G3 Magazines < Aluminum VS Steel >
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rbernie
Contributing Member
AFAIK - steel magazines are Spanish CETME mags and aluminum mags are German G3 mags. The G3 mags are lighter and a little more fragile, while the CETME magazines are heavier and rust but may be a little more robust.
I trend towards the G3 mags, simply because they are historically a lot less expensive and I've not had any reliability/durability issues with them.
I trend towards the G3 mags, simply because they are historically a lot less expensive and I've not had any reliability/durability issues with them.
nalioth
Member
CETME mags are not G3 mags. CETME mags have always been steel, and are not reliably interchangeable with the G3 in the real world (where actual factory-produced battle rifles live). They are different in that they have a slight curvature to them, which G3 mags do not have. They also have a slightly different locking system.rbernie said:
CETME magazine:
H&K (and licensees) produced both aluminum and steel G3 mags for their various customers. They are pretty much the same pattern, just different metals.
H&K G3 aluminum magazine:
H&K G3 steel magazine:
FREERANGETIME!
Member
Good Info
The first two responses answered all pros and cons accurately (imo) the only thing I can add is that in regards to the Cetme, both mag types functioned equally reliably in my rifle. The steel mags are in my understanding, Cetme mags usually available for $10 or less, 5 round mags, making this type rifle legal to hunt with and a lot easier to shoot from the bench, are also available.
The aluminum mags are typically German milsurp, usually available for $1 or less, I have seen them as inexpensive as $50 per 100. My personal preferance is for the aluminum, they are much lighter and do not rust.
As a side note, if you are considering an optic for your rifle, there are other options besides the Stanag style mounts/rings that are every bit as stable, and far less expensive, including picatinny options, as much as I liked my Cetme, I appreciated it even more after I mounted a scope on it.
The first two responses answered all pros and cons accurately (imo) the only thing I can add is that in regards to the Cetme, both mag types functioned equally reliably in my rifle. The steel mags are in my understanding, Cetme mags usually available for $10 or less, 5 round mags, making this type rifle legal to hunt with and a lot easier to shoot from the bench, are also available.
The aluminum mags are typically German milsurp, usually available for $1 or less, I have seen them as inexpensive as $50 per 100. My personal preferance is for the aluminum, they are much lighter and do not rust.
As a side note, if you are considering an optic for your rifle, there are other options besides the Stanag style mounts/rings that are every bit as stable, and far less expensive, including picatinny options, as much as I liked my Cetme, I appreciated it even more after I mounted a scope on it.
Wildbillz
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The Aluminum ones are cheap and all over the place. If you have a H&K type rifle, no reson not to have a hundred or so of them on hand. They only take up a small space stored out in the garage, if one brakes you can toss it in the recycle bin and replace it from stock. They also make good trading stock.
Most of the steel ones I see are a bit more worn them most of the aluminum ones. But they are hell for stout mags. I plan on getting 10 or so of them and having them refinished to make them look good (if I ever get a good G3 type rifle).
Just my out look on it.
WB
Most of the steel ones I see are a bit more worn them most of the aluminum ones. But they are hell for stout mags. I plan on getting 10 or so of them and having them refinished to make them look good (if I ever get a good G3 type rifle).
Just my out look on it.
WB
451 Detonics
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My CEMTE does not like the HK mags at all, it is an older one, not one of the current CIA guns. Fortunately I found a good source of mags at 9 bucks apiece for it and bought plenty.
I would buy the steel mags as well for the HK, they will outlast the aluminum. With steel available for as little as 104 magazine for $175.00 buying the aluminum doesn't really save you much.
I would buy the steel mags as well for the HK, they will outlast the aluminum. With steel available for as little as 104 magazine for $175.00 buying the aluminum doesn't really save you much.
Aluminum.
They're $0.97 a piece.
If you have a defective one, or one wears out, chuck it in your scrap metal bin and grab another.
Buy a hundred of them and just use them for the rest of your life. Give some out as party favors.
They're $0.97 a piece.
If you have a defective one, or one wears out, chuck it in your scrap metal bin and grab another.
Buy a hundred of them and just use them for the rest of your life. Give some out as party favors.
Z-Michigan
Member
Buy some of each kind. When I had a PTR I greatly preferred the aluminum for ordinary use, as the steel mags are heavy as bricks. But I expect the steel is more durable. Both are still relatively cheap.
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