Gunfighter

yellowdog762 · Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 46

Are AR-15 stainless steel mags more durable and equally reliable as aluminum mags?

I note that one can buy about 5 GI type aluminum mags and install Magpul anti tip followers for about the same cost as buying 4 stainless steel mags with the anti tip followers already installed.

Given the possible coming political climate, if one wanted to purchase a few extra mags for a rainy day, would having a few more mags be better than having a few less, stainless mags, that might prove to be more durable?

Semper_Fi · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 399 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

I've carried H&K stainless steel teflon coated magazines with anti-tilt followers in the past ($70.00 per mag) but use H&K teflon coated steel magazines instead ($52.00 per mag). I see no particular advantages that stainless steel has over aluminum or carbon steel given the mags are properly maintained.

Today, rather than lay out large $ for H&K mags, I'd buy Magpul polymer 30-round AR-15 mags for $14.95 per mag through www.laruetactical.com under the comps/triggers/magazines column on LaRue's main web page.

Magpul polymer mags are tougher than cr*p and we see U.S. and British troops, and many contractors, increasingly carry Magpul polymer mags in the sandbox. I was skeptical about polymer mags but they've proven to be dependable and tough. 6 mags for under $100.00 through LaRue Tactical.

While you're looking at magazines on the LaRue website, check out DSG teflon coated MilSpec aluminum mags with anti-tilt followers. LaRue Tactical sells DSG mags (6 pack for $90.00) by the pallet full and sells tons of Magpul polymer mags as well.

Hope is helps...

yellowdog762 · Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 46

Thanks, that is very helpful.

I have some polymer AK mags and they are nice. Perhaps I need to give the poly AR mags a chance but the metal ones seem to fit into my “comfort zone” better, as illogical as that is.

I already use the magpul followers in AL and steel AR mags and I love them.

I just wondered if the stainless mags wouldn’t last longer, as in years or decades; assuming new, full capacity mags once again become unavailable. Total difference in cost is less than $5 per mag. Maybe I’ll pick up a few stainless ones to pass on to the grandkids in 40 years and stockpile mostly Milspec AL types.

Hoff · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 507 Location: Warrior Nirvana

I am in full aggreement. I have Vietnam era mags that still work great, and I have never been a fan of poly AR mags. I have zero of them in my arsenal. Remember to mark your magazines. On the range with fourty of them on the ground, they ALL look like mine.
Hoff

Semper_Fi · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 399 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Hoff,
Polymer mags have evolved over the years and I'll get a new generation Magpul Polymag from LaRue over to you to evaluate.

Bottom line, I carry H&K teflon coated steel AR mags in the field and they remain flawless after many years of carry. On average, I disassemble, clean and lightly oil mags once a year.

Take care of your gear and your gear will take care of you...

DEMON · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 186 Location: Houston,Texas

I am not a big fan of polamar mags myself.I have seen numerous feeding problems with them as well as improper fit in the magwell,also there is a higher probability of breakage if they are hitting hard surfaces.I have over 100 old standby mags and they work great. I load only 28 in the mag and preform regular maintenance and I seldom have had a problem with them.I have changed the follower in a dozen of them with a follower from Magpull which is similar to the one used in the H&K mags.I like them they work great over time I may switch them all out.I do this out of choice not neccesity.The bottom line is what works for you.Try different things under different situations and come to an educated decision that wors best for you.Dont count on equipment simply because this one or that one uses it.Its your life and your families life at stake.Get out there...shoot...try different things on the range thats the place to see if something fails you.I would never trust equipment I have not used first hand.But...to each ther own. Twisted Evil

specrat · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 201 Location: the shop

I agree with Demon here... esp the loading 28 only in a 30-rd mag. Even further, I picked up a tip from some guy on here named "specrat-wanna-be" who passed it on to me - as the first rounds loaded into your mag, load 2 tracers; then 26 of whatever you want to carry/shoot behind that. The thought process is in the worst-case scenario of being involved in a stressful firefight, it may be very helpful to see 2 tracers go downrange then know you need to reload, rather than pulling the trigger and wondering why your gun is not working.
Did I get that right, S.W.B.?
Anyhow, I love the idea and I've implemented it in my loadout mags, as well as Tammy's.

DEMON · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 186 Location: Houston,Texas

I like that Specrat! I like that alot.I will have to try that next time we shoot. Twisted Evil