Gear Review: Magpul Polymer Magazine [PMAG]

Sep 8th, 2009 | By | Category: Gear Review

[starreviewmulti id=1 tpl=31 style=’darkness’ size=’12’ average_size=’20’]

Gear Overview

MagPull ProMags

I was provided five Magpul™ PMAGs magazines to test and evaluate. These magazines are designed for the AR-15 family of firearms. They are made of modern polymer/plastic and as a result they weigh in at 5 oz, bit heavier than standard mil-spec magazines. They are noticeably longer and slightly thicker than traditional magazines so you will have to loosen your ammo pouches; this creates a little bit of a problem if you are running mixed types of magazines. They are available in black, tan and olive in either 20 or 30 round configurations.

Competition

Various Manufactures – mil-spec aluminum M16 magazines, 3.9 oz, $17 to $25 online

How and where we use Magpull Magazines

  • On the range

What we think

p-mag-black-and-tan.jpgI have used these magazines on the range and in training classes extensively and have found them to be sturdy and reliable. Additionally, the base plates are much wider that the magazine body; this causes some minor difficulty when doing “L” type tactical/retention reloads. They seem to resist heat well, as I have loaded them into very hot weapons and have not had any warping, melting or sticking problems. Since the Magpul magazines are polymer they are corrosion resistant and do not tend to dent. The followers are designed well and do not bind or tilt. Additionally, the magazines can actually be loaded with thirty rounds and still be seated into the magazine well with the bolt closed. The magazines come with pretty cool dust covers that snap into place over the lips and provide protection from the elements as well as assist in maintaining the integrity of the magazine body when storing loaded magazines.

I have been very impressed with the quality of the product and have purchased several of them for my own use. They sell for about $15 most places that you find them and they are certainly worth the money.

Pros

  • follower design prevents tilting inside magazine, improving reliability;
  • feed lips do not warp or bend;
  • easily loads and stores 30 rounds without issue.

Cons

  • L type tactical reloads more difficult due to wide base plate;
  • mixing PMAGs with mil-spec magazines may cause difficulty in your ammunition pouch.

Feel free to leave your comments with your experiences with Magpul PMAGs magazines.

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Article by Ric.

Website: http://aggdefsol.com

Ric has seen 18 years of decorated military service in the United States Marine Corps including earning the Combat Action Ribbon for Action during Operation Desert Storm He has over 20 years of varied civilian law enforcement in a variety of assignments including: Uniformed Patrol where he served as a field Training Officer, Mobile Tactics Team member, Resort Area Operations, Firearms Instructor, and is currently serving as a Major Crimes Investigator.

2 comments
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  1. evan December 18th, 2010 3:09 am

    Great information Ric,very useful for every visitor.i am in the Ar15 tactical bussiness if you need any kind of Accessories we will deliver in US.Please check my website AR-15tactical.com and AR-15 Accessories
    Thanks
    Evan

  2. Matt January 15th, 2015 4:48 pm

    Ric, first I want to say thank you for your service. I’m a firm believer in the Magpul PMAGS. I used to use the Colt GI mags for years until I started using the PMAGS. They stand up to the beating I dish out and keep on working. I haven’t had any follower issues like I used with the Colt GI mags. Have you see the new Magpods for the PMAGS? Pretty sweet addition to the PMAG. Turn the mag into a monopod.