New to AK's. Mag recommendations?

[carrguy1]

I just ordered an O-PAP and while I know a bit about them from reading I'm basically new to AK's. Can anyone recommend what kind of mags I should pick up or are they all just about the same? I get the feeling the choices are a lot wider than an AR where you pretty much just get magpul or something with magpul followers.

[TheRealDonJohnson]

I just ordered an O-PAP and while I know a bit about them from reading I'm basically new to AK's. Can anyone recommend what kind of mags I should pick up or are they all just about the same? I get the feeling the choices are a lot wider than an AR where you pretty much just get magpul or something with magpul followers.

Sure enough I've had a great experience with magpul ak mags. They're cheap tough and reliable. You will be satisfied.

[Emptymag]

Generally speaking they all seem to work just fine. Some types fit tighter/looser in certain guns.
I found that Yugo mags are a nice, snug fit in my WASR, while some other steel mags have a little play.
Hungarian "tanker" mags (20 rounders) are also nice and tight - but almost too tight for my Yugo underfolder.

I'll see if I can compile a list of links for you.
Back during the panic I ordered AK mags from a bunch of places and I think I bookmarked them...

[Emptymag]

OK. I can't find a lot of the links I thought I had saved, but here are a few...

Apex

AIM Surplus

Copes Dist

Classic Firearms

Numrich Gun Parts

PSA

[esh21167]

OK. I can't find a lot of the links I thought I had saved, but here are a few...

Apex

AIM Surplus

Copes Dist

Classic Firearms

Numrich Gun Parts

PSA

Good places to start. I'll add one more in a few lines.

If you like the bolt hold open (BHO) feature, use Yugo BHO mags.

If not, any steel surplus 30 round mag is GTG. There are basically two styles. The 'standard' , Eastern European with the raised spine, usually around $10-$12.

These are the basic 'go-to' mags and this place has some good deals now on both types:
http://www.sgammo.com/catalog/rifle-ammunition/762x39

There are also Chinese flatbacks, more uncommon and not as easy to find, maybe around $20.

20 round Hungarians are nice, but not so common, and fetching around $30.
40 round are fetching around $25-$30. A little cumbersome for off hand. They're meant for RPK's.

Then they are bakelite mags. Lightweight and look cool, but $30 is probably the cheapest you'll find any. You may have interest in them later. AIM just sold out of Russian bakelite mags for $33.

[carrguy1]

Thanks for the tips and links, guys. I picked up two magpul mags at the oaks show for about $14 each. I assume they will not hold the bolt open? I'm guessing only the ones specifically labeled as bolt hold open like the yugos or Croatian ones at some of the links above will do it.

[sprrdhawk44]

I humbly submit that you buy a Pmag. One that fits an AR. Then, buy an AR to accessorize the Pmag.

[Emptymag]

Thanks for the tips and links, guys. I picked up two magpul mags at the oaks show for about $14 each. I assume they will not hold the bolt open? I'm guessing only the ones specifically labeled as bolt hold open like the yugos or Croatian ones at some of the links above will do it.

As far as I know, yes. The Croatian ones are relatively new on the market I think, so can't comment on them, but I'd venture to guess that any steel mag made to be implemented in battle isn't going to be a POS.

When buying used, you can actually get some really nice mags when you order the "fair", or "good" condition ones.

Here's another I have ordered from with good results when choosing the used ones...
Whatacountry.com





The ones below were an order from Numrich and I'd have to find the invoice to see the condition they were advertised as, but all showed some finish wear to varying degrees and one had a slight dent, but all are quite functional.




I got the 40 Bulgarian polymer mags at the same time. I only used one to see how they work, but had no issues and they are pretty well made.







Happiness is oodles of AK mags...

[JSPA]

Arsenal Circle 10 mags.
Best you can buy.

Circle 10 mags

/thread

[Gunsnwater]

The drums work great also. AKs seem to not be mag picky in my experience anyway.