Metal vs plastic ar mag

[lsp408]

I was at the range shooting my ar pistol. The guy next to me noticed I use metal mag and ask me why am I using metal mag instead of plastic mag, I just told them it was cheap.

So when did metal mag become unwanted?

[eRay]

I used to be a big fan of the aluminum mags from OK, Center Industries, and D&H.  After using the Magpul  Pmags for a couple of years, I am a convert. The follower slides so smooth inside the mag body that you would think it was greased. Also the Pmags do not rattle like an aluminum mag.

Edited February 27, 2014 by Eray

[Erik88]

I have both. I buy the metal ones because their cheap. I prefer Pmags though.

 

I've had issues with some C products mags I bought from AIM Surplus. I probably won't buy any more of those.

[lsp408]

I picked up some red jacket firearm metal mags from academy for $9.99 each. Can't beat that

[Guest Lester Weevils]

In my case it is pragmatism. Before I got a PLR-16, web reports said metal mags didn't work very well with it, and P-Mags do work well with PLR-16.

 

So I received a "free" metal 30 rd mag along with the 10 rd factory mag with my PLR-16. The factory mag worked fine, and the 30rd metal mag didn't feed reliably, which matched the web reports. I got some P-Mags, and they work great with the PLR-16. Problem solved.

[Chucktshoes]

In my case it is pragmatism. Before I got a PLR-16, web reports said metal mags didn't work very well with it, and P-Mags do work well with PLR-16.

 

So I received a "free" metal 30 rd mag along with the 10 rd factory mag with my PLR-16. The factory mag worked fine, and the 30rd metal mag didn't feed reliably, which matched the web reports. I got some P-Mags, and they work great with the PLR-16. Problem solved.

What color is the follower in the metal mag?

[Oh Shoot]

I've got a hodgepodge of metal ones, some bought new, some bought used,  all kinds of different followers in them. They've all worked fine so far with four different ARs.  Magpul and also the cheap Thermold 20 rounders have all done fine also.

 

I shoot 20 rounders more often than 30s so I admit that not all my 30s have been put through as many paces.

 

- OS

[Guest Lester Weevils]

What color is the follower in the metal mag?

 

Hi Chuck

 

The follower is gray. Can't tell right off whether it is steel or aluminum. The metal is thin enough, probably steel. It is labeled "C Products, Newington CT". Manually working the follower, it seems smooth enough, doesn't seem to hang or stick. Just doesn't work good in the PLR-16, which is the only AR-mag gun I have, at least til I get around to building the TGO lower/upper/bcg sitting in the safe.

[Chucktshoes]

Hi Chuck

 

The follower is gray. Can't tell right off whether it is steel or aluminum. The metal is thin enough, probably steel. It is labeled "C Products, Newington CT". Manually working the follower, it seems smooth enough, doesn't seem to hang or stick. Just doesn't work good in the PLR-16, which is the only AR-mag gun I have, at least til I get around to building the TGO lower/upper/bcg sitting in the safe.

I have plenty of spare Magpul anti-tilt followers as I generally use aluminum mags and sometimes have to replace an outdated follower. If you want, PM me your address and I will throw one in the mail to you just to see if it helps the mag work better for ya.

[swim615]

Not sure metal mags are unwanted they do seem to be cheaper. I personally prefer plastic though. Troy are my personal favorite followed closely by pmags.

[Raoul]

I have a bunch of milspec aluminum. Colt, C-products, Okay. All have improved followers and all work with no problems.

[Slpeod]

I prefer the Lancer L5 plastic with metal feed lips and base plates and I'm really looking forward to the L7 (7.62mm mag). I also have a bunch of pmags that I keep loaded up, no complaints but I have had more pmags break on me than any other mag. That said I know my plastic mags will not endure time very well - I keep a sh*t ton of HK metal mags and USGIs for the long haul.

[Citizen_B]

Hmm, metal vs. plastic mags... I'd say yes.

[Djay3]

I prefer the Lancer L5 plastic with metal feed lips and base plates and I'm really looking forward to the L7 (7.62mm mag). I also have a bunch of pmags that I keep loaded up, no complaints but I have had more pmags break on me than any other mag. That said I know my plastic mags will not endure time very well - I keep a sh*t ton of HK metal mags and USGIs for the long haul.

Counting the days also for the L7 Lancers. Last I heard, this April is the release month. Lancer has got to be on Magpul's "radar screen".

[KKing]

If you've seen some of the drop tests on GI vs. Magpul mags on reloads, the P-mags usually fair a lot better. You wouldn't think so, but they do. I've got a mix of both, but I like the Magpul stuff better, for no good reason

[dcloudy777]

The main reason why I prefer the plastic mags for "social purposes" is that they might break, but they won't bend.  USGI and other metal mags can get bent feed lips, and lay unnoticed in your mag pouch waiting to get you killed one day.  :taunt:

 

If the PMag or whatever plastic mag breaks, it just breaks, and it's pretty easy to tell it's broken.  Basically if it's intact, it's gonna work.  Besides, I've never managed to break one, and I've beat the crap out of quite a few of them. 

[Ted S.]

Either work, but I prefer pmags. Sent from somewhere in the cosmos using magic...and bacon.

[Slpeod]

[quote name="Djay3" post="1117985" timestamp="1393605378"]Counting the days also for the L7 Lancers. Last I heard, this April is the release month. Lancer has got to be on Magpul's "radar screen".[/quote] Yea, can't wait the L7s will fill a huge gap between the KAC mags and the Pmag LRs.

[gregintenn]

I have several of each. They all work. Just personal preference I guess. I prefer the metal GI mags, but I've been accused more than once of being "old school".

[TrickyNicky]

I like pmags. Smoother, quieter, more durable, a whole host of reasons I don't have to really worry about. I also like that you can ride your bolt home and it will pickup that first round no sweat. Easier than the GIs anyway.

Plus I just like the company period. If my money's got to go somewhere if rather it be to someone who putting innovative new ideas out and also makes quality a priority.

[1gewehr]

I have a boatload (figuratively speaking) of USGI 30rd mags.  Most have the original black followers.  I shoot mostly 55gr, and have yet to have a follower-related problem with either 55gr or 62gr ammo.

 

I also have a collection of 'other' mags including PMAGS, Orlite, C-Prod stainless, British steel, etc. The only mags that have ever given me problems are British aluminum L-85 mags.  They are just flimsy and poorly-made.  The British steel ones are well-made and work perfectly.

 

Check the feed lips of all metal mags carefully.  USGI mags tend to eventually crack at the back of the feed lips.  That is the part of that type of mag that sees the most stress.  Leaving them loaded is not an issue.  It is usually from extensive use (hundreds of loadings and full-auto fire) that they eventually crack.

 

Given that the USGI aluminum mags have seen more use than any other type of mags made, I would expect the knowledge-base on those mags to be well-established.  Let's face it, PMAGS and most other plastic mags have only been around a few years.  Who really knows how they will fare long-term and with heavy use?