AW Mag Benefits?
- Thread starter Ubaderb
- Start date
AW mags are shorter enough that it can make a big difference in being able to rest the rifle on a support bag without locking up the bolt due to the rifle's weight resting on the magazine. Topping off through the ejection port also means being able to clear a double feed without removing the magazine. With HRD Gear spacer kit they run 6 BR reliably. Welded bottom, easy to dissemble without tools, readily available, priced at ~ 75 - what more do you want?
As much as I favor the AW mag, they have their own peculiarities. They usually require fine tuning of the feed lips (remember each one works independent of the other, cartridges are nested between one feed lip and the next round). They also often require trimming the magazine catch so they present at the proper height. KRG sells an untrimmed mag catch for this very purpose. Because the mag floor piece is welded in place, there is no extended magazine kit.
put the follower spring on the bottom side of the floor plate as centered as you can. trace it with a pencil, then give yourself about 1/16 of an inch all round it, dremel it out, put follower spring back in the mag making sure the spring goes through it. Add the universal Area 419 extension on the floor plate lip and Bob's your uncle. You now have a 12 round AW mag.
Oh, spring tension is definitely lower. There is barely any tension at all, but the damn thing has fed 100% on the range and in competion, so i reckon i can't complain.
That seems like enough of a reason to switch. I’m not heavily invested into AICS mags at the moment anyways. Also means my girlfriend and I won’t have to share mags anymore.
I don't know what it is about the AWs over AICS, but my AW very often has the follower tilt and flip forward, jamming the rounds to face towards the floorplate. It happens every other mag or so and takes a little while to clear. If I had gloves on, it'd take forever. I'd never consider it for defense or competition.
I love the AI AW mag , but I use it in a AI AW rifle , that it was designed for ! , if you are NOT using it in a AI rifle , it has not been designed for that , then the AI AICS mag would be better fit , in my opinion .
Even in so called actions that have the bottom cut out to take the AW mag etc , I have heard feeding is not that good .
Later Chris
Even in so called actions that have the bottom cut out to take the AW mag etc , I have heard feeding is not that good .
Later Chris
6.5x47 works great in my AICS mags. I’ve had good luck with ARC mags with an aftermarket follower.
Another advantage is that you can unload AW mags in a hurry.
Just drop a fully loaded AW mag on the ground and it will unload itself, whether you intended for it to or not.
Just drop a fully loaded AW mag on the ground and it will unload itself, whether you intended for it to or not.
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