Magazines

[clance]

In the process of getting a Springfield M1A1 SOCOM 16 and I'm concerned about getting a quality magazine.

Most issues I've ever had with any semi-auto (rifle or pistol) has been primarily due to the magazine whether it was the spring, follower lips or the hole/tap which the release holds the magazine in place.

While money is always a issue, I not penny wise and dollar foolish and I'm willing to pay for a quality product especially when the rifle's function is so dependent on it.

Could some one give me their insight and experience on this subject?

 

[Onmilo]

Checkmate produces the current USGI M14 magazines and they are quite good and available from a number of sources.
Avoid Pro-Mags. They are junk.

 

[Tommygunn]

Consider this a "DITTO" for Onmilo's advice. Some others are good -- but DO stay away from Pro Mag!

 

[CWL]

Yup, get the USGI mags, they're pricey but dependable.

Stay away from ProMags for any gun in any caliber!

 

[Swampman]

As has been stated, the Check Mate Industries magazines are current USGI, CMI also supplies Springfield Armory with their OEM magazines.
I actually prefer my older TRW and Borg Warner mags because they seem to be a bit smoother in operation, although that may just be due to all the use that they've had over the years.

The only decent non GI magazines that I've tried are the Taiwanese Type 57 and the Thermold mags, both have been about as reliable as USGI for me (I do have doubts about how the Thermolds will hold up years from now).

I've heard that the Chinese M14 magazines are pretty good, but I don't have any first hand experience with them.

If you're shopping for used mags, I'd recommend that you check out the M14 pictorial magazine guide by "Different" over on the M14 forum. It's an awesome resource.

http://m14forum.com/ammunition/129160-pictorial-m14-magazine-id-guide-version-1-8-free.html