Glock Mags vs. Colt Mags?

[Candyman87]

Hi all-

New member here. I'm considering purchasing a 9mm AR for training. My local range allows me to use pistol calibers in the training bays, and I'm limited to a static range with a static firing line with 5.56. I've already got a .22 LR DPMS upper that I've been using for this purpose, but the absolute lack of recoil is unrealistic. It will do for the time being, but I understand a 9mm AR would give me similar recoil.

So as I'm doing my research, I've found that everything comes down to pretty much two different options (as is no surprise to you guys here) ... Colt SMG style magazines, and Glock style magazines. As a Glock owner, with several 9mm guns and many more magazines, it was a no-brainer, until I realized that the last-round bolt-hold-open does't work with Glock mags, except for a few proprietary designs.

I'm looking to build/buy a 9mm AR in the not-so-distant future, but would like for it to be as close to my bare bones Windham Weaponry MPC as possible in feel, weight, and recoil. My intention is for this to be a training tool that fits in the place of my other gun with minimal differences.

For those who use Glock mag AR's, do you notice a difference in feel? Reloads don't go straight up into the magwell, and of course, do you miss the last-round bolt-hold open.

I'm leaning towards the Colt-style guns, but would appreciate saving money on magazines. But I'm especially concerned that I'll be missing the last round bolt hold open.

Thoughts?

[HMM]

I went with the angstadt arms 9mm lower, it's got LRBHO. LRBHO was a must for me. I thought I'd like the 9mm AR more but it hasn't turned out that way...yet. The mag angle is a little different, not too bad but enough that I can tell a difference. I went Glock mag because I could dual purpose the mags. Haven't bought another 9mm Glock yet (sold mine years and years ago). Mags are easier to come by too.

[usmcvet]

I have both. The Colt is the original and gold standard. If money is the main issue look at a Hahn Block. I have one. You slip mine up into the mag well and adjust the set screw. You use it in the same gun. You'll need a new upper. Colt type mags and a different buffer and spring and possibly a spacer. I have Colt Mags and PSA marked Metalform mags. They're the same mags at $20 vs $45-60 for Colt Marie mags. It's a no brainer buy the PSA mags. They're less than Glock 33's.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-9...-magazine.html

I would say the 9mm kicks a little more than the 5.56. It's not an issue but it's just different. More of a push too not the quick recoil of the 5.56.

[Candyman87]

I would say the 9mm kicks a little more than the 5.56. It's not an issue but it's just different. More of a push too not the quick recoil of the 5.56.

Still closer than .22LR.

Thank you both for the insight. I think now that I know the PSA mags are the same as the super-expensive Colt mags, this one's close to a no-brainer for me. Unless I get anything to the contrary, I'll probably lean towards the Colt. Maybe even pick up a 6951.

[Jeepman1320]

I went with the Glock mag patterned Quarter Circle 10 and am happy with it. The LRBHO worked fine until I switched to a longer/heavy heavy buffer. After I figured out the buffer bumper needed to be trimmed it is back to working as it should. If you do go with a Glock patterned weapon then I would make sure to run the extra power mag springs to ensure there is enough oomph for the LRBHO to actuate since there are a couple extra parts that can cause them to bee sluggish. Mine runs pretty dirty needs to be kept clean for the LRBHO to work as it should.

[Candyman87]

I went with the Glock mag patterned Quarter Circle 10 and am happy with it. The LRBHO worked fine until I switched to a longer/heavy heavy buffer. After I figured out the buffer bumper needed to be trimmed it is back to working as it should. If you do go with a Glock patterned weapon then I would make sure to run the extra power mag springs to ensure there is enough oomph for the LRBHO to actuate since there are a couple extra parts that can cause them to bee sluggish. Mine runs pretty dirty needs to be kept clean for the LRBHO to work as it should.

Thanks... those look nice, but pricey for sure. I guess that's the one drawback to the Glock mag models is that they're all billet, which adds a few bucks.

[9mmsteve]

I own both of what you are looking at. If you want to save money and own Glock Mags I would go with the Glock 9mm AR. ETS mags work in mine and they are very cheap.

[usmcvet]

Still closer than .22LR.

Thank you both for the insight. I think now that I know the PSA mags are the same as the super-expensive Colt mags, this one's close to a no-brainer for me. Unless I get anything to the contrary, I'll probably lean towards the Colt. Maybe even pick up a 6951.

Yes it's definitely closer to the 5.56 than the .22! I just looked last night and the PSA 9mm mags are dow to $16.99! That's a freaking awesome price.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-9...-magazine.html

[Candyman87]

Yes it's definitely closer to the 5.56 than the .22! I just looked last night and the PSA 9mm mags are dow to $16.99! That's a freaking awesome price.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-9...-magazine.html

Just picked up four to go with my new Colt 6951!

Hoping to pick up the gun from my FFL later in the week, and will have the mags here to meet it!

[MadAngler1]

I wound up buying a CMMG MK9T (with the keymod handguard), because of my concern about using Glock mags vs Colt SMG mags for suppressed use. I considered a Wilson AR9 with Glock mags, but even that rifle seems picky. It would appear one needs to upgrade the mag springs to stiffer Wolff springs in the Glock 33 rd mags, and it was never made clear to me by Wilson how to run the rifle suppressed.

With the CMMG, I get steel mags that should hold up well with use (I am using Brownells mags with great success thus far), and the ability to swap buffers and buffer springs once I get a suppressor for it (I will definitely be seeking help from Slash's heavy buffers). It also uses standard Colt pattern parts. I just wish it would come with a chrome lined barrel. I tried looking high and low for a new 6951, but everyone is sold out.

I thought about a CZ Scorpion, but the magazine feed lip cracking issue turned me off.