Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
5/20/2026 1:27:40 AM EDT
Looking to get some AR steel body mags before the ban in VA.  What are the best steel body mags in 5.56, 300B, and 7.62?  Looking for long term durability and quality.  Thanks for all replies.
5/20/2026 5:30:15 AM EDT
[#1]
556 was okay, but I believe they closed shop

7.62x39 duramag

Check out lancers for 300blkout, not steel body but steel feed lips
5/20/2026 8:11:18 AM EDT
[Last Edit: giantpune][Edited] [#2]
The best steel AR mags, IMO, are the ones from bulgaria, sold by clearview investments.  Unfortunately, they appear to be sold out.  I dont know another vendor.
https://clearviewinvest.com/ar15-.223-30-rd.-steel-magazine-bulgarian-new-in-plastic-wrap/

Its hard to argue against D&H aluminum ones, though.

There have been some prior threads around here about the clearview bulgarian mags and the new version you can still get at gunmagwarehouse.  I dont know about any long term reviews of the new version.  https://www.ar15.com/forums/ar-15/Bulgarian-Steel/17-785331/?
5/24/2026 1:29:54 AM EDT
[#4]
Are these mags better than the HK steel mags?  Are they stainless steel?
5/24/2026 1:40:56 AM EDT
[#5]
I’ve had no issues with the Korean steel USGI clones from Global. I have 50 of them but they were a bit more appealing when they were $5.
5/24/2026 9:01:05 AM EDT
[Last Edit: EnablerNo1][Edited] [#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By flyer:
Are these mags better than the HK steel mags?  Are they stainless steel?
View Quote


HK mags are not great. The spring wears out quickly and creates FTFs. SOF units that were issued them quickly sidelined them and used Magpul E-mags. HK steel mags are not worth the price.

Out of curiosity why do you want steel mags? USGI aluminum mags are excellent, especially contemporary mags with anti-tilt followers. The only steel mags available are cheap Asian and Israeli mags and crappy US made mags.

Just buy USGI aluminum mags or Magpul pmags.
5/24/2026 10:22:44 AM EDT
[#7]
I've heard good things about the E-Landers.  

I agree with others who said to just get some D&H Aluminum Mags.
5/25/2026 11:20:17 PM EDT
[#8]
Where is a source for genuine USGI mags?
5/26/2026 12:09:13 AM EDT
[#9]
I have pre ban/pre 1994 magazines I'm still using. AR mags were sort of designed to be disposable, but they seem to hold up well.
5/27/2026 4:24:09 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Foundation][Edited] [#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By flyer:
Are these mags better than the HK steel mags?  Are they stainless steel?
View Quote


Here is breakdown of some steel ar15 magazines. This is broken down into my "OVERALL RANKINGS" (some indicated here are not available new and will require searching on the secondhand market) and my "RANKING OF STEEL AR15 MAGS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AS NEW DIRECT SALES OR VIA RETAILERS."

OVERALL RANKINGS
I rank steel ar15 mags as follows: 1. PRI ("Precision Reflex") Steel Waffle 30 Round 556 Mags (these are AMAZING but are not currently in production and rarely seen on used market - I wish I could buy more and have searched and searched trying to find them in stock anywhere, PRI only has them in 5 rounds, 10 rounds, and 15 rounds now, I mourn this loss of the waffle 30s frequently); 2. HK Steel; 3. Fusil-USA Steel (discontinued - rough finish but I LOVE them); 4. Imperial Defense Services England Steel (not currently production - used or new old stock, in my experience these are very well made and rock solid); 5. SHK Steel (I have an affinity for the black mags with the grey followers; there are current tan mags from Global Ordnance that have a red follower and I have found these mags and followers to be significantly worse; if the red followers are also being used in the black mags, I would downgrade the ranking of such red follower mags) 6. Bulgarian Steel (I GREATLY enjoy these, unless this has changed from when I purchased, these feature a non-standard USGI style of floor plate); 7. Sterling Steel Magazine (foreign - not currently available); 8. Brownells 20 Round Waffle Mag (Solid and has the drip factor for photographs - they were expensive when in stock at Brownells and IIRC have been discontinued); 9. Korean HK Steel Clone (clone from distance, but finish and follower smoothness and travel are much different); 10. Cammenga Easy Mag (good price, usual operation, rough finish); 11. Brownells 25 Round Straight Mags (these are primarily for the drip and taking pictures, but I like them for everything. They were expensive even when in stock at Brownells, and now they go for HIGH prices on the secondhand market; 12. E-Lander; (I don't have a strong opinion on the Black mags, I have had a poor experience with the galvanized steel 30 round mags); 13. Duramag Steel Mag (I don't particularly like these but this is likely due to personal preference over performance); 14. Promag Steel Mag (an AR15 mag meme that I enjoy, not as bad as the horror stories but doesn't necessarily inspire confidence); Worst: Triple - K Steel Mags (I obtained some older manufactured triple k magazines. I haven't attempted to shoot them yet, but have looked them over and as per my preliminary evaluation and investigation, I think they are going to be terrible to non-functional - if after range time, I am proven wrong in this assessment, I will do my best to remember to update this post).

