Of Mini-14's and magazines (PMI/Thermold)

[Robo_Railer]

I've been doing some research lately on hi-cap magazines for the Mini-14, since I'm looking to acquire at least six more 30-rounders. I just plain will not pay big bucks for Ruger factory mags, and that's that. I'll "settle for" real PMI's or Thermolds, but not at scalper prices.

Here are a couple of things I've run across during my quest:
At least two vendors are touting "Thermolded" or "Thermold style" mags on the 'Net. The mags are most likely ProMag polymers. I have nothing against ProMag, but if I'm going to buy ProMags, I'd rather pay ProMag prices and skip the hype.

I'm still trying to find out more, but PMI (Precision Mag Industries) might begin producing Mini-14 mags again. I'm waiting to hear back from the president of Punch Press Products, parent company of PMI, but I think if there was sufficient demand to make it economically feasible for them, we could see a new supply of reliable aftermarket mags coming.
The PPP/PMI boss made a post on another forum not long ago. He said he didn't realize how highly regarded their mags were, and that they would consider dusting off the old equipment if enough people expressed interest in new product.

If CProducts comes out with a mag to fit a Mini-14, that'd be good, too. Competition is good. I just hope there's no new AWB or any other BS to scare manufacturers off or make them regret a big investment.

 

[jwxspoon]

I had a couple of promags and couldn't get either to feed consistently. I tossed them. I recently picked up an Eagle 30 round mini 14 mag and shot with it for the first time this past weekend. Worked perfectly.

I've got a bunch of factory 20 rounders, but if I was gonna get another 30 I would probably get another Eagle.

jw

 

[Robo_Railer]

Thanks for mentioning Eagle. I keep forgetting to check prices, etc., on those. I know of them, and have read that they're generally up there with ProMag as far as more users seem to like than dislike them. I kinda like that muzzle brake Eagle makes, too, with the H&K-style front sight.

I understand a lot of ProMag users have been able to get good use of theirs after a little filing, maybe bending the feed lips just right. Did you try any of those manipulations on the ones you had, or just toss 'em? I'd agree that they should come out of the package ready for use, but . . .

 

[armoredman]

I would LOVE if Thermold started making them again. I cannot afford $50 each for factory mags. I need about 8 more good 20 round mags, and paying the same for the magazines as I did the rifle is annoying.

 

[diesel83]

Got a thread going here on this topic:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282414

 

[Robo_Railer]

Oh, okay, I don't get over to TFL much. With this thread, I was mostly just inquiring what the general interest would be for a "new PMI."
I thought I had seen more comments in favor of ProMag than John Masen (Black Warrior), but Masen had a 3:1 lead when I looked at your poll.

I have heard back from CJ at PMI, and one thing that might hold them back is the California ban on hi-cap mags. PPP is based in CA, and they'd really rather not have to move everything to another state. Another fly in the ointment would be the MA law, but that may just prevent any new mags from being "imported" there. If anyone knows if mags could be manufactured in CA, as long as they're not sold there, that would be helpful. (IANAL; I Am Not A Lawyer, nor do I portray one on TV. )

My other object in cranking up this subject was to warn people about "counterfeit" Thermold mags. Apparently some vendors aren't really lying, they're just not being entirely truthful. I almost got suckered, but a little research kept me from laying out big bucks for something I could get for less elsewhere. If they're asking Thermold prices, the mags better be real Thermolds.
Apparently Thermold (D&D, Inc.) was another company frustrated by the AWB, and they decided not to resume production after the "sunset" of the ban. Too bad.
I agree with ArmoredMan. Choices are a Good Thing™, and so is a little competition.

 

[metalmachine]

I live in Cali. and it would be great if they would make 10 round mags. I know many people in Cali would want them given all that Ruger makes for us is 5 rounders.

 

[diesel83]

I didn't include the PMI/Thermold brands because I haven't run into them in years. Unable to add them to the poll at this point. Sorry.

 

[akodo]

now that ruger is including 20 rounders with the NRA special rifle, will they sell them to the rest of us too?

 

[jwxspoon]

Did you try any of those manipulations on the ones you had, or just toss 'em?

I tossed one and IIRC I used the PIF thread in the trading post for the other. good riddance.

jw

 

[jeff-10]

I have two Thermold 30 round magazines I bought years ago. They have always been 100%. I never realized that the company has folded.

 

[mgregg85]

I bought an offbrand(unmarked except for "mini-14") mag for $20 and spent 15 minutes messing with the feedlips with a pair of linesman's pliers. It now feeds just fine and always holds the bolt back when empty. I think that most of the metal magazines can be fixed with feed lip adjustments if they have a good follower and spring.

