablity. I just don't want a spray and pray gun and havent heard too much about them nor have I been able to research much on them.
 
I pretty sure poster #5 was referencing the ages old Internet joke

633652847779569367-Drivethru.jpg


and not making fun of you. Don't take it so personally.
 
Were you using the M-14 for long shots, if so how did it perform. I live in Vermont way out in the sticks and its pretty hard to find any plot of land where you can shoot 500+ yrds. I have heard so many stories of M1A's reaching out to 800+ yrds easy and accurately. I am just curious as to what I can expect from my Scout version with the 18in barrel Vs. 22in. I have heard that you don't lose much if at all velocity and range with a .308 fired through an 18in barrel, I just have a hard time believing that you wouldn't gain accuracy and range with the 22in as opposed to the 18in. Also, what would you rank those Draco Romanian AK-47 pistols on a scale of 1-10, I am thinking of getting one of those for their Low-pro, discreet, concealablity. I just don't want a spray and pray gun and havent heard too much about them nor have I been able to research much on them.
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I think that the M14 is a wonderful rifle. As far as ballistics and accuracy between the 18' and 22' versions, I'll admit I'm not the guy to ask. With a good optic, shooting man-sized targets at 600m was boring with that rifle. Our team sniper loved the M14, but he switched to the AR10 version as soon as he could. If you're looking for standoff, I'd say the M1A is an excellent choice.
I've never used the Draco pistol, but did use the AKS-74U quite a bit and really liked that little rifle and it's 5.45x39 round. So much, that I have an SBR clone of one back home! Being able to deploy a stock really makes all the difference.
 
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