M1 Carbine Magazines

[Mr_Flintstone]

Hey guys, I have a new model Auto-Ordnance M1 Carbine. Originally I had lots of feed issues with the magazines I had (1 A-O 15 rd, 1 Promag 15 rd, and 1 KeepShooting.com 10 round). Of the three, the one from Keep Shooting was the worst.

After a while, I ordered some USGI 15, and a USGI 30. They worked flawlessly, but were covered in rust. I had to sand with 600 grit, finish with 1500 grit, and re-blue. Now they work good, and look good.

While the USGI work good, they are a lot of work to get in good shape. Are there any good aftermarket magazines that work reliably? I wanted a couple good 10 round magazines.

 

[Tommygunn]

There's a Korean magazine, which IIRC is marked "KCI" on the back, both 15 and 30 rounders that are considered among the best of the commercial available M1 Carbine magazines.
When it comes to oddball types like 10 round, 20 round magazines, I don't know. I once obtained a 40 round magazine which was a piece of junk, but I don't know the brand of magazine it was.
I'd just stick to the 15 rounders that was the original size.....30 if you want to annoy the liberals out there.

 

[Acera]

I agree with Tommygunn, I've used Korean magazines without any issues. But maybe I got lucky. Would have zero issues with buying more of them.



.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

What brand are the Korean magazines; or more importantly, where can I get them?

 

[Tommygunn]

They're marked KCI. Try Cheaper Than Dirt.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

thanks

 

[Snowdog]

The three 15-round Korean magazines work perfectly from my M1 carbine. They're inexpensive too.

 

[lemaymiami]

Here's the source I bought from this year for Korean mags (15 rounders with hold open feature after last round). http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=MM1C

I was very pleased with my order and would recommend them to anyone... As far as 10 round mags.... you're on your own.

 

[DaisyCutter]

I ponied up the dough and got USGI, and they work. I never tried any others.

 

[loose noose]

I've got a couple of 30 round Korean magazines, that were brand new and they've worked exceptionally fine in my M1 Carbine without any malfunctions. Come to think of it I do believe I purchased them from "Keep Shooting" about a year and a half ago.

 

[Speedo66]

AIM Surplus has them as previously mentioned, 30 rounders work fine in my GI version. I would avoid Treats You Like Dirt at any cost.

Here's a link: http://www.aimsurplus.com/catalog.aspx?groupid=4080&name=M1+Carbine+Magazines

 

[Deaf Smith]

I agree with Tommygunn to!

Now I have several original GI mags, but I do like the Korean ones. They got it right.

Deaf

 

[Browning]

After a while, I ordered some USGI 15, and a USGI 30. They worked flawlessly, but were covered in rust. I had to sand with 600 grit, finish with 1500 grit, and re-blue. Now they work good, and look good.

While the USGI work good, they are a lot of work to get in good shape. Are there any good aftermarket magazines that work reliably? I wanted a couple good 10 round magazines.

There are still USGI M1 Carbine Mags out there in good shape.

WAC - 2 USGI M1 Carbine Mags and (1) Pouch Set $54.95 (*Click*)

They also have the USGI 30 rounders.

http://whatacountry.com/m1carbine30-roundmagazine.aspx

On the aftermarket M1C Mags the only ones I've seen that will work are the Korean KCI Mags that everyone has already mentioned. KCI is a pretty good manufacturer. I have some Daewoo (K2 & DR200) specific Mags for my Daewoo that have been running well since 1996.

I'd still get the USGI M1 Carbine Mags until they're no longer available period or the price hits above $50 per mag. If they have rust spots that's okay. I'm good with steel wool, oil and Alumahyde II paint.

 

[KCJ]

I totally agree that the Korean mags are the way to go. USGI's are collector items and sell for 3x the price of the Korean and are 60 years old. If you need a Rock-ola to match your carbine, by all means go for it, but if your a shooter, save your money and buy ammo.

 

[1KPerDay]

USGI have been very problematic for me, even with new Wolff springs in. The Korean 30 rounders and 15 rounders (I got mine from CDNN and AIM) have been much better.