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Posted: 11/5/2012 10:19:01 AM EDT
Every time I pull one of these out at the range people seem to be pretty curious about it, so I figured it would make a good thread.

I use this a lot at the Rifle League matches I shoot where it's a DQ if you transition to a handgun with a Con-1 weapon. WIth this tool I can put just the right amount of rounds in my last mag to finish the rifle portion of the course with an empty mag. If you've got a bunch of mags stocked away and want to get a count of how much ammo is in each mag, this is a handy tool. It could also be used for consolidating ammo in a military application. I first saw one of these when in the USMC to measure ammo handed out to guard sentries, but it was just colored in to 25 rounds, and didn't have the actual round count markers. Outside of that, I have never seen anything like it, so I figured I'd share the knowledge.

It's a pretty simple concept: just zip-ties, a sharpie, a full 30 round mag, and a little time. I usually start with the mag full, mark, pop out a round, mark, repeat. I personally like the the index line to line up with the feed lip on the side where the indicated round is, but you can do it however makes the best sense.

People have told me I should market it, but I suck at that kind of stuff and how much money could you really make on something like this anyway? If magpul wants to stark making these things––cool. I will still just make my own.  Anyway, it beats the shit out of a little JB weld on a ejection port cover.

Here are some pics. If anyone needs it broken down "barney style" just ask.





Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:21:28 AM EDT
[#1]
Clever! I like it!
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:23:22 AM EDT
[#2]



Quoted:


Clever! I like it!








 
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:25:24 AM EDT
[#3]
You're the tits my man.

Dig it!
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:25:52 AM EDT
[#4]
Cool beans!
 
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:27:15 AM EDT
[#5]
neat
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:30:43 AM EDT
[#6]
Thanks!
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:33:45 AM EDT
[#7]
Does this work with all mags or just G. I. ones?




Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:35:18 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Does this work with all mags or just G. I. ones?




Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile


I see a PMag pic.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:38:00 AM EDT
[#9]
Fancy!!!
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:38:34 AM EDT
[#10]
Nice work.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:38:56 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
Does this work with all mags or just G. I. ones?




Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile


If you are doing it with PMAGs, use a slightly smaller zip-tie like in the pic. The super thick ones work great with USGI, but not so well with PMAGs.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:40:39 AM EDT
[#12]
I should clarify: I only own PMAGs and USGI. I don't know about Troy, Lancer, or other mags. Someone should send me one of each to test.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:40:42 AM EDT
[#13]
Thanks.  
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:41:13 AM EDT
[#14]
Thanks.  I like it.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:43:00 AM EDT
[#15]
Elegantly simple!
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:44:01 AM EDT
[#16]
How does the zip tie know how many rounds are in the mag?

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

ETA- Just kidding, that's awesome.  I've never seen anything like it!  
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:44:09 AM EDT
[#17]
Rad.

I've got some zip ties
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:45:38 AM EDT
[#18]
if i was motivated, i would throw a trademark/ patent on it, and sell them on ebay for $2.00 bucks.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:45:42 AM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
How does the zip tie know how many rounds are in the mag?

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile


Magnets...







I mark them with the sharpie; the line pointed at the feed lip.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:46:22 AM EDT
[#20]
Quoted:
if i was motivated, i would throw a trademark/ patent on it, and sell them on ebay for $2.00 bucks.


Yeah, I considered that... But you know what? It's so easy to do yourself, that it's almost hard to sell.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:55:34 AM EDT
[#21]
Cool trick my friend. Don't know if I'll ever need it, but imma make a few.



If it's okay with you, I might add a few tricks to this thread as time allows.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:57:27 AM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
Quoted:
if i was motivated, i would throw a trademark/ patent on it, and sell them on ebay for $2.00 bucks.


Yeah, I considered that... But you know what? It's so easy to do yourself, that it's almost hard to sell.


It's easy to tape paracord loops to the bottom of a mag, but the original Magpul sold by the bajillion.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:57:45 AM EDT
[#23]
clever!
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:58:39 AM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:
Cool trick my friend. Don't know if I'll ever need it, but imma make a few.



If it's okay with you, I might add a few tricks to this thread as time allows.


Please by all means!

I posted it here to share. If you want to alter or improve it, be my guest!
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:59:47 AM EDT
[#25]
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 10:59:49 AM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
if i was motivated, i would throw a trademark/ patent on it, and sell them on ebay for $2.00 bucks.


Yeah, I considered that... But you know what? It's so easy to do yourself, that it's almost hard to sell.


It's easy to tape paracord loops to the bottom of a mag, but the original Magpul sold by the bajillion.


True, but the magpul was a big improvement over the 550 cord. This will always just be a stick with numbers on it.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:00:17 AM EDT
[#27]
You have too much time on your hands.  









Good idea though.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:04:36 AM EDT
[#28]
Good stuff. I've already forwarded on to friends on FB.

Quoted:
Quoted:
if i was motivated, i would throw a trademark/ patent on it, and sell them on ebay for $2.00 bucks.


Yeah, I considered that... But you know what? It's so easy to do yourself, that it's almost hard to sell.


Skillets makes sense. I would be hard pressed to pay somebody for this. Never the less, great idea!
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:04:51 AM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
You have too much time on your hands.  



Good idea though.


This is true, and I wish it weren't so.

But it gives me time to dream up wonky stuff like this and that bumpgun thing.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:06:29 AM EDT
[#30]
Skillets is a genius! I always use his at the range. I guess I need to go buy some zip ties and do this myself. But, I think I'll just use his
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:07:22 AM EDT
[#31]
Quoted:
Skillets is a genius! I always use his at the range. I guess I need to go buy some zip ties and do this myself. But, I think I'll just use his


Buy me one of those big ass beers and I will just give you one of these!
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:09:43 AM EDT
[#32]
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:10:21 AM EDT
[#33]
cool idea!






