I bought a can of Perma Silk-G and refinished some Colt 20 rounders that had the early alloy followers. While starting to put the floor plates back on, I noticed that on the  inside of one of the floor plate someone had scratched the words "Vietnam 1968" with a sharp object(maybe a bullet tip?). Our PD Armory had gotten these magazines from DERMO? back in  early 70s, and had thrown them away in the early eighties because of the finish. The armorer told me I can have them for parts or range mags, but not to depend on them for self defense. Heck these mags have never malfunctioned, and now look new! Now I am going to have to take ever floor plate off the others to see if there are any more hidden writing.

These are the best, most reliable magazines ever made for the M16 rifle.  I use them almost exclusively.  Their length is very handy for getting into and out of vehicles and aircraft.  And I personally find them easier to carry.

The magazines to avoid are the "waffle" pattern and the very, very early 30 rounders.  Both are collectable, of course, junk always is because it's in short supply!

-- Chuck