Parsons are good USGI mags. Will have the black followers, but that is cheaply remedied.
Due to the finish being off, chisel the guy down as much as you can. Offer him $10 each, because you will need to refinish them. Not really, they will work just fine as is. But use that as an excuse. Besides, tell the guy, in 16 months you will buy new ones for about $13 each.
The finish is simply Moly Disulfide Dry Lube, which comes in a spray can. That is all it is, nothing special. You can buy this in industrial hardware stores and also the Permasilk brand (see the refinishing FAQ at the top of the magazine category).
Take the mags apart and wash the bodies in water and a little dishwashing detergent. Scrub out the insides with a bottle brush, I use an old baby bottle brush. Rinse well with hot water, and set aside to dry.
When dry, lay them out on newspaper OUTSIDE. The vapors from moly dry lube are very nasty. Spray one side, getting the front and back edges, too. Just a light coat. Wait 30 minutes, flip them, and coat the other side lightly. I usually just put one coat.
Reassemble. You might want to substitute green followers at this time, and I advise it. Cody @ Magazine Specialties at
[email protected] Who has a banner ad on AR15.com has green followers and orange, as well as better springs. But the ones that are in these mags are OK.
The mags will now look like brand new.
Parsons (aka Adventure Line) were good mags. I have about half a dozen of them myself.