USGI Type Magazines vs Magpul PMAGs
Table of Contents
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy want to go over some of the most popular AR magazines on the market, USGI type magazines and Magpul PMAGs. These two types of magazines are employed by shooters of all types and are incredibly prolific. Our goal with this blog post is to provide a brief overview of these two magazine types and delve into their traits and features. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
What is a USGI Type Magazine?
Magazines of this type will be metallic in nature, often featuring aluminum or steel bodies. Military specifications for these magazines call for aluminum magazine bodies while FN and HK manufactured magazines of this type utilize steel. USGI type magazines in military use have been manufactured by a variety of manufacturers and contractors. Simply put, there is no one, singular manufacturer of USGI type magazines, there are many. Magazines of this type feature polymer followers, often reinforced with fiberglass, to facilitate feeding rounds upward. In conjunction with the magazine spring. Basically, if you were to look at reference photos of U.S. military personnel since the adoption of the M16 rifle, you will see magazines of this type.
What is a PMAG?
A PMAG is a polymer magazine developed by Magpul. These magazines are noteworthy for their lightweight polymer construction and impressive durability. The PMAGs intended for use in M4/M16 rifles have undergone rigorous testing and proven themselves in duty capacities. While the company produces PMAGs for a variety of firearms today, we are mainly going to be focusing on the STANAG type/AR compatible magazines. These magazines are the most common PMAGs in circulation, capable of being found on most shelves and often included with new firearms.
PMAGs, due to their polymer construction, are available in a variety of colors and configurations. Current PMAGs are available in different colors and with or without windows. Presently, PMAGs can be acquired in black and Medium Coyote Tan (MCT) colors. Windowed PMAG offerings allow a user to determine the capacity of a magazine at a glance due to the window and a colored portion of the spring. Essentially, the PMAG is Magpul’s flagship product and is easily one of the most prolific types of magazine on the market.
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Magazine Capacity
Both types of magazines can be acquired in different capacities. Common capacities are 10, 20, and 30 rounds. Magpul specifically denotes the capacities of their magazines in the naming of their specific magazines. For example, the PMAG10 refers to the 10 round version of the PMAG. Regardless of the type of magazine, the capacity of a magazine can effectively be determined by looking at the shape and size of the magazine in most cases. Larger magazines with a distinct curve will be 30 round magazines while shorter magazines will hold 20 or 10 rounds depending on their specific size.
An exception to this would be the 10/30 magazines which hold 10 rounds while looking like a 30 round magazine. These magazines are commonly used in states with restrictive gun control laws. 10/30 magazines are available in both USGI type and PMAG form. Larger capacity options exist for both types of magazines. The Surefire quad stack magazines and Magpul D-60 magazines are examples of 60 round magazine offerings. Despite the existence of higher capacity magazines, the most common capacity for either type of magazine is 30 rounds.
Availability of Magazines
USGI type magazines are available from a variety of manufacturers. Common producers of these types of magazines are D&H, C Products Defense, Duramag, and Okay Industries. As mentioned earlier, magazines of this type can be found in both new and surplus form. It should be noted, that surplus magazines may require replacement of parts and components such as springs and followers. As far as PMAGs go, one will be able to acquire the Gen 2 (MOE) and Gen 3 PMAGs in a variety of forms and colors. Magazines of both types will come with firearms and can be found on shelves and endcaps at most retailers.
Magazine Components and Accessories
USGI type magazines have a fair number of components and accessories. Magpul got their start, and name, by making a pull tab designed to be affixed to the bottom of USGI type magazines. These “Magpuls” are essentially rubberized loops which aid a shooter in producing magazines from a pouch. Magpul expanded upon their original design and developed Ranger Plates to be a more permanent solution. These Ranger Plates act as a replacement for the standard floorplates found on USGI type magazines and function in the same way as the original Magpul pull tabs. Besides products intended to aid a shooter in reloading, Magpul also produces anti-tilt followers for USGI type magazines. While some magazines may already have anti-tilt followers, some offerings lack these kinds of followers. This is especially evident with older surplus USGI magazines.
Besides the magazines themselves, Magpul also produces components and accessories for use with their PMAGs. Like USGI magazines, Magpul also produces Ranger Plates for use with their PMAGs. One can attach one of these Ranger Plates by simply swapping the floorplates of the magazines. Magazine couplers are also produced by Magpul, allowing end users to join two magazines together. Coupled magazines allow for rapid reloads and magazine swaps. Companies such as Taran Tactical also make replacement basepads which increase the capacity of PMAGs.
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Conclusion
At the end of the day, both types of magazines are viable choices. Both USGI type magazines and Magpul PMAGs have been proven in use by armed professionals. Regardless of whether you choose USGI type magazines or PMAGs, you will need to pack them with ammunition. We here at True Shot have you covered and carry a wide variety of
5.56x45mm NATO and
.223 Remington to feed your AR and magazines of choice. As always, happy shooting.
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