AR Magazines - Steel? Aluminum? Plastic?

[esq_stu]

Apologies in advance if this survey was already done recently.

I was browsing on the C Products website and noted that they make both aluminum and stainless steel AR magazines. I've been satisfied with their steel ones. I'm also satisfied with plastic Magpul P-Mags, Israeli Orlite mags, and various generic steel and aluminum mags. My experience has been that all the ones with modern followers have worked fine.

Here's my question - do you have a clear preference? Assuming there's a choice among good quality, reliable AR15 magazines, what material of construction is best for a person that goes to the range a lot but not in the "field," but could some day need them for something more than plinking?

 

[General Disarray]

I'd say the P-mags just because they're so much easier to load up. The followers are so smooth and don't tilt at all. I sold all my other ones and only have these P-Mags anymore.

 

[Darthbauer]

I am also P-Mags only.

 

[glazer1972]

PMags

 

[Rubber_Duck]

I use USGI with MagPul followers and Lancer L5 polymer mags (I like them better than the Pmags, and they're just as reliable).

 

[Evil Monkey]

I've only had experience with steel cproducts, however, I don't think that the body and feed lips are thick enough.

I've heard that the major problem with STANAG mags is the fact that they were originally made from thin aluminum. Because of that, a polymer mag cannot be made much thicker because of the strict dimensions, at least not as thick as polymer AK, sig550, g36, styer aug ,etc mags. However, given the positive results overall from the thermolds and Pmags, it seems as they can be built thick enough to produce a tougher mag with sturdier feed lips but without compromising inter dimension specifications.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

It is not the material they are made with as much as it is the manufacturer.

PMAG's and D&H mags are excellent for the money.

 

[RX-178]

I like Lancers and P-Mags, but the P-Mags are less expensive, so those are the ones I bought.

 

[Frog48]

Whatever you find to be most reliable in your gun, thats all that matters.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Would steel magazines cause undue wear on aluminum AR receivers?

Seems like you might cause a lot of wear on an expensive aluminum part.

 

[possum]

out of the 100+ gi mags that i have used i have had very few problems, if i needed mags i would get p mags form mag pul but since i have 40x 30rd ar mags i am good for the time being.