 

[Robo_Railer]

I didn't include the PMI/Thermold brands because I haven't run into them in years. Unable to add them to the poll at this point. Sorry.

No biggie. It makes the poll more like "best aftermarket mag that most people could buy."
As I've found out lately, the most prized ones are rare, and therefore pricey. Like the man said, who wants to pay as much for the mags as they did for the rifle?

now that ruger is including 20 rounders with the NRA special rifle, will they sell them to the rest of us too?

I hate to say it, but don't hold yer breath. I could be mistaken, but . . .

I live in Cali. and it would be great if they would make 10 round mags. I know many people in Cali would want them given all that Ruger makes for us is 5 rounders.

I just started reading up on that SB23 (from 1999), which bans the manufacture, etc. of anything over 10 rounds in Kali. It may have (or have had) a loophole about manufacturing the parts. Not that I particularly want to be buying a kit and assembling my own 30-rounders, but it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, I guess.
Here's hoping we can get some new tens for the Californians, and larger ones for the rest of us.

 

[armoredman]

...now that ruger is including 20 rounders with the NRA special rifle, will they sell them to the rest of us too?

Ruger factory reps told me, twice, no, heck no, never, go away. If you want factory mags, go to Cheaper than Dirt and shell out $50 each plus shipping.

 

[nolyaw]

People on GB are wanting $150 apiece for Factory Mini 30 mags(30 rounders.)Robbery.

 

[Ignition Override]

Those people at GB and their prices might encourage a company to build much cheaper ones in China, if possible. But don't get me wrong.

Frankly, I try to avoid Chinese-made products if the only store near a 'trip hotel' is a WalMart.
The idea of ammo mags built somewhere overseas should at least give us some options besides 'patriotic US rip-off' artists. Much cheaper mags could earn quite a profit, just from Mini 30 owners.

 

[Robo_Railer]

The idea of ammo mags built somewhere overseas should at least give us some options besides 'patriotic US rip-off' artists.

I'd prefer to "buy American" too, especially if we know we're going to get better quality products. If reliable, reasonably-priced mags were made here, the opportunists on the 'Net might have to ease up their prices somewhat. Well, that's the Law of Supply and Demand for ya.

Much cheaper mags could earn quite a profit, just from Mini 30 owners.

I know you mean "cheaper and reliable," so I won't keep harping on that. (Oops, I guess I just did. ) Yeah, we should be able to reach a "happy medium" somewhere.

I haven't been to their site for awhile, but from what I've read on various forums, CProducts was maybe going to start with Mini-30 mags when they brought out their models for Rugers. I think the estimated date got bumped back, but that's not a bad thing if they're trying for maximum reliability, durability, etc.

 

[tallpaul]

I was wondering how much 30 round PMI's are worth. I have 4 of them in the wrapper and maybe a couple out of em. I sold off -well traded my mini for a stainless single six with a leupold scope and a gp100 with assessories and a bunch of ammo.... I could not say no a couple years back I should sell em and convert em to other useful supplies.

 

[Robo_Railer]

I was wondering how much 30 round PMI's are worth.

If you look at some of the auctions on GB and elsewhere, some people are asking pretty big buck$ for them, and apparently getting the price they post.
Steel ProMag 30's list for almost $36 each, but might go for half of that from the bigger online vendors. If you do decide to sell yours, please give us THRers a "shot" at them.

 

[lee n. field]

but if I'm going to buy ProMags, I'd rather pay ProMag prices and skip the hype.

If you're not going to by Ruger factory, buy Promag, skip the hype.

Back when I had a Mini, I had a bunch of Promag magazines for it. 10 round steel, 20 round steel, 20 round polymer. Only one had any sort of problem, and the manufacturer replaced it with a good magazine.

 

[Robo_Railer]

I've got nothing against ProMag. All the info I've dug up so far seems to say if Ruger factory mags are a "10," then Precisons (PMI) are at least a "9." ProMags seem to rank around an 8 or 9, sometimes depending on if they're earlier or later production. It may also vary by size (20 vs. 30) and material (steel vs. polymer).
Then again, sometimes the praise or complaints may depend on anything from the weather to how much coffee the reviewer had that day.

Now I know this price isn't an absolute (except that it would be lowball for anything marked "Ruger"), but if I'm going to shell out $35 for a 30-round magazine, I'd like for it to work the first time I use it. I'll do some filing on something if that's what it takes to make it 100% reliable, or exchange it for one that is 100% reliable, but dagnabbit, I shouldn't have to do any of that.
And before anyone else says it, I know: if ya buy something made by a company that's no longer in business, and it doesn't work, ya better get real adept with those little Swiss files.