Just inherited a WASR3 in 223.  It came with 2 AK74 mags that were modified, 4 Weiger mags and 15 Chinese .223 mags.

The Chinese mags don't fit but look like they could be modified.  Has anyone done this and is it practical or would it be better to try and trade for more Weiger mags?

Pretty torn on this one as the Weigers are hard to get and I bet I can make the Chi-com mags work - but don't really want to ruin a bunch of really nice Chinese mags and don't want to pay the price for new Arsenal mags

Thoughts?

Those Chinese mags are worth A LOT.    Don't modify them.    Sell them and buy whatever you want.

I was about to post the same thing. They could be worth as much as $50 each or more depending on condition, and possibly the floorplate material/color(chrome or not?). Do some research first, check gunbroker, or shop for them as if you wanted to buy some, then sell for slightly less.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=431337393

There's an example of just various sizes and a realistic asking price. I foolishly sold my still sealed 3 pack from my 84s for I think $50 or $60 shipped many years ago. :(

They seem to be pretty peaky price-wise now, I couldn't imagine them going up too much more unless something drastic occurs. But they definitely tripled n price over the last 10 years.

Wow, didn't know they were worth that much!  I figured they were rarsish but not that rare.

Problem is reviews on the Arsenal mags for a WASR3 still show fitting and run the same price.  Weiger mags are non-existant.  

I can mod these and be done....

If arsenal mags don't fit, you need to take a file to the magwell. One time deal and it's fixed. The Chinese mags are worth more than the rifle.

Are the Chinese mags 30 rounders?

I wonder if the magwell could be opened up to use the Yugo m85 mags?





the chinese 30rd mags are pricey these days,I sold my 84s to a guy at work with 2 mags he didnt want the others so off to gunbroker I sold 8 at $75ea very quickly.

And if they're Polytech mags, even pricier !  Shoot the SAR-3 first to see if you like it enough to keep it.  Some do, some don't.

Keep it. Those mags in total are worth more than the gun. If you want to enjoy it, buy a Yugo M85 pistol. Those chicom mags work on those.