User Panel
Posted: 3/16/2006 12:31:38 PM EDT
Anybody buy or use one of HK's mags for an AR15? Seems like the going price is about $50 bucks a mag. I mean they look awesome, and they are HK, but you could 4 or 5 for that price. Is it worth it?
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I got 1 at a funshow awhile back and it was $40. I overheard someone say another vendor had some for Like $38.
I wanted one for my collection and spotted this one with the black follower. They're cool, but not really necessary for the type of shooting I do IMO. YMMV Danny |
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Dinger had some this weekend. When you hold them up you can see that the HK mag is bigger, supposedly you can fit 30 rounds in it and still have it seat properly. However I can't personally justify the price over a USGI mag. Be neat to have one in my collection, but I can't see spending the money to get a whole bunch of them for regular use.
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I bought only one HK mag because of the high cost, I won't buy another.
I'd rather get two high reliability mags like the D&H with upgraded Magpul followers and Wolff extra power springs. Maybe add some Magpul Ranger plates if you get the mags at a low sale price. |
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Does anyone have a pic of the HK mag?
Why does Heckler and Koch make a magazine for the AR-15? They don't make an AR-15 rifle do they? Frank |
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I have a picture of it on my AR but it's not a close-up view. Heckler & Koch make their mag for their HK416 gas piston carbines and they sell them to the US military special forces, a picture link and some info below. www.hecklerkoch-usa.com/index.jsp?loc=221&SITEID=B&PartNumber=HK416 |
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us.st11.yimg.com/store1.yimg.com/I/botach_1885_38955548
www.hkdefense.us/corporate/media/pdf/HKD32105_HK416.pdf#search='U.S.%20Army%20Special%20Operations%20Command%20%20NSN%201005015205992' I was kind of surprised to see them. Thought the LEO markings were neat, but geez, $50? |
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I have a couple of the 1st generation H&Ks and a dozen or so of the 2nd generation - They are damn nice mags. Very solid, and feed flawlessly.
That said; If you are only looking to spend $100 or so on mags this year - I would buy 10 D&H over 2 H&Ks. I have blasted away with the D&H teflons, and never had an issue with them, and they wear well. |
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Thanks. I should have said two high reliability USGI mags upgraded with Magpul followers, Wolff springs and maybe Magpul Ranger plates like in my first post. 1 HK mag = 2 high reliability upgraded USGI mags = 4 standard USGI mags Either way if you get any type of USGI mags you get more mags rather than 1 HK mag. |
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After I wrote that I figured out what you meant. You're right either way, USGI is a better buy.
TS |
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What is the difference between 1st generation HK's and 2nd generation HK?
Or is there such a thing? Thought I read something on another post once. Frank |
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Ok. I am doing this from memory.... so dont hold me to this..... The 1st gen has a silver follower, the 2nd has a black follower. the 1st has the letters on the outside filled in with white, the 2nd does not. the 1st has some type of finish (i cant remember), the second has a maritime finish(more rust resistant, i think). the 1st has no rubber bumper in the bottom to stop the floor plate from popping out, the 2nd DOES. this all i can remember. anyone... please feel free to add or correct any mistakes. |
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Different floor plates I think and the 1st gen had the chrome follower instead of black follower which would rust.
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+1
What they said. H&K Mags thread link Mine which is shown in the LMT pic above is a gen 2 with AF code markings. |
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My thoughts in the HK Magazine verses the GI Magazine
The HK magazine is built with the idea that the magazine is a durable and reusable item, and it is to be used with the same care and diligence as the rifle itself; not dumped on the ground and thrown about, and it will be used repeatedly many times over. Hence its quality of constriction, stamped steel with a machined follower, etc. I think this tactical thought is also reflected in the price of a magazine $50 - $60. The GI magazine is built with the idea that the magazine is a consumption and disposable item separate from the rifle; it is to be used a few times at best and disposed of; dumping and abandoning it on the ground, throwing it about, etc. Hence its marginal and limited quality of construction. I think this tactical thought is also reflected in the price of a magazine $15 - $20. I guess the bottom line for me is the magazine is the one of the most important part of the rifle. Many functioning problems can be traced back to the magazine. And I always remember if I do not have a good quality and 100% reliable magazine, well then all I do have is a very awkward and not so useful single shot rifle…not so good! Take care and good shooting MP5 Machinenpistole |
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The H&K magazine typifies the German experience with the magazine- over-built, over-engineered, over-priced. I mean look at World War I era Luger magazines, and they still function flawlessly! I mean how expensive was it, is it, to have a one piece extruded aluminum magazine?
