How many quality Mags do you have laying around for 1 AR? [Archive]

mindonmatter

02-03-2004, 12:46

I haven't started my collection yet. 1 now. I plan to get 5 or 6. And I'll get 5 or 6 more for every rifle I buy.

There was a thread like this on AR15.com. Man, you should hear how many mags some people have. Some guys have 30 mags PER rifle. Some literally have hundreds of mags. I guess being prepared isn't a bad thing, but damn!

Hard Ball

02-03-2004, 12:51

22 30 round magazines and 2 20 round, Why so many? M16 magazines are delicate and easily damaged.

AZG23

02-03-2004, 12:58

Ive got 4 USGI 30's and will have another 10 rounder when I get the rifle sometime next week....damn waiting sux....I plan on probably 10 total per rifle....

pizzaaguy

02-03-2004, 14:23

4 - 30 rounders
1 - 10 rounder

Sulaco

02-03-2004, 15:39

I have one new LaBelle with the green follower. I just found a guy on the AR forums selling the same mags NIW for 20 bucks a pop with free shiping over 5. I am ordering 5 more and that is it. I think 6 are enough for me. I only plan to use one at a time and keep the others for spares/stricter ban, etc.

THOF

02-03-2004, 15:40

So far i only have 9 USGI 30s 1 90 round drum and one 32 round Sten mag. But just ordered 5 more Sten 32 rounders yester day

ToyotaMan

02-03-2004, 18:25

I bought my gun from a guy and with it I received one 10 rd. magazine with a green follower. I don't use it often as it is sometimes difficult to seat into the mag well. Not enough force, perhaps, but regardless of the reason, I don't use it very often.

I also have four 30 rd. Thermold magazines.

m4arc

02-03-2004, 18:31

I have about 120 30 rounder USGI mags plus about 10 British SA80 mags...that works out to around 25 mags per AR.

Minuteman

02-04-2004, 02:53

8 20 round colts, new + 12 more still in the wrapper
12 30 round usgi, new + 12 more still in the wrapper
10 rd bushmaster
4 crappy kkk steel mags that bushmaster sold me (I will never forgive them for selling this junk). They will never slide into my rifle.

That's 49, for one gun, half still in the wrapper:), plus about 2k of ammo

That will get me started

DJ Niner

02-04-2004, 03:35

7 thirties, 4 twenties per rifle/carbine (USGI).

Another dozen or so 5/8/9/10/20/30s shotters for range/training use.

Point Blanks

02-04-2004, 12:50

5 - 30's and 1 - 10 rounder

Plenty for me...

MrMurphy

02-04-2004, 17:26

Well the standard load for the US army is 7 magazines (6 +1 in rifle). Most guys actually have a dozen.

And considering you can rip through a magazine in a "serious" situation in about 5 seconds, on semiauto, that many would make sense.

Since AR mags if abused can be damaged easily, having 10-15 would be "good" and "as many as you can accumulate" would obviously be better within reason (having 150 magazines and only one rifle seems a bit overdoing it).

CJan_NH

02-04-2004, 17:41

My range ammo "stash". The two cans with mags in them each have fourteen 30 rounders and ten 20 rounders (some of the mags are laying down and not visible in the pic).

http://home.comcast.net/~cjan99999/ammo_cans_copy.JPG

When I get together with my shooting buddies we go through this in a day.

I'm very fortunate to have a great bunch of guys to shoot with. We pool our funds and buy our reloading components, mags etc in bulk to save money.

m4arc

02-04-2004, 21:26

CJan_NH - Man, you are organized!

www.glock19.com

02-04-2004, 21:26

i had well over 100 mags and 1 AR i thought to myself this was a bit overkill so i sold um off now i have about 30 mags and 3 223 ARs

mindonmatter

02-04-2004, 21:35

Bonk

02-04-2004, 21:47

Hmmm...
6 or 7 USGI 30 rounders
1 USGI 20 rounder (need to get more)
4 Thermold 30 rounders
2 Victor steel 30 rounders (not bad, not great)
4 USA 30 rounders (junk, range only)
and some more hiding in my basement somewhere

all this for one Bushmaster.:)

Britt

02-04-2004, 22:44

Originally posted by Sulaco
I have one new LaBelle with the green follower. I just found a guy on the AR forums selling the same mags NIW for 20 bucks a pop with free shiping over 5. I am ordering 5 more and that is it. I think 6 are enough for me. I only plan to use one at a time and keep the others for spares/stricter ban, etc.

