Do I really need any USGI mags?

Icculus · #1 09-01-09, 00:16

Hey guys. I've only really gotten into the AR world in the last 6-8 months (of course since then I've immersed myself in the topic, probably spending more time on m4carbine than my boss would appreciate

). Anyway by that time PMAGs were already the cats meow and honestly they are the only thing I really have much experience with. My DD came with a pmag and since then I've acquired about 8 more--when ever I order something I usually just tack 1 or 2 on. They function great, are close to bomb proof and haven't given me a single problem. I was getting ready to order a few more things and got to thinking maybe I should give a some aluminum or steel mags a go to see how they worked/held up. Honestly I can't imagine I'm really missing anything but just wanted to get some opinions. So what say the masses--worth a try for a new guy or just stick with the pmags I know and love? Also if I was to grab some I would obviously either get with or retro fit with magpul followers but whats consensus on cs vs ss springs? Thanks everyone.

M4tographer · #2 09-01-09, 00:25

All I ever use are USGI mags. They hold ammo inside and feed it into the rifle on demand. That's all I've ever asked my mags to do for me.

RojasTKD · #3 09-01-09, 00:45

Do you NEED any GI mags... not really. But aluminum Mags can be a good bang for the buck. These from Bravo Company are are good mags and come with Magpul enhanced followers for $9.99:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15...h%20bt30mf.htm

I have ten of the Bravo (D&H) mags and the are good mags. 10 quality mags for about 100 bucks isn't bad. They make for a nice little stash of mags in case of a EOTWAWKI scenario. Pmag's are my main mags and my first choice though. Personally I'd like to have at least 10 Pmags per rifle.

lanceriley · #4 09-01-09, 01:00

I still have some gi. but honestyly.. I use my pmags and lancer mags in training and competition.

gruntinhusaybah · #5 09-01-09, 01:49

I get all the USGI mags I want for free, I still buy PMags with my own coin.
as was mentioned, you'll save bit of money going with the GI mags, and if they're range/fun you'll be fine

PMags definately get points for CDI

Blob · #6 09-01-09, 02:16

If you ever use a chest rig or some other mag carrying system, then the PMAG's floorplates can interfere when you stuff two in a pouch. I just stagger them a little and they're good to go.

PMAGs are all that I will buy anymore.

Iraqgunz · #7 09-01-09, 05:57

GI mags work, but I would honestly spend the extra few dollars and buy PMAG's.

sapper36 · #8 09-01-09, 08:27

I have used GI mags for about the last 18 years (Marine) they work, and so do PMags. I have never had a problem with GI mags from 20 below zero to 120. So need is based on you, I think they both work with proper maintenance.

seb5 · #9 09-01-09, 08:32

I've been using P-mags for work for over 2 years. No issues. I still have and will keep GI mags around, with magpul followers. I have noticed some shingles are difficult with P-mags, TT comes to mind. But overall I suppose it's why there's a Mercedes and a Z-71 in the garage! They both get me where I'm going.

rob_s · #10 09-01-09, 09:31

I like consistency, personally. I stuck with GI mags longer than many, and was only ever tempted into the Pmags when they released the batch of orange.

I don't have much of an opinion on Pmag vs. GI, but I will say that I'd choose one or the other to run with and stick with it.

RogerinTPA · #11 09-01-09, 11:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by RojasTKD

Do you NEED any GI mags... not really. But aluminum Mags can be a good bang for the buck. These from Bravo Company are are good mags and come with Magpul enhanced followers for $9.99:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15...h%20bt30mf.htm

I have ten of the Bravo (D&H) mags and the are good mags. 10 quality mags for about 100 bucks isn't bad. They make for a nice little stash of mags in case of a EOTWAWKI scenario. Pmag's are my main mags and my first choice though. Personally I'd like to have at least 10 Pmags per rifle.

I have 40 aluminum mags with the Magpul enhanced followers from BCM and DSG. At the current price, they are a great bargain. I don't think I've ever seen such quality Alum USGI mags at that price. Even the POS Bushmaster and Cproducts are going for $25.00 in a lot of places. That said, I do have around 80 Pmags. BCM also have the Brownells mags, brown in color with the enhanced followers and CS spring for the same price. http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15...20cs%20503.htm

Warning: Stay away from Cproducts and Bushmaster Mags!

beavo451 · #12 09-01-09, 12:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by rharris2163

Warning: Stay away from Cproducts and Bushmaster Mags!

Why? Have they changed? Bushmaster mags are (used to be?) D&H Teflon mags. Very high quality.

Parabellum9x19mm · #13 09-01-09, 12:42

dont forget about L5 Lancer magazines.

they are worth a look.

rob_s · #14 09-01-09, 12:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum9x19mm

dont forget about L5 Lancer magazines.

they are worth a look.

I'm removing mine from my rotation, FWIW. I have two and have had problems with both, and other shooters at our matches have had problems as well.

TOMTOM · #15 09-01-09, 13:09

I have a some 20 round aluminum mags, the rounded ones. I find that they are a little easier to grab from the magwell than the straight 20 round PMAGS. they all have the magpul followers and run flawlessly. I would find a mag that works and stick to that type.

lanceriley · #16 09-01-09, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob_s

I'm removing mine from my rotation, FWIW. I have two and have had problems with both, and other shooters at our matches have had problems as well.

what's wrong with them? Im just starting to use them. and would like to know some future problems.

kwelz · #17 09-01-09, 13:33

Yes you do. In fact you should buy the 20 I have for sale so I can buy some more Pmags

Icculus · #18 09-01-09, 13:56

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the feedback. For those of you running GI mags I definitely wasn't making any comments about them being unreliable, etc. or saying they were inferior to pmags as I said I don't have any experience with them. Its interesting to hear about possible issues pulling pmags from some brands of mag pouches. rob_s and IG make good points about standardization though, especially since I already have and like pmags. It probably was the price of the brownell mags at bravo company that peaked my interest (3 aluminum = 2 pmags price wise). If I do decide to pick up a couple, whats the consensus on cs vs ss springs?

ETA:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum9x19mm

dont forget about L5 Lancer magazines.

they are worth a look.

I hadn't looked much at the L5's but I was also thinking of grabbing 1 Tango Down just for variety. But then again I think the consistency/standardization argument that was made is a strong one. Thanks again

Parabellum9x19mm · #19 09-01-09, 14:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob_s

I'm removing mine from my rotation, FWIW. I have two and have had problems with both, and other shooters at our matches have had problems as well.

what kind of problems have you and the other shooters experienced? i have 23 Lancer mags i think. i haven't had any real issues myself, but i'd like to be aware of any potential issues.

only one of my Lancers has a green follower, the rest have black followers, including the one 20 round Lancer i have...

i've only run Lancers in two 3gun matches. in one match i used them exclusively, but i haven't put them through their paces as much as you and your fellow shooters, i'd wager.

now i'm scared that i might be going back to USGI for my go-to mags.....again.

so like everyone else here, i stared with USGI as my primary magazines. then went to PMags. then back to USGI. then started going to Lancers. *sigh*

87GN · #20 09-01-09, 14:53

FWIW DSG arms has non M rev PMags for $10.50. At that price there's no reason to buy aluminum mags.