That having been said, like many others I bought the H&K magazine for the novelty and nothing else. Soon however curiosity killed me and I cut open the wrapper and studied it. First off, the follower feels like it moves on roller bearings as opposed to a spring! The weight is substantially greater then a standard GI magazine, say five GI's to one H&K. The level of craftsmanship is obvious- selection of materials, close tolerances, etc. I own several now, which represents a great investment. They are great to have around but I am not sure they justify the cost. Although a relative of mine in Iraq as an independent swears by them. So I suppose if you can justify it, go for it! |
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the H&K mag is not five times as heavy as a GI mag. it is a little more than twice the weight of a GI mag but not five times the weight.
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I would like to have ONE HK mag for collecting purposes, and to compare it to other mags.
I even have several FOLLOWERS ( metal - black - green - magpul I )which make a fine conversation piece, even if my friends are hunters without BRD. What I LIKE about the HK mags is the mag catch - its NOT a HOLE! IMHO it reduces the chance of a mag catch getting in too deep "in" the mag. Also its one hole less. Its a "win" item: no disadvantage ( but perhaps no advantage or not much of it ). Your opinions? H |
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Yeah, so I just got mine in the mail, went ahead and said what the hell. Have not had it at range.
That being said.... WOW. I cant make the follower tilt, and it's like it's on ball bearings. There is no give. The coating is slick, and it pops right in/out. And the body seems to be MUCH stronger than average USGI mags. Was it worth $50? For my purposes no. But I have one....... |
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i now have about twenty of the mags (got a good price) but i still have no idea on how to remove the base plate. i feel a little dumb but after playing with it for a while i gave up, dont want to damage it. anyone know how to remove the base plate on the 2nd gen mags?
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Just for , I tested both in a std. salt fog cabinet, they "rust" equally well |
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You have to pull out the little rubber plug. I use a pair of needle nose pliers. You should be able to figure it out after that. It's pretty easy. |
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+1 A.R.3.
What a GREAT CARBEANER!!!! But I hate HK mags You are right about 2 USGI mags |
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HK mags are made of steel. Steel is far more durable than alluminum. 1 HK mag will outlast 4 USGi disposable mags given all have hard use.
Pat |
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While I'm sure pulling the plug would work, it was my interpretation that you just depress the locking plate & apply pressure to the floorplate thus compressing the rubber plug enough to allow the floor plate to unlock. I would think to remove the plug is incorrect. Just checked on my lunch break, the method I describe above is my final answer. I have 10 of the HKs and my bro has a dozen. They're slick, but I still prefer my old USGIs. Sly |
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At least one common misconception about the H&K mag...being made of steel, is that it is far more durable than a USGI.
Well folks, the USGI is made of hardened Aluminum, which is actully quite a bit tougher & harder than the material used in any of the steel magazines. Get out your pliers and try bending the feed lips of each, or drop them on ther feed lips.... even loaded, if you care... & see which one is worse for wear. Or try cutting up one of each with a pair of tin-snips. You may change your opinion. Hotgun |
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PLZ Tell my OLD COLT 20 rounders w/ metal followers this? |
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I have 4 of the HK mags. I keep them in my entry vest, which is in a big, honkin' bag with lots of other gear. The bag gets thrown into trunks to go places, and the mags are basically subject to more abuse in the trunk than they are in use. I thought something a little heavier in construction than the GI mags would be a good idea in this environment. I still use GI mags all the time, and they are fine, I just don't know if I trust them to hold all the weight if some of the other guys throw their shit on top of my shit in the car. Both work fine, but it's easier to seat the HK's with 30 in them (all my GI mags get 28). I think the peice of mind is worth what I paid for them.