Yea 6 is enough, yea right;Q Just wait, you will have more.

Britt

02-04-2004, 22:47

Oh yea I have:

10 USGI
5 grey labelle teflon
5 DPMS black teflon
1 POS 10 rounder.

I say have 20 per rifle. I need 20 more. You wouldn't need so many if they weren't a endangered species.

Britt

Alldowntheline

02-04-2004, 23:29

I know what you mean about them being endangered species! I'm up to 10 USGI 30 rounders, 1 Orlite 30 rounder, and 1 Bushmaster 10 rounder. I think that will hold me for a while.

AZG23

02-04-2004, 23:35

Watch out boyzzzz...just did the ol taxes...that refund will go along, long way stocking up on LaBelles!;f

Seriously, I will be getting 5-6 more..and then wait and see...

hile

02-05-2004, 00:21

I'm slacking; I've only got 7 USGI 30-rounders.

Britt

02-05-2004, 08:10

If you don't have any of the teflon labelles I seriously recommend getting some right now. At $20 bucks a pop and free shipping over five, you can't beat that deal and they are not gonna get any cheaper unless the ban sunsets like it is surposed to.

Give me a email if you need a link or email address.

These are the best mags I have even seen.

Britt

Alldowntheline

02-05-2004, 09:29

5 of my 10 USGI's are Teflon LaBelles. The others are of the "powder coat" variety.

jthuang

02-05-2004, 11:35

I have two AR15-style rifles and 14 pre-ban USGI 30 round mags. If I'm not mistaken, 210 rounds is typical battle load for our regular infantry troops ... so I followed suit.

Menehune

02-05-2004, 14:24

I have about 50 USGI mags, most unused. But, I have another 50 of the steel SA80 mags. They all run flawless , so I use them more than the USGI. They take abuse a bit better than the USGI mags. This is for four rifles and a few other parts.

glklvr

02-09-2004, 09:43

33 30rd mags
18 20rd mags
1 10rd mag ;Q

still aquiring...;f

arjohnson

02-09-2004, 20:12

Enough to load about 1500 rnds;f

SMSTRICK

02-10-2004, 12:49

50 military spec contract and English steel mags. A 20 and 1 ten rounder . Have two AR's. A Colt and a Bushmaster.

w30olds

02-10-2004, 17:04

4 total. All USGI made. I don't see the need to have 20+ mags laying around unless you're planning a take over of a small town ;f

Alldowntheline

02-10-2004, 22:52

Are USGI mags (or AR15 mags in general) considered fragile?

glklvr

02-11-2004, 05:03

Originally posted by w30olds
4 total. All USGI made. I don't see the need to have 20+ mags laying around unless you're planning a take over of a small town ;f

I plan on conquering a middle sized borough. ;f

w30olds

02-11-2004, 07:32

Originally posted by glklvr
I plan on conquering a middle sized borough. ;f

HEE, HEE........;f

w30olds

02-11-2004, 07:33

Originally posted by Alldowntheline
Are USGI mags (or AR15 mags in general) considered fragile?

Never heard of them being fragile. Mine take a beating and still function just fine. Sort of like a Timex.;f

CJan_NH

02-11-2004, 07:48

The feedlips of aluminum USGI mags eventually wear out with repeated use. They become brittle and crack, or in some cases they bend. Keep in mind that aluminum magazines are considered a disposable item by the military.

I get around the wear problem by using quality steel mags, this is why I tend to favor the Brit teflon SA80 mags for range use. I also rotate my range mags to preserve their functionality. Steel mags wear out too, but not as quickly as aluminum mags.

It's never a bad idea to stock up on quality magazines-even if you don't intend to use them. They do have a limited lifespan, so having extras available is a prudent move. I've lost count of the number of mags I've thrown away since I started shooting ARs in 1991.

deuce32

02-11-2004, 08:53

Alldowntheline

02-11-2004, 11:46

Originally posted by CJan_NH
The feedlips of aluminum USGI mags eventually wear out with repeated use. They become brittle and crack, or in some cases they bend. Keep in mind that aluminum magazines are considered a disposable item by the military.

I get around the wear problem by using quality steel mags, this is why I tend to favor the Brit teflon SA80 mags for range use. I also rotate my range mags to preserve their functionality. Steel mags wear out too, but not as quickly as aluminum mags.

