Why Metal Magazines are Better || DURAMag

Published on October 11, 2020
Duration: 13:07

Metal magazines, particularly aluminum like DURAMag, offer superior durability and reliability over polymer alternatives. Aluminum's self-oxidizing properties prevent rust, and its rigidity prevents malfunctions like bolt override. Metal magazines also drop free more reliably and can be lighter than polymer options, with specialized calibers like .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster being better served by metal construction.

Quick Summary

Metal magazines, particularly aluminum like DURAMag, offer superior durability and reliability over polymer alternatives due to aluminum's self-oxidizing properties and rigid feed lips. They can also be lighter than polymer options and are crucial for specialized calibers where polymer often fails.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Metal vs. Polymer Mag Economics
  2. 02:31Benefits of Aluminum Magazines (DURAMag)
  3. 05:56Feed Lip Rigidity & Malfunction Prevention
  4. 07:58Specialized Calibers & Weight Comparisons
  5. 09:53Extreme Durability Testing (Truck & Boulder)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are metal AR-15 magazines considered more durable than polymer ones?

Metal magazines, especially aluminum like DURAMag, offer superior long-term durability. Aluminum naturally oxidizes to form a protective layer, preventing degradation. Their rigid feed lips also prevent malfunctions like bolt override, which can occur with flexible polymer lips under stress.

Can metal magazines be lighter than polymer magazines?

Yes, aluminum magazines can actually be lighter than polymer ones. For example, a DURAMag aluminum magazine weighs 4.3 oz, while a typical polymer magazine weighs around 5.0 oz. Stainless steel options are heavier but offer maximum strength.

What are the advantages of metal feed lips on firearm magazines?

Metal feed lips are significantly more rigid than polymer. This rigidity prevents rounds from being pushed out of alignment or double-feeding, especially during high-impact situations or drops. It also helps prevent the 'bolt override' malfunction common with flexible polymer feed lips.

Are DURAMag metal magazines suitable for specialized calibers?

Yes, DURAMag specializes in metal magazines for calibers where polymer often fails, such as .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster. This ensures reliable feeding and function in these demanding applications.

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