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Some novice shooters believe that firearm configuration is the only factor that impacts the performance of your gun. That belief stays until they come across their first malfunctioning magazine. Some people may find it surprising, but a reliable magazine is vital for consistent and smooth shooting. Likewise, a defective mag will turn your shooting session into an arduous sequence of inserting and extracting the mag, trying to figure out what is wrong. The consequences of such a malfunction are not dire – you simply won’t be able to shoot. That’s frustrating enough, though, especially if you don’t get to visit the shooting range as often as you wish. There is a way, and a very simple one, to avoid such an unpleasant occurrence. The only thing you need is a well-functioning mag and reliable ammunition. Covering both elements in one article seems excessive, so we will do one thing at a time, making a rifle magazine our primary focus.
Rifle magazines are quite numerous, as are rifle types and models. There are many firearm brands that produce gun parts, magazines included, but some companies focus solely on mag manufacturing. However, the brand’s sole focus on one type of product doesn’t guarantee a consistently good performance. Don’t be quick to trust a company simply because it produces nothing but magazines. To save you some time, we’ve compiled a list of 100% reliable mags for the most popular rifle styles.
Table of Contents
AR-10 Magazine – Hexmag SR-25
AR-15 Magazine – Lancer Systems L5AWM
AK-47 Magazine – Magpul AK/AKM PMAG
Ruger 10/22 Magazine – Ruger BX-1
M1 Carbine Magazine – ProMag M1 Carbine
Conclusion
FAQs
AR-10 Rifle Magazine – Hexmag SR-25
Even though AR-10 is AR-15’s progenitor, it’s not nearly as popular as its younger version. The AR-10 can’t boast the modularity and standardization of its famous cousin, but it’s still quite popular. The rifles are produced exclusively by Armalite, but AR-10 magazine producers are more numerous. Hexmag is one such brand, and Hexmag SR-25 is a model magazine that has passed the test of time. The AR-10 is available in several calibers, but 7.62x51mm is a signature one. Like all other 7.62×51 magazines, Hexmag SR-25 takes .308 Winchester ammo. The mag itself is constructed from patented PolyHex2 composite and features steel, internal springs, and a unique ammunition identification system. The Hexture surface design allows for faster reloads and positive handling, while the patented Tool-Less design makes it possible to easily clean the mag even in field conditions. This rifle magazine offers a high capacity of 20 rounds, ensuring that you’re well-prepared in any shooting scenario. Hexmag magazines deliver ultimate durability and dependability at a price affordable for every gun enthusiast.
If you are a proud AR-10 owner and are curious about other magazine option, we have an article dedicated solely to the Best AR-10 Magazines.
AR-15 Rifle Magazine – Lancer Systems L5AWM
The market for AR-15-style rifle mags is probably one of the most abundant ones due to the popularity of this rifle platform. A big number of brands compete for a place in the sun, but Lancer Systems is one of the constant leaders in the AR-15 magazine race. The brand designs superior firearms and components for warfighters, law enforcement officers, and shooting sports enthusiasts. Lancer’s signature line of mags, Advanced Warfighter Magazines, is a result of extensive engineering experience with advanced polymers and lightweight component design. The L5AWM is an example of a cutting-edge rifle magazine that brings out the best features of steel and polymer in one device.
One of the key features that sets the Lancer Mag L5 apart is its translucent clear body. This clever design choice allows you to quickly and easily check your ammo count at a glance, which can be a game-changer in high-pressure situations. The body is made from a durable polymer material, offering a lightweight yet robust solution for your ammunition storage needs. Adding to its impressive features, the L5 Advanced Warfighter includes a steel feed lip assembly that’s permanently fixed to the polymer body. This combination of materials provides the durability of steel with the weight-saving benefits of polymer, resulting in a magazine that’s both reliable and easy to handle. The Lancer L5 also boasts a generous capacity of 30 rounds, making it an excellent choice for both tactical and recreational shooting scenarios. Its compatibility with M4/M16/AR-15 variants and other firearms that accept standard STANAG 4179 magazines adds to its versatility and appeal.
AK-47 Rifle Magazine – Magpul AK/AKM PMAG
The renowned AK-47 rifle is brought to American firearm enthusiasts primarily by two brands: Kalashnikov USA and Century Arms. You might expect the same brands to produce the corresponding mags, but there are several well-established companies that can supply you with a AK-47 magazine. Magpul is one of the main trendsetters in the rifle magazine world, so you can rest assured that all their products are nothing short of exemplary. The AK/AKM PMAG series of magazines is known for its time-tested reliability, and this model is a proud representative of its kind. Chambered in AK-47 traditional caliber, 7.62x39mm, this mag possesses every quality one might seek in a magazine.