It's never a bad idea to stock up on quality magazines-even if you don't intend to use them. They do have a limited lifespan, so having extras available is a prudent move. I've lost count of the number of mags I've thrown away since I started shooting ARs in 1991.

What kind of life-span are we talking about with the USGI's?

trapfan

02-14-2004, 02:57

8 Colt thirty rounders
6 Colt twenty rounders
2 Colt five rounders
1 Bushmaster ten rounder

Wmarden

02-15-2004, 00:30

This is a little tangent, as it is not about ARs, but I already have 15 mags(20 rounders) for the FAL I am going to build. I don't even have the parts kit yet. I plan to get at least another 30-45 magazines. That may be a bit much, but the way I figure it, you might as well have as many normal capacity mags as you can get what with the doofuses in DC. I am also planning on an AR project. And I will get as many magazines as I can.

ColoradoPacker

02-15-2004, 01:16

Three 30 rounders
One 5 rounder

flashooter22

02-24-2004, 14:22

1 ten round bushmaster
8 USGI 30s
1 labelle teflon 30
5 USGI 20s

15 mags...1 rifle at the time. I have had more, but used them to trade with. I should have about another 10 NIW 30s coming soon though.

Quake Guy

02-25-2004, 00:28

man, I know where all the prebans are...

anyway, a good rule of thumb for any magazine fed evil black rifle is to have at least 10 magazines. Maybe more for an AR since they are not the most durable in the world.

For a pistol, 4 or 5 magazines minimum.

VTDefender

02-25-2004, 10:24

I've got 46 30 rounders of various manufacture...all with new springs and green followers....

And 20 colt 20rders that were given to me last year.;a

Mnukedude

03-18-2004, 00:57

Originally posted by Alldowntheline
What kind of life-span are we talking about with the USGI's?

Yes, how long will a USGI mag last? How many rounds can it take before you wear it out?

CJan_NH

03-18-2004, 04:48

I seem to remember reading somewhere (;g) that an aluminum 30 rounder was specced' to last a minimum of 1200 rounds. That being said I have a lot more than that through many of mine.

I'm sorry that I can give a better answer than that. If anyone finds anything definitive please post it.

If you guys haven't already I'd strongly suggest that you buy a LULA (http://www.adcofirearms.com/gotten.cfm?quickfind=lula)

The LULA prolongs the life of your mags by taking the pressure off of the feedlips when rounds are inserted or removed. It also speeds up the loading and unloading process dramatically :)

glockjunkie

03-18-2004, 07:45

At one point I had 16 30 round mags, and now I am down to 11.

2_Djinn

03-18-2004, 09:37

I have 4 SA80 mags soon to be updated with orange followers. I know I have a long way to go. I would rather have only 4 mags with more ammo then 30 mags with not as much ammo. hehe.

TommyG19

03-18-2004, 10:21

As of now, I have one NIB Bushy with 7 NIW Teflon Labelle 30s

But you guys do have me thinking. If (when) this ban is renewed, we'll still be able to buy our new ARs and AKs (assuming no changes), but the only mags left will still be those made before '94. As we've said, this stock is dwindling, as the mags don't last forever. So unless you wanna be stuck with 10 rounders, why not have 30 or more mags?

Hmmm, Magman may be getting an order for some more Labelles from me. Do I have the money now? No. Will I want to pay $100 a piece later? Definitely not.

Eric911

03-18-2004, 13:12

What's up with the $50-75dollar 30 USGI mags? Some are "NIW $20-30bucks". i have purchased a few nickle mags off the net$20 apiece. a few from gun shows at 20bucks apiece. why are some mags so pricey?;d I would pass on the nickle mags, which are nickle plated steel mags. They are aftermarket mags and the quality is usually poor. For $20 you should be able to get some nice USGI mags. You would be nuts to pay $50 and up for USGI mags. Check the sales boards here and the equip exchange at ar15.com for some good deals.

Alldowntheline

03-18-2004, 13:55

Since I started this thread, I'm now up to 20 LaBelle's, an Orlite, and three 10 rounders. Really want to check out a LULA and get some more mag dust covers.

