Modifying AK mags

[Dionysusigma]

A while back I picked up a bunch of junk AK mags for ~$6.00 apiece. Each were 30 rounders, with varying degrees of rust and dings and the like. After cleaning them up, they looked decently new, and I was wondering what it'd be like with maybe a slot cut out on each side to show how many rounds were left in each one. Much like the hole towards the bottom that's already there but running most of the length of the magazine. Would this be a good or bad idea to do (from a technical standpoint)? My main concern is the mag somehow twisting/warping when fully loaded, rounds or mag spring somehow getting caught... And while we're on it, what about one that would be open on the sides (like a Makarov mag)?

Just some random thoughts that popped into my head...

(PS: Do standard AK mags work in the 7.62 x 39 Saiga w/o modifying the rifle?)

 

[Gewehr98]

More slots or holes in a magazine that's exposed outside the gun...

Equals more dirt and crud that can get inside the magazine when you don't really need it to begin with.

All those pistol magazines that one sees with the holes for viewing remaining rounds have one advantage - they spend at least some of their time protected inside the pistol's grip.

 

[mrapathy2000]

its legal to modify a preban magazine as long as it functions in the original gun. its illegal to use a hicap in a saiga. you need to domesticate the rifle first by adding made in USA parts. 4 parts,5 if you want pistol grip.

I would not want a exposed magazine for any firearm that has hole in it to take in dust,sand,dirt and any other crap which could cause a jam or break something. pistol magazines holes are guarded by the grip.

if you live outside of the USA disregard the saiga stuff. the saiga needs some modding to use ak mags and the mags need some work as well. the saiga has no feedramp so you will need to install one to use ak mags. not alot of work.