NOTE: It is possible I forgot about some of the steel ar15 mags that I have and if so I will try and remember to update this above ranking.


RANKING OF STEEL AR15 MAGS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AS NEW DIRECT SALES OR VIA RETAILERS:
Separately from the above ranking, I am addressing the steel mags that you asked about and others above listed that IIRC can be presently obtained new. None of the two indicated options, which are the Bulgarian Steel from GunMag Warehouse; or SHK Steel from Global Ordnance are the same as the HK Steel mags. "Better" would constitute a number of variables, and would require specific information about your intended usage, so I will not attempt to answer that directly, outside of referring to my personal ranking which aligns with my usage profile.

(1) HK Steel Mags: are good to go in my experience behind only the PRI Waffle Mags. The follower on the HK Steel mags is so smooth and they are well constructed. I have read of alleged issues years ago with the springs wearing out early and while I have not experienced this, I have not put a tremendous amount of rounds through them. This alleged issue may be with all such HK mags, may only have affected certain batches or years of manufacture, and may have been remedied by HK at some point. I don't know. If you prefer steel, these are the top tier in my experience. Botach has some of the lowest prices on Steel HK mags IIRC: https://botach.com/hk-5-56mm-hk416-sa80-mr556-maritime-30-round-black-steel-magazine/?srsltid=AfmBOop6PezNiyOXYlgBbG3WWuLjSNkL69W2TSBskO6ce-2rIjDvS5vI

NOTE: The Bulgarian Steel and SHK Steel are not HK Clones. There are separate South Korean HK clones from this website for $12.99: https://centerfiresystems.com/hk-style-ar-15-223-30rd-steel-korean-mag-magar-kr30/. Please note, that I used a burner card when I ordered these as IIRC I saw people allege that their CC information was stolen after buying from Centerfire. I am not making that allegation myself, just that caution with your main CC number in ordering might be wise. These mags look quite similar to the HK Steel Mags, and seem solid (granted I have not used this mags yet at the range), but they do have some notable differences. The finish is not nearly as good or seemingly as durable, and IIRC, one of the pack fresh mags (they come in individual brown bags) had a slight cosmetic chip or wear in the finish in one small area. These mags do not say stainless steel, so I doubt that they are, but can neither confirm nor deny. While I do recommend these mags, I would not recommend them as anything other than as a backup to frontline mags such as Magpul, USGI (preference for OKAY), Lancer, HK Steel, etc

(2) SHK Steel: These mags have been fantastic in my experience. They grey follower ones I have are good to go! They are heavy, but wonderful, and have functioned flawlessly for me. Not a single jam so far. The performance I have gotten out of these is ridiculous considering these were being sold for $4.99 each or IIRC less on sale. They are not HK clones. They have a black glossy finish which I have found to be rather durable but does exhibit some wear over time. Occasionally I will see issues with the floor plate on these mags (coming loose) but this is perhaps 1-2 per 100 IIRC. I stacked these DEEP when they were IIRC $4.99. Mine have the grey followers which work great. I have some newer tan ones that I do not find to be of the same quality and I highly dislike the red follower and its performance. While I am hesitant to say this because PMAGS, USGI (preference for OKAY), Lancer, HK Steel, etc exist, my experience with these mags has me, (admittedly a layperson but with direct experience with them) willing to say that these are good to go as primary mags if you can handle the weight.