CJan_NH

03-18-2004, 14:31

Originally posted by deuce32
What's up with the $50-75dollar 30 USGI mags? Some are "NIW $20-30bucks". i have purchased a few nickle mags off the net$20 apiece. a few from gun shows at 20bucks apiece. why are some mags so pricey?;d
Those prices are insane ;P

You can buy brand new in the wrapper teflon coated LaBelles for $20ea when you buy ten HERE (http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Hi-CapMagazines.html)

There are plenty of other good sources for them too. I've had good luck at Bravo Company USA and wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

Teflon LaBelles are considered by many to be the best of the USGI mags. I like mine a lot, although I still tend to use the teflon steel Brit mags at the range.

BoogerSnax

03-18-2004, 17:45

I just got in, today, 5 of the steel 30 rounder british ones.
I've only had a single USGI one, that was 30 bucks at the local shop before this.
To be honest, these steel ones look identical to the USGI ones. And thy're maybe a hair heavier to the touch.
$79 for five of them, in my hands.

Went to Cabela's today to stock up for spring with their Wolf sale.
7.62 was 75.00 per 1000, with free ammo boxes.
.223 was 97.00, with free cans also.

Ah...here comes spring!

GizDog

03-18-2004, 19:38

16 USGI 20 rounders (6 loaded)
10 USGI 30 rounders
12 20 round mags for my FAL

glock-37 GAP

03-18-2004, 23:34

Originally posted by CJan_NH
My range ammo "stash". The two cans with mags in them each have fourteen 30 rounders and ten 20 rounders (some of the mags are laying down and not visible in the pic).

http://home.comcast.net/~cjan99999/ammo_cans_copy.JPG

When I get together with my shooting buddies we go through this in a day.

I'm very fortunate to have a great bunch of guys to shoot with. We pool our funds and buy our reloading components, mags etc in bulk to save money.

I want to do the same things with a few guys I grew up with in West Virginia, but none of them want to spend any money. One of them work in the same company as me now. I actually got him a job here right after college. Anyway, he bought 5 acres of land in town and will use it to teach his girlfriend to shoot .22 lr rifle. I told me to ring me up whenever he does that. I haven't heard from him in 6 months.

Most of the people I know don't like spending money for anything. They are saving for nursing and they're only in their 20s. What a sad sad little life.

f1b32oPTic

03-19-2004, 12:39

good link cjan_nh,
have you ordered from them before?

they offer a better deal on those teflon labelles than the price i was just about to buy from elsewhere...

one more question, where did you get the shotshell trays from? ive got to get some of those for shotshells

Glock_Geezer

03-19-2004, 22:56

I have 10 of the Labelle 30 rounders on the way.

Only thing is, I haven't yet bought an AR! ;f

TommyG19

03-19-2004, 23:25

**UPDATE**

Ordered 7 more NIW Labelles from Magman. That's 14 for one NIB AR-15. For now, I'm only breaking open 7, and the others will go into safekeeping. With Washington chaos and the very high prospect that I'll have another AR, it seemed only prudent.

glock-37 GAP

03-20-2004, 21:02

Originally posted by Glock_Geezer
I have 10 of the Labelle 30 rounders on the way.
Only thing is, I haven't yet bought an AR! ;f

I am a protege of Chuck Taylor and I will field test your AR15 magazines at no cost. I even throw in the shipping fee.

fignewton

03-20-2004, 21:08

I am a real slacker, only 1 ten rounder and 8 USGI 30 rounders for the one rifle. Guess I will have to go shopping and stock up on some more.

fig

m4arc

03-21-2004, 06:40

As you know from my previous post I don't NEED any more magazines but that didn't stop me from picking up 10 more for a refinishing project ;) Most of them have little or no finish on them so yesterday I took them apart and cleaned them. I'm going to hit them with a couple coats of Permasilk and install new springs, followers and Ranger Plates on them!

When it comes to magazines I just can't help myself ;g

TomSplasky

08-24-2004, 16:28

Do some of you mag-rich people feel like donating to some poor kid named Tom Splasky? ;f ;f Just kidding. ;f

Seriously, I have 1 Bushmaster 10 rounder, 2 LaBelles, and one generic 30 rounder. I guess I should buy more, but I have other things I need to spend my money on.

Jeff S.

08-24-2004, 18:44

Originally posted by TomSplasky
I have other things I need to spend my money on.

Like Spanking-your-Splasky? ;)

I may buy 10 Lebelles soon, even though I won't be buying my AR until after 9-13.