What's the Best AR Mag?

Published on November 17, 2017
Duration: 12:15

This video provides a technical deep dive into AR-15 magazine variations, focusing on dimensional differences that affect firearm compatibility and reliability. The presenter, using calipers, measured mag catch height, width, and depth, as well as feed lip swell under load. Key takeaways include how these dimensions impact magazine seating, drop-free ejection, and potential for front-to-rear wiggle. The analysis also explores how different magazine materials and designs handle sustained loaded storage, offering insights for users who store loaded magazines long-term.

Quick Summary

AR-15 magazine fit and function are heavily influenced by three key dimensions: catch height, width, and depth. Height impacts bullet presentation, width controls front-to-rear wiggle, and depth dictates the mag release's grip. Feed lip swell, particularly after long-term loaded storage, is also crucial for reliability, with some polymer magazines like Gen 3 PMAGs showing superior stability.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to Magazine Variety
  2. 00:40Mag Catch Dimensions Explained
  3. 01:04Magazine Height and Bullet Presentation
  4. 01:11Magazine Width and Wiggle Room
  5. 01:21Magazine Depth and Retention
  6. 02:35ATI Magazine Height Analysis
  7. 03:16Magazine Catch Width Measurements
  8. 03:35Metal vs. Polymer Mag Width
  9. 04:26Magazine Catch Depth Measurements
  10. 04:46Shallowest Catch Depths and Drop Ease
  11. 05:16Deepest Catch Depths
  12. 05:24Magazine Feed Lip Swell Experiment
  13. 06:04Causes of Magazine Failure
  14. 06:33Polymer vs. Metal Magazine Lips
  15. 06:44Feed Lip Swell Testing Methodology
  16. 07:31Demonstration of Magazine Wiggle
  17. 08:17Feed Lip Swell Data (50% Load)
  18. 09:14Lip Swell Change After One Week
  19. 09:34Best Performing Magazines for Lip Stability
  20. 09:57Worst Performing Magazines for Lip Stability
  21. 10:11Consistency Across All Magazines
  22. 10:31Gen 3 PMAG Consistency
  23. 10:36RC Products Swell
  24. 10:43Lancer Magazine Swell Behavior
  25. 11:11Consistently Performing Magazines
  26. 11:26ProMag 40 and C Products Magazine Behavior
  27. 11:41Conclusion: Magazine Treatment and Use

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key dimensions of an AR-15 magazine that affect its fit and function?

The critical dimensions are the magazine catch height, width, and depth. Height affects how high the magazine sits and presents rounds, width influences front-to-rear wiggle, and depth determines how securely the mag release engages the magazine body.

How does magazine lip swell impact reliability?

Magazine lip swell, especially after being stored loaded for extended periods, can cause rounds to feed at incorrect angles or even fall out, leading to feeding failures. Some magazines are more prone to this than others.

Are metal AR-15 magazines better than polymer ones for wiggle?

Metal magazines often have narrower magazine catch cutouts, which can result in less front-to-rear wiggle compared to many polymer magazines, assuming the firearm's catch is properly fitted.

Which AR-15 magazines are best for long-term loaded storage?

Magazines like the Gen 3 PMAG, Daniel Defense, CAA, Mission First Tactical, and ETS showed minimal lip swell after a week of being loaded, suggesting they are more suitable for long-term loaded storage than others that exhibited significant swelling.

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