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Posted: 4/8/2003 4:18:42 PM EDT
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I would like to know what each of th USGI (Okay, Center, etc) look like, so I can distinguish them from the junk ones. If anyone could post some pics to show how to tell which is what, that would be great. (My permit better go through.....just payed off the AR :) ReaperVelle |
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There is no real difference between any of the USGI 30 round mags. The markings on the base plate may be an indicator of the manufacturer, but base plates get swapped all the time. If you want to be sure of the manufacturer of the mags, then buying NIW mags are about the only way. You're best bet is to check the EE (Equipment Exchange) and buy some from the sellers there. Check out posts from, ComputerGuy and 79TransAm and there are others, who are good guys to deal with. Also at the top of this page there is a MAG FAQ, read that lots of good info in it and what kind of mags to steer clear of. |
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Quoted: There is no real difference between any of the USGI 30 round mags. The markings on the base plate may be an indicator of the manufacturer, but base plates get swapped all the time. That's the truth! I recall cleaning mags when I was still in (early '70s), stripping down a couple-four dozen at a time for inspection and cleaning, and not really taking great pains to get the floorplates back where they came from. That's what interchangeable parts are for, right? One observation: If you have 30 rounders from different manufacturers, look closely at the welds. The shape of the weld spot, positioning, spacing, etc. are all reasonably specific to the respective manufacturers. Some manufacturers spacing is different from that of others, and the shape/diameter of the weld spot is different, also -- some are round and smallish, some are larger, oval-oblong, or irregular in shape. I should have paid closer attention and made notes or took pictures while I still had a number of examples from most of the pre-94 manufacturers, but I have last year standardized on Okay and Parsons. Noah |
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Thanks all..... Would it be safe to assume then that the non-USGI mags would [b]not[/b] have the 6 weld spots on them, or even the junk in alot of case do? I have some places around my area that I can get mags (assuming my license is a go), but I cant tell if they are USGI (blank floorplates) or junk that will never load right. Thanks.... |
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Quoted: SNIP I cant tell if they are USGI (blank floorplates) or junk that will never load right. Thanks.... Really, your very best bet, is to click on the following link: [url=www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=7&f=24] "Equipment Exchange - AR15 Magazines" [/url] If you insist on trying to buy some locally, take a small magnet with you. If the magnet sticks to the body of the mag, then it is probably junk. There are some steel AR15 mags that are good, but they are not USGI. |
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Quoted: Go to the EE and look for (SKICH) he got good shit usgi mags in the wrap , real good stuff.... Thanks for the words of praise Tooly. I try to be objective when describing the stuff I have so you guys don't have false expectations. The mags I recently came across are functionally new but are not the "collector" quality of the last batch I had a couple of months ago. The wrappers don't have that shiny new look and they all have their fair share of the handling marks in the dry moly film from being stored loose. "as new - unfired" with the aforementioned caveats describes them best I think. As far as distinguishing good mags from bad it's not too hard. Once you've owned one good mag and armed with the collective knowledge of this board you'll know at a glance. As far as telling the different USGI mags apart it can be done to a degree. I can tell a Colt/Okay mag from the rest. The quality is slightly better (IMHO) than the rest. Once you've compared them side by side you too will be able to tell a Colt/Okay mag from other USGI mags. (Colt and Okay are both manufactured by Okay Industries). [banana] |
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