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I have offered spirited defense of Hk mags for a year or two now as being the very best AR mag made.
so much in fact, that my comments now sound biased even to me. But I read the following comments on another forum re: Hk mags and found it to make the case better than I ever could here they are: (originally posted by 1SFG and again here w/out permission) ( LINK )
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I think there are other appealing alternatives on the market but the HK magazine certainly is a top quality piece of kit.
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QUOTE
Well folks, the USGI is made of hardened Aluminum, which is actully quite a bit tougher & harder than the material used in any of the steel magazines. END QUOTE Sorry but wrong. Steel is far harder and stronger and has more tensil strenght. I have worn out my share of USGI mags. The HK mags are still holding strong. Pat |
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You must really bang them up? When you dump a mag is it falling on concrete? or just the earth/ground! I let my Colt 20`s w/ metal followers fall on the range ground without any trouble? Back in IN. shooting range! at my range here in FL you cant shoot in the grass? |
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Aluminum is 4 ounces lighter. Steel rusts. I can replace a half dozen mag bodies on a USGI mag for the price of one HK mag.
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Kudos to H&K for marketing a product to our troops & taxpayers, about $10M worth, then learn at our expense mind you all the things that are wrong. Look for "Gen III" in the near future.
I stand by my previous statements relative to the mechanical properties (materials) of an aluminum GI mag vs. any steel AR magazine. Anyone can see the difference using the tools I describe. Hotgun |
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Feedlips usually crack before the mag gets other damage. At least thats been the problem I have had with USGI mags. Their great mags until they brake. I like the HK mags because of the long term durability of steel. I like this because its nice to know you have mags that will last in case there is another ban.
Pat |
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To each their own.
In this case I equate the perspective durable with ductile. Ductile materials deform without breaking, cracking, etc. Personally, I'd rather have a feedlip or weld, etc, to crack and visibly fail rather than have a ductile magazine deform. Deformed feedlips might go un-noticed and/or be easy to reshape, but I'm not betting that I can restore them to the proper shape, height, etc. Dropping or stacking weight on steel mags is more likley to cause defomation. Hotgun |
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If anyone gets a chance, take a look at a loaded HK mag - notice how the 2nd round from the top is pushed inward slightly? There's dimples on the sided that do this. This ensures that the top round is pushed up tightly against the feed lip & reduces "bolt over base" stoppages.
That's something no $15 GI mag can say. While they may be steel, they're definitely not "soft" steel & won't bend or break as easily as aluminum. And a superior finish reduces the risk of rust. Little things like HK mags might not appear to us civilians to do much - most AR's run reliably with most GI type mags - but they can eliminate the 1 out of 500 or 1 out of 1000 malfunction. That might cost you a match, or your life. To each his own, but don't bad mouth a superior product (with which most of you obviously have no first hand experience) just because you're too cheap to spend $40. |
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I will have to second this statement. |
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I just got issued 6 H&K mags a couple of days ago. I would have gotten 13, but they're way heavy so I only got half and half. Suckers.
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There are much more savvy ways to spend your money IMO.
my 10 dollar mags work just as good, as far as i can tell. |
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Discussions on Hk mags always comes back to the money. If they were the exact same price, would you guys take the Hk mags, or a USGI? If you answered - Yes, you have identified the problem people have with them. It is NOT performance, durability, etc. |
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if both cost 10 dollars, im pretty sure id still stick with my USGI. Extra weight and the potential to rust are not selling points in my book. |
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* supposedly you can fit 30 rounds in it and still have it seat properly*
ive never had any problems loading 30 rounds into every single magazine Ive shot |
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