(3) Bulgarian Steel: These mags are great and well made. Good to go in my experience. They have a particular Bulgarian finish that feels good to the touch. They additionally have abnormal floor plates, and have some resemblance if I am not mistaken to an AK style mag. Keep this in mind for long term logistical planning and finding parts compatibility in the future (perhaps you need to replace spring or floor plate and I don't recall if all of the mag internals are USGI spec). They came sealed in plastic and slathered in preservative. They require a mild clean up once obtained. These are not clones of HK mags, and I do not know if they are Stainless Steel or not. I greatly enjoy these mags and highly recommend them. However, they are not a main go to for me, and given the design variations from general USGI, I would recommend buying more than you think that you would need in order to move onto those additional mags should you have any logistical issue you are unable to resolve.

(4) Korean HK Steel Mag Clone: I like these mags a lot. As described above, they are "clones" in appearance, but have a worse finish and worse follower than the HK Steel Maritime Mags. As indicated above, I do recommend these mags, but I would recommend evaluating in person next to a HK Steel Mag prior to purchasing large quantities.

(5) Cammenga Easy Mag: These steel mags are a fun design and open and close for loading. The finish is rough but the mags are well built and solid. These are not for everyone and some will hate them. However, I like them as another mag option, and I find them as a nice changeup with occasional use. These are cheap and slept on, but I would probably not recommend them as your main use magazine. This is because they have a proprietary opening design which might complicate parts availability, and don't have the same reliability information and track record as more established magazines.

(6) E-Lander Steel: The black variation of these mags has been fine for me. I don't have strong thoughts and have both the 30 round and 40 round (it is achieved via an extender) in black. I have had a bad experience with the galvanized 30 round mags. When I received my order of them, several of the mags were actively falling apart. Despite being wrapped shut in plastic wrap packaging, some were visibly hanging open and upon squeezing with slight pressure would widen and open even further. It seems the welds were bad on these and the mags were barely staying together. Others appeared to be fine. I was able to contact the retailer, explain the issue, and effectuate a return of the mags. I have no idea if this was a one time issue with the mags that I received, or if it is representative of a wider issue. I have never seen this in any other mag of any type though (received falling apart and will spread apart upon slight squeezing pressure). These are not clones of the HK Steel magazines and I do not know if they are stainless steel.

(7) Duramag Steel: I have had an average experience with Duramag Steel Mags. I am not particularly fond of them and am neither impressed nor underwhelmed in their construction. I dislike the followers and the mags are definitely not my first choice. However, some of this comes down to personal preference and me disliking something about these mags that I can't explain. I will note that I also don't have anything particularly bad to say as they haven't given me trouble. It is also worth mentioning that these mags do seem to be relatively popular and well liked online (although IIRC usually ranked below Magpul, USGI, HK Steel, etc). If you are familiar with these mags and like them, they may be a solid choice. These are not clones of HK Steel magazines. Some (maybe all?) of these mags are stainless steel.

(8) ProMag Steel: Promag AR15 mags are somewhat of a meme and their reputation precedes them.  I have several of the 30s and 20s for the lulz, and have noticed that some aspects of the construction (followers and feed lips) aren't IMO up to USGI standards. I haven't gotten around to testing them yet, but I have a friend that unknowingly bought a number of them, IIRC he said he thought they were made by Colt and that they allegedly said "Colt" somewhere on the packaging, but he has reported no issues with his. I am hesitant to think that they are as bad as what is asserted about them online, and am willing to give them some range time to evaluate. These are not clones of HK Steel mags, and I do not know if they are stainless steel.

Note: I did not list ASC steel ar15 magazines as I do not recall my experience with them, but would imagine that they would be below Duramag and potentially above or below ProMag.
5/27/2026 5:04:48 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By flyer: Where is a source for genuine USGI mags?
View Quote


GI mags are aluminum, OP.
I sell firearms produced by the finest child labor in the world, be it Filipino, Muslim, Mormon, Arizonan, or Texan.
5/27/2026 7:18:30 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:


GI mags are aluminum, OP.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By backbencher:
Originally Posted By flyer: Where is a source for genuine USGI mags?


GI mags are aluminum, OP.


This. I wonder if OP is asking about steel due to thinking that it may be more durable and longer lasting, considering that Virginia is about to cut off new sales of standard capacity mags on July 1, 2026, and with such restriction likely lasting unless/until it is struck down via litigation and Court Order.