 
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:12:41 AM EDT
[#34]
My world = rocked.



OP has delivered.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:13:11 AM EDT
[#35]
Quoted:
Cool. Go to magpul with it before someone starts making them.


Cat's out of the bag now.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:16:44 AM EDT
[#36]
Quoted:
I should clarify: I only own PMAGs and USGI. I don't know about Troy, Lancer, or other mags. Someone should send me one of each to test.


I am willing to use my spare time to help the cause. To help expedite his testing please send them to me also as I currently only have PMags and USGI
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:16:55 AM EDT
[#37]
Cool, as far as getting an actual count but all my mags are full and a quick push on the top round verifies that.

ETA: more accurately, all my mags are either full or empty.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:25:52 AM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
Cool, as far as getting an actual count but all my mags are full and a quick push on the top round verifies that.

ETA: more accurately, all my mags are either full or empty.


Yeah, I have standardized to: 28 in all USGI, 30 in all PMAGs. I've seen to many full USGIs fall out after tactical reloads to not buy into the concept of downloading.

If people want to run them topped off, it's your prerogative.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:27:52 AM EDT
[#39]
Interdasting
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:29:36 AM EDT
[#40]
The bear approves...
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:33:29 AM EDT
[#41]
You could make a nice metal one with a plastic handle like you see on cars. Have the numbers etched into the metal.

A ziptie might not sell for $2, but a nice looking metal strip with a fde polymer handle will sell for $10 by Arf standards.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:34:35 AM EDT
[#42]
Quoted:
Quoted:
if i was motivated, i would throw a trademark/ patent on it, and sell them on ebay for $2.00 bucks.


Yeah, I considered that... But you know what? It's so easy to do yourself, that it's almost hard to sell.


Never underestimate the laziness of the average American. If we can buy something we don't have to make it. Problems with ebay though are listing fees and paypal fees cut pretty deeply into that $2. List them for $1.75 on the EE and say no paypal(or paypal gift if you're willing to violate their TOS). Also, ebay says no assault rifle parts. Someone would likely see AR or AR15  in the title and report you.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:36:55 AM EDT
[#43]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Skillets is a genius! I always use his at the range. I guess I need to go buy some zip ties and do this myself. But, I think I'll just use his


Buy me one of those big ass beers and I will just give you one of these!


Your post was very predictable. And of course I will comply.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:38:25 AM EDT
[#44]
All of my zip ties are black.
My equipment is racist.


 
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:40:51 AM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
All of my zip ties are black.



My equipment is racist.
 


That's an easy fix......



Spraypaint!!!!  
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:45:36 AM EDT
[#46]
someone makes a mag with this in a window, but for a quick DIY its awesome. Btw you can make an etcher for $30 and get strips of steel quick
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:46:23 AM EDT
[#47]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
if i was motivated, i would throw a trademark/ patent on it, and sell them on ebay for $2.00 bucks.


Yeah, I considered that... But you know what? It's so easy to do yourself, that it's almost hard to sell.


Never underestimate the laziness of the average American. If we can buy something we don't have to make it. Problems with ebay though are listing fees and paypal fees cut pretty deeply into that $2. List them for $1.75 on the EE and say no paypal(or paypal gift if you're willing to violate their TOS). Also, ebay says no assault rifle parts. Someone would likely see AR or AR15  in the title and report you.


This is true....  Tell me honestly, what would you actually pay for one of these made from black/FDE/ODG polymer?


Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:49:03 AM EDT
[#48]
Quoted:
someone makes a mag with this in a window, but for a quick DIY its awesome. Btw you can make an etcher for $30 and get strips of steel quick


Yeah, but you can't look in the windows if they are in ammo cans. Plus, the windowed PMAGS are good, but they are sort of vague on exact numbers. Like I said in the OP, I use the dipstick to get an exact count so that I can run my gun dry and not get DQ'ed from the rifle match.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:52:24 AM EDT
[#49]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
if i was motivated, i would throw a trademark/ patent on it, and sell them on ebay for $2.00 bucks.


Yeah, I considered that... But you know what? It's so easy to do yourself, that it's almost hard to sell.


Never underestimate the laziness of the average American. If we can buy something we don't have to make it. Problems with ebay though are listing fees and paypal fees cut pretty deeply into that $2. List them for $1.75 on the EE and say no paypal(or paypal gift if you're willing to violate their TOS). Also, ebay says no assault rifle parts. Someone would likely see AR or AR15  in the title and report you.


This is true....  Tell me honestly, what would you actually pay for one of these made from black/FDE/ODG polymer?




I'd probably buy a customized ziptie for that price range, maybe $3 or so if it looks like something made for the job instead of repurposed(like the ziptie version) and $4-$5 for something made of metal with permanent markings.
Link Posted: 11/5/2012 11:53:32 AM EDT
[#50]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
if i was motivated, i would throw a trademark/ patent on it, and sell them on ebay for $2.00 bucks.


Yeah, I considered that... But you know what? It's so easy to do yourself, that it's almost hard to sell.


Never underestimate the laziness of the average American. If we can buy something we don't have to make it. Problems with ebay though are listing fees and paypal fees cut pretty deeply into that $2. List them for $1.75 on the EE and say no paypal(or paypal gift if you're willing to violate their TOS). Also, ebay says no assault rifle parts. Someone would likely see AR or AR15  in the title and report you.


This is true....  Tell me honestly, what would you actually pay for one of these made from black/FDE/ODG polymer?




I'd probably buy a customized ziptie for that price range, maybe $3 or so if it looks like something made for the job instead of repurposed(like the ziptie version) and $4-$5 for something made of metal with permanent markings.


So you would pay more for injection molded polymer?
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