I just got my first AK. Its a Vepr II .223.  (Used) Along with it, I received 8, 30 round magazines. They look pretty worn. My question is, does a Vepr take magazines specifically for a Vepr, or will a standard AK magazine fit it? Also, I am looking for 20 rounders for it.

They take modified polymer or bakelite 5.45 mags with a RA supplied follower. Bulgarian 5.56x45 waffles will work but steel WEIGER .223 mags will not nor Chinese .223 mags.

Try here for 20 round and 30 round waffles.

www.k-var.com/shop/home.php?cat=248&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=3

What's the deal on 5.56x45 AK mags, how do they all compare to each other? I know that all (for the most part) 7.62x39 and 5.45x39 mags are pretty much universal between the rifles that use them, but it seems like 5.56x45 mag standardization is in a state of anarchy. I know that there are basically a couple designs: the Bulgarian waffle ones, the German steel Weigers, modified AK-74 bakelites, Chinese, Polish, etc. Could someone please explain to me how all of these differ from each other (if they do). One more question, are the Weigers still in production or are they surplus?