Feed/Lock Open Issues with 20rd Pmags?

[M1key]

I have read on the M4Carbine website about a number feed and fail-to-lock-open problems with 20-round Pmags and was wondering how many here had the same or similar issues?

Is this a Gen 2 issue alone or do the Gen 3 mags have the same problem? If so how do you tell the difference between Gen 2 and Gen 3 mags? Also any such issues with 30-rounders?

I have a few (don't know what Gen they are) and was hoping to use them for my HD AR-15, but now I'm not so sure...

I guess the only way to know for sure in my case is to function-test them with different ammo in my carbines.

Thx for replies...

M

 

[Jackal]

I've got a gen 2 and never had a problem. Even so, failure to lock open is basically a non issue. Your gun should never be emtpy. Reload at about 15 just to be safe (I say about 15 because in a stressful situation, your unlikely to be counting your shots).

 

[gondorian]

From what I've heard this is a gen 3 issue. There is a long thread about this over on arfcom and Magpul has confirmed that this does exist and is working to fix the problem. Gen 2 mags have fatter baseplates and no little knob to prevent over-insertion.

 

[Walkalong]

If so how do you tell the difference between Gen 2 and Gen 3 mags?

G2 is straight, and G3 is curved and longer.

 

[Outlaw Man]

I've had it happen a couple times, too.

 

[M1key]

G2 is straight, and G3 is curved and longer.

Aha...

Mine are the Gen 2 then...

M

 

[mtrmn]

My 20 round Pmags have the same problem, and had a couple failures with 30 rounders too. I only use them at the range, nothing serious. If I have to DEPEND on my mags, I use GI mags only--don't trust the Pmags. That's just my opinion based on my experience.

 

[hatt]

My old straight 20 pmags do not reliably lock back the bolt.

 

[gondorian]

It's interesting because I have never had a single issue with PMAGs and have had problems with 30 rd GI mags and tons of problems with old and worn 20 rd GI mags.

 

[M1key]

the issues seem to be hit or miss

Many folks on other forums claim to have fixed these problems with their 20s by replacing the follower with one from a 30...

I might give this fix a try if mine begin giving problems


M

 

[MrCleanOK]

I have two Gen 2 20-rd PMAGs that I use fairly regularly. The only problem I've ever had with one was caused by operator error during loading with stripper clips and I don't let it bother me since I wasn't the one who loaded the mag, and I don't use stripper clips (explaining the situation would take more time than it's worth).

I had enough confidence in mine to carry them in combat, for whatever that's worth.

 

[HOOfan_1]

I have 2 Gen 2 20 roundsers....never had a problem. Never had a problem with any Pmags....That's all I ever buy anymore

 

[M1key]

Still can't help but wonder...if the Gen 2 mags worked so well, why did Magpul feel the need to upgrade them with the Gen 3?

M

 

[HOOfan_1]

Still can't help but wonder...if the Gen 2 mags worked so well, why did Magpul feel the need to upgrade them with the Gen 3?

M

Gen 3s are supposed to work better in non-ARs like the FN SCAR. Also the supposedly slimmer baseplate is supposed to make them fit in mag pouches better

 

[hatt]

the issues seem to be hit or miss

Many folks on other forums claim to have fixed these problems with their 20s by replacing the follower with one from a 30...

I might give this fix a try if mine begin giving problems


M

Not recommended. Curved pmags have anti tilt followers. Straight pmags do not. Tapered cartridges in straight mags require the follower to tilt to work properly. While it may hold back the bolt a little better it's likely going to be less reliable.

 

[goon]

From what I've read, there is an honest issue with the 20 round PMag's and Magpul has worked to correct the faults with the Gen 3 version.

But... some of the main points of the Gen 3 30 round magazine were to thin them down so they'd fit mag pouches better and also so they'd fit non-AR platforms. I've seen some rifles that are a tight fit with Gen1 or 2 Pmags but that work fine with Gen 3's.