Thus in Virginia, OP's bases would be covered via stacking considerable numbers of PMAGS, high quality aluminum USGI, Lancers, or anything else arguably in this top tier of AR15 magazines. Once this base is covered, OP could then diversify into some high quality steel magazines (if not already obtained). The significance of this potentially increases if OP is purchasing with the purpose of such mags being available to his future family generations. Such planning could be looking at arguably 50 - 100+ years out if done properly, and it is unclear which types and models of magazines would best weather the passage of time. While hopefully any mags in long term storage would be in optimal storage conditions, it would be an ongoing multigenerational project to maintain such optimal storage conditions, and accordingly, such storage conditions can't be assumed.

For polymer mags, will they maintain their structural integrity over time? Will the polymer break down over time? Will the polymer become brittle in 50 - 100 years?

While aluminum does not have the same potential long term concerns about structural integrity, it is unclear as to which specific make, model, and material type constituting the mags, will be the longest lasting and most durable. Additionally, mags are wear items, and OP may be thinking that, with use, a steel magazine body may wear down less over time than an aluminum one. Regardless, having fresh unused polymer, aluminum, and steel magazines, which can be pulled from storage and used 50 - 100 years from now by future family generations, provides the eventual user with more options, and diversifies the investment, given that some particular make, models, and material types, might hold up better than others. Such a scenario would also want additional replacement magazine springs, which such spring stock ideally supplemented or refreshed at designated yearly intervals, as magazine springs can degrade over time even without use, and the ability to purchase magazine springs (especially as VA's standard capacity magazine ban grandfathers magazines owned before July 1, 2026) persisting even after new sales of standard capacity mags are cut off on July 1, 2026.
5/28/2026 1:13:54 PM EDT
[#13]
Yes, was wanting to get some stainless steel mags that would be the most durable long term, due to the ban.
5/28/2026 7:40:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: 50cal][Edited] [#14]
I have quite a few of the Korean steel mags from Global Ordnance. Got them during one of their $5 mag sales.
Probably have around 25 of them now.
I hated going to weddings. All the grandmas would poke me and say "You're next". They stopped that when I started doing it to them at funerals.

Sic semper evello mortem tyrannis
5/28/2026 8:10:45 PM EDT
[#15]
I have original gen Magpul and aluminum USGI dating back to the 90’s.  All have held up and work.  I have various steel mags, and they don’t seem to offer much except more weight.
5/29/2026 4:20:30 AM EDT
[#16]
I do not recommend steel mags in an AR at all.
5/30/2026 8:26:08 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By triode:
I have original gen Magpul and aluminum USGI dating back to the 90’s.  All have held up and work.  I have various steel mags, and they don’t seem to offer much except more weight.
View Quote


This. USGI aluminum mags are very durable. Steel mags over nothing over aluminum mags. I have hundreds of USGI aluminum mags from the 80s through the 2000s. I still tend to shoot the same roughly 20 mags, which are a mix of Usgi 20s and 30s, early Magpul pmags.

5/30/2026 11:32:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SnowCharger][Edited] [#18]
If you mean steel specifically (not aluminum) I have some of the FN Scar16 mags. They are beautiful, both aesthetically and mechanically. Although meant for the Scar16, they are made to the STANAG 4179 dimensional standard and thus work fine in all ARs. They feel like a ferrous steel but I'm sure their chromium/nickel content is plenty adequate to prevent rust in any normal circumstances.

Full disclaimer: the FNScar16 and stainless C-Products mags are the only non-aluminum metal mags I have experience with.

Note: The FN mag feed lips are sharp on their front edge and will leave gouges in the brass. Take the magazine apart and use a small, fine file to gently round them off slightly. Yeah it's a pain but only takes a few minutes. I consider the FN Scar16 mags nice enough I'm willing to accept having to file them.
5/30/2026 11:47:57 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SnowCharger:
If you mean steel specifically (not aluminum) I have some of the FN Scar16 mags. They are beautiful, both aesthetically and mechanically. Although meant for the Scar16, they are made to the STANAG 4179 dimensional standard and thus work fine in all ARs. They feel like a ferrous steel but I'm sure their chromium/nickel content is plenty adequate to prevent rust in any normal circumstances.

