Tapco AK-47 & AK-74 Magazine Test And Review (HD)

Published on November 27, 2013
Duration: 11:26

This review tests the durability of Tapco AK-47 and AK-74 magazines, focusing on their polymer locking lugs and overall robustness. While generally functional and affordable, the review highlights past experiences with lug breakage during rough handling. The tests demonstrate surprising resilience against drops onto steel and clay, though performance degrades significantly when intentionally filled with dirt. The magazines are noted for their 922R compliance and anti-tilt followers, making them suitable for range use.

Quick Summary

Tapco AK magazines offer surprising durability in drop tests onto steel and clay, making them affordable range options. However, their polymer locking lugs can be a weak point under rough handling, and performance degrades significantly when exposed to dirt, making them less ideal for critical tactical use.

Chapters

  1. 00:37Introduction to Tapco AK Magazines
  2. 00:45The Polymer Locking Lug Weakness
  3. 00:53Past Experiences with Tapco Mags
  4. 01:13Testing Magazine Durability
  5. 01:40Drop Test: No Appreciable Damage
  6. 01:52AK-47 Variant Drop Test on Steel
  7. 02:34Testing Polymer Locking Lug Durability
  8. 02:48Weapon Drop Simulation
  9. 03:07Drop Test on Hard Carolina Clay
  10. 03:36Drop Test on Steel Plate (Again)
  11. 04:14AK Push-ups Test
  12. 04:39Second Durability Test
  13. 04:59Testing the AK-74 Magazine
  14. 05:18AK-74 Magazine Drop Test
  15. 05:41AK-74 Magazine Drop Test on Clay
  16. 06:09AK-74 Magazine Drop Test on Steel
  17. 06:35Testing Dirty Magazines
  18. 06:46Loading AK-74 Mag with Dirt
  19. 07:19Firing the Dirty Magazine
  20. 07:33Misfire Due to Dirt
  21. 08:06Dirt's Impact on Performance
  22. 08:13Magazine Appearance (Painted/Ripped)
  23. 08:24Magazine Design: Squared Blocking System
  24. 08:35Caliber Markings
  25. 08:41Magazine Disassembly
  26. 08:55Anti-Tilt Follower and 922R Compliance
  27. 09:18Magazine Reassembly
  28. 09:27Surprise at Durability
  29. 09:36Tapco Warranty Experience
  30. 09:50Functional Performance in AKs
  31. 09:55Affordability and Range Use
  32. 10:07Comparison to High-End Mags
  33. 10:18Conclusion: Serviceable Range Mags

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tapco AK magazines durable enough for rough use?

Tapco AK magazines showed surprising resilience in drop tests onto steel and clay, with no significant damage. However, their polymer locking lugs have been known to break under rough handling, and performance degrades significantly when exposed to dirt.

What are the main advantages of Tapco AK magazines?

Tapco AK magazines are affordable, often found for under $10, and count as three compliance parts for 922R regulations. They also feature an anti-tilt follower and a squared-off blocking system for a good grip.

How do Tapco AK magazines perform when dirty?

When intentionally filled with dirt, Tapco AK magazines experienced significant malfunctions. Dirt particles obstructed the follower and prevented reliable feeding, indicating they are not suitable for harsh, dirty environments without cleaning.

Are Tapco AK magazines recommended for serious tactical use?

While functional and affordable for range use, Tapco AK magazines are generally not recommended as a replacement for higher-end options like Circle 10 or Bakelite magazines for critical tactical applications where absolute reliability is paramount.

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