Quoted: Colt 30rd replacement mags

Can you clarify the above?  Are the mags USGI type and are they actually marked 'Colt...' on the floorplate?  Is the binding you're referring to just meaning they're a LITTLE snug going in or that they won't drop free?  More info will be required before answers can appear.

Also, what other mags does he have?  Did a 10rd. mag come w/ the rifle and if so, how is the fit on it?

CDNN has three listings marked 'Colt' and one marked 'replacement, was it the $10 mags?  For verification, besides the mag catch slot does it have 1 or 2 circular holes on either/both sides of the mag?  Is it a steel bodied mag w/ a blued finish?  

I have a feeling your buddy purchased the cheap aftermarket steel bodied junk mags.  He needs to chase after USGI mags as much as possible.  If he's on a budget though, the British Imperial Defense mags are a good buy and can be found for $15-20.  These mags are identical to USGI design (springs & followers maybe different) except they are steel bodied.  Below are links for more info on the British mags.

www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=17&t=137043

www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=17&t=138702

www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=17&t=138083

As for the Orlite not locking, it could be the ridge around the mag that is preventing full insertion.  This problem can be a fairly common occurence w/ Orlites (& sometimes Thermolds).  It can be debated whether it's the mag or the lower itself. Early Bushmasters had problems with Orlites and it was discovered that Orlites marked 20 & higher (look for a mold mark of 20/#) were generally trouble free.  More Orlite info can be found here: magfaq.tripod.com/

As for his comment about the trigger guard, he made need to file on it some, others have experienced similar problems.

These are USA mags.  Note that while they do say "Colt AR15" on them, they are definitely not Colt mags, which themselves are really USGI mags made by Okay Industries and stamped Colt on the floorplate.

-Troy