Full disclaimer: the FNScar16 and stainless C-Products mags are the only non-aluminum metal mags I have experience with.

Note: The FN mag feed lips are sharp on their front edge and will leave gouges in the brass. Take the magazine apart and use a small, fine file to gently round them off slightly. Yeah it's a pain but only takes a few minutes. I consider the FN Scar16 mags nice enough I'm willing to accept having to file them.
View Quote


FN FNC mags are steel. All of the SCAR16 mags I’ve seen are aluminum.
5/31/2026 7:56:13 PM EDT
[#20]
Does anyone like the stainless C-Products mags from a few years ago?
Disclaimer - OP is bad at knowing things, and might catch on fire.
Vet - Op MMAMA
Every other species kills off their stupid......we cater to them. -- spin-drift
Nobody ever called 911&said I just did something smart. -- TheFlynDutchman
6/1/2026 6:34:09 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Amish_Bill:
Does anyone like the stainless C-Products mags from a few years ago?
View Quote


C Products was a dumpster fire of QC issues. I’d avoid them.
6/1/2026 10:55:43 PM EDT
[#22]
MY .02 worth….

The Late Great Pat Rogers stated that HK “High Reliability” steel mags were CRAP!!!

Improper heat treatment of the feed lips resulting in the dreaded Type 3 jam, weak magazine springs!

Many of you remember the DUMPSTER FIRE of E Lander magazine’s!

I’m not even going to go into the disaster of C-Products

As others have mentioned, G.I. Magazines are the Gold standard of magazines, I’m particularly fond of Okay Industries magazines ( unfortunately no longer in production)

Your other choice would be MagPul.
"When trading bullets it is better to give than to receive" _____________________

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - George Orwell
6/2/2026 12:20:00 AM EDT
[#23]
Only thing I remember about the E-Landers was maybe some early ones that might have needed a little adjustment of the catch slot to lock in some lowers. I never had that problem with any I bought.

Rock River still list thirty round Okays but not for cheap.
6/3/2026 7:22:57 PM EDT
[Last Edit: SnowCharger][Edited] [#24]
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:


FN FNC mags are steel. All of the SCAR16 mags I’ve seen are aluminum.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:
Originally Posted By SnowCharger:
If you mean steel specifically (not aluminum) I have some of the FN Scar16 mags. They are beautiful, both aesthetically and mechanically. Although meant for the Scar16, they are made to the STANAG 4179 dimensional standard and thus work fine in all ARs. They feel like a ferrous steel but I'm sure their chromium/nickel content is plenty adequate to prevent rust in any normal circumstances.

Full disclaimer: the FNScar16 and stainless C-Products mags are the only non-aluminum metal mags I have experience with.

Note: The FN mag feed lips are sharp on their front edge and will leave gouges in the brass. Take the magazine apart and use a small, fine file to gently round them off slightly. Yeah it's a pain but only takes a few minutes. I consider the FN Scar16 mags nice enough I'm willing to accept having to file them.


FN FNC mags are steel. All of the SCAR16 mags I’ve seen are aluminum.


Just took a magnet to the ones I have. The magnet definitely sticks to them so they are steel steel (not aluminum). However the magnet sticks slightly less than other things I have that are totally iron steel. I'm guessing they have a decent nickel/chrominum content.

Mine are also WAY heavier than aluminum.

I don't know the difference (if any) between FNC and Scar16 mags; All I know is I have 10 mags made by FN that were new production in like 2022, they are steel-like, have an odd baseplate, and work in all my ARs I've tried them in. I bought them as stand-alone mags; they didn't come with a gun.
6/4/2026 11:27:12 PM EDT
[Last Edit: EnablerNo1][Edited] [#25]
Quote History
Originally Posted By SnowCharger:


Just took a magnet to the ones I have. The magnet definitely sticks to them so they are steel steel (not aluminum). However the magnet sticks slightly less than other things I have that are totally iron steel. I'm guessing they have a decent nickel/chrominum content.

Mine are also WAY heavier than aluminum.

I don't know the difference (if any) between FNC and Scar16 mags; All I know is I have 10 mags made by FN that were new production in like 2022, they are steel-like, have an odd baseplate, and work in all my ARs I've tried them in. I bought them as stand-alone mags; they didn't come with a gun.
View Quote


All of the SCAR16s I’ve seen came with aluminum Usgi mags made by D&H with FN marked floorplates.

