There have been several threads on this topic:  Type "Brownell" into the search term, under topic, and search the last 3 months.

I just ordered 10 of them to try out.  They are marked "52" on the inside, and have a Brownell's labeled floorplate.  A net search determined, sort of, that they may have been made by a company called "Creative" or "CP".  They seem OK, but I am going to toss some ranger plates and Magpul followers on them to see how well they fit.

[ETA:  I spoke with another well-known AR-15 manufacturer that also sells mags. I asked rep about this, and the rep told me they ARE made by "Creative Products", and that they are NOT USGI-contract magazines.  There have been some threads that indicate CP mags had some issues, but that CP would take care of them.  I don't have any first-hand knowledge of this.]

Anyway, here's the messages I sent to Brownell's asking this very question.

Customer Name: Tim Weaver Customer Email: [email protected] Department: [email protected] Order ID: Message: re: item  078-000-107 Can you tell me who the manufacturer of these magazines are? The floorplate says Brownell's, but I don't think you were ever in the mil-contacting business.  I have customers interested in magazines, but they want to know the maker and won't buy unless I can supply this info. Thanks, Tim Weaver President Practical Tactical, LLC Glendale, AZ

The reply was less than satisfactory:

-----Original Message----- From: Dana Talbert [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 7:34 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Website Support Contact We are sorry that we can not help you with your request for manufacturer on the magazines. These are made exclusively for Brownells and that information is not available to the public. Best Regards, Brownells, Inc. Dana Talbert Customer Service Supervisor 800-741-0015 Fax: 800-264-3068

Well, isn't that interesting.  When someone buys USA_brand mags, they know who made them.  What is Brownell's hiding? Are these USGI contract mags or not? My guess is NO.  So, I replied:

-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 07, 2005 5:42 PM To: Dana Talbert Subject: Website Support Contact Thanks anyway. Looks like I'll have to find another source for them, since the majority of my customers would like to know that they are at least made by USGI contract manufacturers.  Since I've got many customers who are law enforcement officers, there is the strong feeling that a USGI mag is of better quality than other mags, and understanding who makes them is VERY important to them when they rely on these when their lives are on the line. Unless the company that manufactures these for you is known to have QC or other issues with them, Brownell's might wish to reconsider this stance. As it is, I cannot, in good conscience, sell magazines of unknown manufacture to my customers. Thank you for your time, Tim Weaver President Practical Tactical, LLC and Assaultvest.com 20280 N. 59th Ave, #115-432 Glendale, AZ 85308 USA +1 (602) 402-7385 +1 (623) 487-8945 fax www.practicaltactical.net www.assaultvest.com

I will continue to report any replies / answers from Brownells.