Magpul has incorporated an anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower for increased reliability. Its ribbed gripping surface and aggressive front and rear texture give the user a firm hold, ensuring secure handling even under challenging conditions. The removable floorplate makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze, further adding to the magazine’s practicality. This mag can fit any Kalashnikov pattern rifle, like AK-47, AKM, AKS, and several others. With a stainless recoil spring, low-friction shell follower, and constant-curve internal geometry, this mag will feed every round with utmost precision and consistency.
If this magazine pique your interest but you don’t have an AK to attach it to, consider taking a look at our AK Rifle Choosing Guide.
Ruger 10/22 Rifle Magazine – Ruger BX-1
The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most successful rimfire designs in history, so it comes as no surprise that mag options for this rifle are plenty. When choosing rifle magazines for Ruger 10/22, you can go two ways: a more conventional box magazine and the rifle’s signature rotary magazine. The difference between the two, aside from configuration, lies in cartridge capacity. As a rule, rotary magazines can’t take more than ten rounds, but they are much more compact than box ones. The brand’s proprietary Ruger BX-1 magazine is a proven option that will never let you down. It’s crafted to the same specifications and tolerances as the original parts. Built for .22LR caliber, it fits seamlessly into your 10/22-style rifles, offering a smooth and reliable feeding mechanism. The magazine is crafted from high-quality black plastic with steel feed lips, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. Its rotary design ensures a steady, anti-tilt flow of ammunition, which makes it reliable in various shooting scenarios. If you are looking for something with greater round capacity, Ruger has a box variant that can hold as many as 25 rounds. However, our olive wreath still goes to Ruger BX-1.
Ruger 10/22 is only one of the worthy rifles that bear the mark of the brand’s quality. Should you be interested in other models, we’ve comprised a shortlist of 5 Ruger Rifles for Hunting and Shooting Sports.
M1 Carbine Magazine – ProMag M1 Carbine
The .30 is not on the list of the most popular rifle calibers but the M1 Carbine holds a vital place in America’s firearm ranks. While the choice of mag brands is not as varied as with other rifles, several famous brands have M1 Carbine-compatible magazines in their portfolio. ProMag produces high-quality M1 Carbine magazines with capacities varying from 5 to 30 rounds. This particular model is a 10-round steel mag that fits all Mil-Spec firearms and the majority of civilian carbines.
One of the key features of this magazine is its blued steel construction. The steel body offers superior strength and corrosion resistance, ensuring longevity and consistent performance. It also features a heat-treated carbon steel body with TIG-welded seams for added strength. The magazine’s design ensures a smooth feeding mechanism, which is crucial for reliable operation. The benefits of the PROMAG M1 Carbine 30 Carbine 10rd Steel Magazine are numerous. Its compatibility with original G.I carbines and most post-war reproductions makes it a versatile choice for M1 Carbine owners. The 10-round capacity is ample for many applications, and the steel construction ensures that the magazine can withstand heavy use without compromising reliability. Even though some models might be sharp around the edges, all in all, it’s a great magazine for M1.
Conclusion
And there you have it – the ins, outs, and roundabouts of the world of rifle magazines. Just remember, a magazine isn’t just a place for bullets to hang out. It’s an essential part of your firearm that demands as much attention as the rest. So, whether you’re a casual shooter or a seasoned marksman, remember to choose wisely and shoot responsibly. After all, a happy magazine makes for a happy shooter!
FAQs
What is the difference between a rifle clip and a magazine?
The terms “clip” and “magazine” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct components in firearms. A clip is a device that holds ammunition together and is used to load the rounds into a magazine or chamber. Clips make loading multiple rounds into a magazine easier and faster.On the other hand, a magazine is a storage and feeding device within or attached to a repeating firearm. It holds the ammunition and feeds them into the chamber.
What are the types of rifle magazines?
There are several types of rifle magazines, but they can generally be categorized into the following types: tubular magazines, where the rounds are stored end-to-end inside a tube that runs parallel to the barrel; box magazines, where cartridges are stacked on top of each other, perpendicular to the axis of the bore; rotary magazines, where the cartridges are stored in a circular manner.
What is the capacity limit for a rifle magazine?
For box magazines, which are common for semi-automatic and bolt-action rifles, typical capacities range from 5 to 30 rounds. Tubular magazines, commonly found in lever-action and some pump-action rifles, have a capacity that depends on the length of the tube and the size of the rounds. For .22 caliber rifles, these can often hold 10 to 15 rounds, while larger calibers like .30-30 may only hold 5 to 7. Rotary magazines, like those found in the Ruger 10/22, typically hold 10 rounds due to their compact design.