The steel FN mags are interesting. Definitely a product improvement from the FNC.

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/fn-scar-16s-223-rem-5-56-nato-30-round-magazine.html
6/6/2026 8:18:01 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:


All of the SCAR16s I’ve seen came with aluminum Usgi mags made by D&H with FN marked floorplates.

The steel FN mags are interesting. Definitely a product improvement from the FNC.

https://gunmagwarehouse.com/fn-scar-16s-223-rem-5-56-nato-30-round-magazine.html
View Quote


The ones you linked are the ones I have. If you're interested in trying some I personally like them. That is fascinating though that the SCAR16's you've seen were D&H. Very interesting and thank you for the information!
6/7/2026 6:40:06 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Came to post this. I have a bunch of them from the $5 sales.  They work great.
I hated going to weddings. All the grandmas would poke me and say "You're next". They stopped that when I started doing it to them at funerals.

Sic semper evello mortem tyrannis
6/7/2026 6:41:50 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TSH77769:
I do not recommend steel mags in an AR at all.
View Quote
Why not? I've used them with very good results. And with Barrett blackened stainless 6.8 with zero problems.
I hated going to weddings. All the grandmas would poke me and say "You're next". They stopped that when I started doing it to them at funerals.

Sic semper evello mortem tyrannis
6/10/2026 11:40:28 AM EDT
[#30]
Some others I know of:

CDNN Asian steel mags. The old ones came with light green follower and wrapped in brown paper. Don't know the Country of origin, maybe Taiwan

Beretta steel mags that came with ARX rifles
6/13/2026 8:12:43 PM EDT
[#31]
I bought a bunch of the Korean steel mags from Global a few years ago when they were $5 but have never even taken them out of the wrapper. Honestly, I'd just buy a bunch of D&H aluminum mags and call it good.  You can get the D&H for $11-12 from PSA, BCM and Primary Arms.
6/14/2026 9:56:08 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote History


All the GO steel mags I bought for $5 a few years ago have zero date codes FYI. They're bullet proof, if heavy. The prices doubled, but then again, we printed 10 trillion dollars.

I don't think you could go wrong if weight isn't an issue.

If you don't think you will be able to ever get mags again, maybe spend a bit more and buy stainless steel mags. I have a ton of SCAR 16S mags setback for just that reason. They will outlast me and my sons.
6/14/2026 9:58:32 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:


FN FNC mags are steel. All of the SCAR16 mags I’ve seen are aluminum.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:
Originally Posted By SnowCharger:
If you mean steel specifically (not aluminum) I have some of the FN Scar16 mags. They are beautiful, both aesthetically and mechanically. Although meant for the Scar16, they are made to the STANAG 4179 dimensional standard and thus work fine in all ARs. They feel like a ferrous steel but I'm sure their chromium/nickel content is plenty adequate to prevent rust in any normal circumstances.

Full disclaimer: the FNScar16 and stainless C-Products mags are the only non-aluminum metal mags I have experience with.

Note: The FN mag feed lips are sharp on their front edge and will leave gouges in the brass. Take the magazine apart and use a small, fine file to gently round them off slightly. Yeah it's a pain but only takes a few minutes. I consider the FN Scar16 mags nice enough I'm willing to accept having to file them.


FN FNC mags are steel. All of the SCAR16 mags I’ve seen are aluminum.


Very old 16S mags were aluminum, all the stuff build in the past 10 years or something are stainless. Built to Last.
6/14/2026 11:15:09 AM EDT
[#35]
Some of the better GI steel aluminum magazines will go toe to toe with steel bodies in regards to longevity any day of the week.
The only steel magazines that I bought and kept were the “Blackhawk” line that was only around for a couple of years. Others I just got rid of secondary to Magpul anti tilt followers fitment issues.
Nhmtg, Colt or Brownells for the win if you don’t have much luck with steel. Those will last longer than any of us on this planet. Sorry for what you’re having to deal with OP, I finally moved a couple years ago out of CA and the ridiculous gun laws were a big part of why.
6/15/2026 11:01:17 AM EDT
[#36]
Just because it needs to be said:

Buy all the PMAGs.  Don't worry about steel magazines.  Buy M3 PMAGs.  By the case.  

