PRS Talk Detachable mag choice

[Legendary1]

New to the forum and about to be brand new to PRS shooting. A little out on a limb without a ton of help, but hoping to get out and have some fun. Figured I’d start here with a quick question that I haven’t been able to answer myself yet.
I have a masterpiece arms competition chassis with a defiance “DEVIANT” action in 6x47 Lapua. I’d like to buy some AI double stack magazines for it but having trouble figuring out which one works with this set up. Defiance says AW and masterpiece says AICS. Anyone out there know?

 

[Hoyt7mm]

Defiance offers their actions in both an "AW" and "AICS" cut. You'll need to talk with your smith/Defiance to figure out which one your action has.

If it's an AW cut, you can run either AW or AICS mags, however from my experience AICS mags can bind in an AW cut action.

If it's cut for AICS mags, the AW mags are out. You'll need to run an AICS pattern mag (AI, MDT, ARC, Accurate, etc).

My personal preference is an AICS cut, since those mags seem to be more reliable (YMMV). Plus there is more variety and the ability to add mag extensions for those 10+ round stages.

 

[Legendary1]

Defiance offers their actions in both an "AW" and "AICS" cut. You'll need to talk with your smith/Defiance to figure out which one your action has.

If it's an AW cut, you can run either AW or AICS mags, however from my experience AICS mags can bind in an AW cut action.

If it's cut for AICS mags, the AW mags are out. You'll need to run an AICS pattern mag (AI, MDT, ARC, Accurate, etc).

My personal preference is an AICS cut, since those mags seem to be more reliable (YMMV). Plus there is more variety and the ability to add mag extensions for those 10+ round stages.

Thanks for the feedback. Defiance says it’s their guardian cut which will take either. I’d like to shoot a double stack AI mag, but their offering in AICS says for ax chassis only. I’m not sure that will work in the mp-ba chassis I have.
Is there a magazine you prefer? If so, can I ask why?

 

[Hoyt7mm]

Thanks for the feedback. Defiance says it’s their guardian cut which will take either. I’d like to shoot a double stack AI mag, but their offering in AICS says for ax chassis only. I’m not sure that will work in the mp-ba chassis I have.
Is there a magazine you prefer? If so, can I ask why?

I would check with MPA about running AW mags. First, let me disclaim that I have never run AW mags. But during my time shooting and ROing I have seem multiple people run into issues with AW mags and getting binding when shooting off barricades/loading their rifle or mag into a support bag. I haven't seen any of these issues with guys who run AIs mind you. Just my 2 cents. I like the MDTs...they have been robust and you can order a 12 rd mag from the factory.

 

[Legendary1]

I would check with MPA about running AW mags. First, let me disclaim that I have never run AW mags. But during my time shooting and ROing I have seem multiple people run into issues with AW mags and getting binding when shooting off barricades/loading their rifle or mag into a support bag. I haven't seen any of these issues with guys who run AIs mind you. Just my 2 cents. I like the MDTs...they have been robust and you can order a 12 rd mag from the factory.

Ok. Again...thanks for taking the time to respond with your insights. I’ve been looking at the MDT double stack into single. AICS not AW

 

[accurate obsession]

I have two rifles built with Defiance actions and yes they are cut to feed with stagger stack (AW) mags. I like the compact size of the aw's, used them and aics mags together. It wasn't until I began shooting PRS, rapid bolt operation under the timer, that the aw's screwed me. As it was then explained to me the aw mags are really for three lug actions that will grab a round that is offset left or right. They will work in standard actions, mostly, some perfectly, depends on tolerance stack-up on the mag catches/bottom metal. But generally they will fail by overriding the next round under stress, at the absolute worst possible time.

 

[1moaoff]

Legendary,

Yes you can run double stacks with that set up ( most likely). One of my set ups is the same and i can run them no problem. On the other hand if you continue in this game you will likely find that the single stacks are the easy button. I have magazines from more manufacturers than I remember and I can tell you that magazines can easily be the weak link in an otherwise solid sytem. Try a magazine from a buddy before you buy a stack of them. Dont ask me why.

Now, if you try a specific magazine first you will be ahead of the game.

I have been very lucky with my MPA chassis, x6 I have 1 that is a little touchier about magazines but others have needed to play a little to set them up correctly.

Feed lips, springs, followers, magazine catches, tension screws, and more can affect magazine function and reliabity.

I only say this to be open and transparent about the components you are talking about using.
I use them and love them but that's me.

If you want easy and reliable get single stack and start there.

 

[Legendary1]

Legendary,

Yes you can run double stacks with that set up ( most likely). One of my set ups is the same and i can run them no problem. On the other hand if you continue in this game you will likely find that the single stacks are the easy button. I have magazines from more manufacturers than I remember and I can tell you that magazines can easily be the weak link in an otherwise solid sytem. Try a magazine from a buddy before you buy a stack of them. Dont ask me why.

Now, if you try a specific magazine first you will be ahead of the game.

I have been very lucky with my MPA chassis, x6 I have 1 that is a little touchier about magazines but others have needed to play a little to set them up correctly.

Feed lips, springs, followers, magazine catches, tension screws, and more can affect magazine function and reliabity.

I only say this to be open and transparent about the components you are talking about using.
I use them and love them but that's me.

If you want easy and reliable get single stack and start there.

Thanks for the info! I believe I have a lot to learn. It’s nice that guys are willing to share some of their experiences and the lessons learned so that I don’t have to repeat mistakes. Very much appreciated!

 

[Legendary1]

I have two rifles built with Defiance actions and yes they are cut to feed with stagger stack (AW) mags. I like the compact size of the aw's, used them and aics mags together. It wasn't until I began shooting PRS, rapid bolt operation under the timer, that the aw's screwed me. As it was then explained to me the aw mags are really for three lug actions that will grab a round that is offset left or right. They will work in standard actions, mostly, some perfectly, depends on tolerance stack-up on the mag catches/bottom metal. But generally they will fail by overriding the next round under stress, at the absolute worst possible time.

I appreciated your sharing of knowledge! Can’t wait to get into the competitions...might be a steep learning curve from the sounds of it.
I’m literally swimming in all kinds of decisions...from bags, to bipods,tripods, and on and on. Much to learn and figure out.