I understand your idea, but I'm offering the PMAG advice here because I just left VA and want those still there to have the best AR mags available.  The best AR magazines out there right now, without a doubt, are M3 PMAGs.
6/19/2026 11:57:20 AM EDT
[#37]
These might work for you, 9.99
No experience with them.
https://gunmagwarehouse.com/ruger-sr-556-223-rem-5-56-nato-30-round-steel-magazine.html
6/19/2026 11:46:04 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote History
Originally Posted By PointBlank82:


Very old 16S mags were aluminum, all the stuff build in the past 10 years or something are stainless. Built to Last.
View Quote


Interesting. Though I wouldn’t say steel offers anything better than aluminum. They are heavier, can rust, and are more prone to being dented than an aluminum mag.
6/20/2026 1:09:22 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:


Interesting. Though I wouldn’t say steel offers anything better than aluminum. They are heavier, can rust, and are more prone to being dented than an aluminum mag.
View Quote


The new SCAR 16 mags are stainless steel. Marine grade mags
6/22/2026 10:12:07 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote History
Originally Posted By PointBlank82:


The new SCAR 16 mags are stainless steel. Marine grade mags
View Quote


Marine grade stainless steel can still rust. I learned this growing up around salt water, being on a boat all the time, and maintaining boats with marine grade stainless steel components. Stainless isn’t rust proof.
6/22/2026 11:35:17 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:


Marine grade stainless steel can still rust. I learned this growing up around salt water, being on a boat all the time, and maintaining boats with marine grade stainless steel components. Stainless isn’t rust proof.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoshNC:
Originally Posted By PointBlank82:


The new SCAR 16 mags are stainless steel. Marine grade mags


Marine grade stainless steel can still rust. I learned this growing up around salt water, being on a boat all the time, and maintaining boats with marine grade stainless steel components. Stainless isn’t rust proof.


Well, I live in high desert, super arid. I think they'll last damned near forever
6/24/2026 9:43:28 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote History
Originally Posted By PointBlank82:


Well, I live in high desert, super arid. I think they'll last damned near forever
View Quote


Yeah they will. But so will aluminum mags.

I must confess I’m a little intrigued by the fn mags. May have to buy a couple.
6/24/2026 9:50:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Capt_Destro][Edited] [#43]
Are Duramag any good? I grabbed quite a few before the ban.
7/14/2026 3:12:12 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Rocketfish:
Beretta steel mags that came with ARX rifles
View Quote

I ordered some of these during one of Beretta’s many online sales. I just wanted to have a few examples of them. I like them a lot, and they work great, but I don’t think I would buy them over PMAGs or Lancers.
7/14/2026 3:59:21 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 3ACR_Scout:

I ordered some of these during one of Beretta’s many online sales. I just wanted to have a few examples of them. I like them a lot, and they work great, but I don’t think I would buy them over PMAGs or Lancers.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By 3ACR_Scout:
Originally Posted By Rocketfish:
Beretta steel mags that came with ARX rifles

I ordered some of these during one of Beretta’s many online sales. I just wanted to have a few examples of them. I like them a lot, and they work great, but I don’t think I would buy them over PMAGs or Lancers.


Same. I have 15 of the steel Beretta mags (well I did have 16, but I gave one to one of my brothers).

I got a few with my 3 ARX rifles and the rest from Beretta’s sales on their site. I like them, they are heavy and well made. Haven’t had any issues with them, but personally I’m an aluminum mag kind of guy. My favorite are Okays, but D&H and Brownells would be fine too since Okay isn’t around anymore.

PMAGs are fine and so are Lancers. I have a mix just in case one type starts to have issues.
8/21/2026 12:26:27 PM EDT
[#46]
I bought one of the global ordnance steel 30's from Korea. New style orange anti tilt follower was binding. I used a wooden dowel to compress the follower and spring. And as a consequence the front part of the follower broke off! Magpul green follower seems to work at least
8/22/2026 1:35:35 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Capt_Destro:
Are Duramag any good? I grabbed quite a few before the ban.
View Quote


I have several of the curved 20 round Duramags, of recent manufacture. They've been fine so far.

Sign up to continue the discussion

Create a free account to share your thoughts, follow topics, and connect with the AR15.COM community.

Already a member? Sign In

AR Sponsor