New Alpha Mags

Charlie Papa

Charlie Papa

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 4, 2005
568
26
Rural TN
#1
I placed a call to Alpha Industries Manufacturing Thursday about a couple of additional type-2 magazines I ordered, and spoke with Chris, the owner. He was really excited and talked with me at length about some improvements he had made, so I wanted to pass the info along to all of you.

Chris had said that a few people, myself included, had run into difficulties getting a fully-loaded mag into some of the tighter-fitting bottom metals. He explained that he always intended for the mags to swell slightly when loaded to make them fit snugly in any AI-type bottom metal, as every manufacturer has different tolerances. This sometimes led to the mag fitting a bit too snug. I polished up the points where the mags and bottom metal were wearing and just shoved them in, no big deal.

Chris went on to tell me that he switched to a different type of stainless with a higher nickel content so he could heat-treat them. He said he gave them a very thorough heat treating and that expansion had been reduced to a minimum. Outwardly, I can't tell any difference in the new and older ones, but when fully loaded, they are noticeably less swelled, and measure .040" thinner at their midsection. They insert easily and feed flawlessly.

If you've been on the fence about Alpha magazines, I have no regrets and will certainly continue to buy them for future calibers. I'm certainly no authority, but I really do appreciate being able to not only order directly, but speak to the owner directly. They are American-made, stainless, fit and finish are excellent, 20% shorter than AICS mags (for .308), less expensive, 100% guaranteed, and I've already mentioned the excellent customer service.

Chris also said he's got some other magazines in the works, including 338 Lapua. Sorry, Chris, if I wasn't supposed to leak that, and thank you very much! Keep up the good work!

Alpha Industries Manufacturing online store
 
#2
Re: New Alpha Mags

Sounds good. Hopefully the bolt riding over the brass/failure to feed properly issue is now rectified. I'd rather go with a alpha mag because of its size and price but not unless the issue is fixed.

Flyingbullseye
 
#4
Re: New Alpha Mags

did that 2 months ago ranger, im in the same boat as you. unfortunately the la ai mag well does not give you much to work with. it would be cool if he came up with his own bottom metal/magazine combination to overcome this barrier
 
#5
Re: New Alpha Mags

I have a Alpha mag that works flawlessly in my Rem700 .308
I can fit 10 rounds in the mag which is rather tight and the lips do spread a little, but I can honestly say
That I have never had any feeding issues what so ever. I’m using a Lumley Arms DBM which is manufactured here in Austraila with the Alpha mag and they go together like peas in a pod.

I love the Alpha magazines, you Yanks sure build some good shit!
 
#10
Re: New Alpha Mags

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: holdoff</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spoke with Chris on friday. All backorders for the type 2 .308 mags have been filled. Got mine on Saturday. </div></div>

Which carrier do they ship with? If it is USPS I'll have to check my mailbox.
 
#13
Re: New Alpha Mags

Finally got them, but something is, not so, right.

These mags are swelling big time when loaded. I'm having some trouble with them. When I load 1 of them, the top round is about to jump out of the mag.

And they don't want to enter the rifle at all.

I'm going to continue to mess with them a bit but this seems abnormal.

Edit: Alright, when they are loaded to 9 rounds they fit reasonably well. But with 10 rounds they will not fit in the rifle and the 10th round is moments from jumping out through the feed lips.
 
#14
Re: New Alpha Mags

you just gotta tweak em. i insert a reg ai mag and look at the tips approach angle/position to the ramp as it moves forward to contact and also the rear height position to the bolt face. make the alpha match. cycle test fully loaded mag fast as i can cycle bolt then a slow run , super slow confirm, no jams and they go in the carrier. ready to roll! mine are a lil snug when inserting fully loaded mag but i aint gonna be limp wristin them in there when i do a mag change on the fly.
 
#15
Re: New Alpha Mags

When I say they don't fit, I mean they don't fit. The only way to get enough force to insert a fully loaded mag is to turn the rifle over and push the mag in.

I can tell the issue is the bulging of the mag because the sides of the mag well are showing wear.

I'm also having some issue with the bolt passing over the rounds.
 
#16
Re: New Alpha Mags

I'm having the same issue as RotAR15.
9 rounds fit fine, but the 10th wants to fly out and won't load/feed properly. Not only that, but it will not load the last round; failure to feed, bolt slides over the top.

The owner is really nice, but I got charged for that mag when I placed my order over a month ago. I called over two weeks ago and he told me it would ship the next day...didn't ship for another 2 weeks.

Hell of nice guy on the phone, though.

For the hassle I might be better off spending 10 more dollars for a 10 round ai mag. Too bad.
 
#17
Re: New Alpha Mags

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NAK5891</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm having the same issue as RotAR15.
9 rounds fit fine, but the 10th wants to fly out and won't load/feed properly. Not only that, but it will not load the last round; failure to feed, bolt slides over the top.

The owner is really nice, but I got charged for that mag when I placed my order over a month ago. I called over two weeks ago and he told me it would ship the next day...didn't ship for another 2 weeks.

Hell of nice guy on the phone, though.

For the hassle I might be better off spending 10 more dollars for a 10 round ai mag. Too bad. </div></div>

I had the exact same experience. Called 3 times, no answer and left unreturned voice messages. Wrote two emails. When I finally reached Chris he said he was sorry and that he would mail me two mags to make it up to me. The package arrived later in the week, but only 1 mag was included. I guess I could have notified him of this, but I'm done with it.

BTW RotARy15, my wife has had that exact same problem with the type II alpha mag in her Manners mini-chassis. 9 rounds load fine, but the 10th is a real bitch to get in the rifle; so much so that she often just loads 5 rounds.
 
#18
Re: New Alpha Mags

I need the space of the type 2 over the AI mags so I'll see what can be done.

Just seems as if the mag should be a little bit longer so that the tension of 10 rounds isn't so much as to bulge the sides.

If you think about it though, aren't single stack mags naturally less troublesome? I would have no problem with the type 2 being as long as the AI mags if they were single stack just as long as I have the space for more OAL.
 
#19
Re: New Alpha Mags

I just re-read the original post. Is it possible that I got the older mags that swell?

I anticipated these mags being tight in my XLR but I was told it was the catch that needed to be shaved down. Didn't expect it to be the sides bulging. Is there anyway to tell the difference between old and new type 2's?
 
#20
Re: New Alpha Mags

We'll see. Will try out the new alpha mag this weekend. I don't know how you can tell the difference, but I'll reserve judgement until after she tries out the new one.
 
#23
Re: New Alpha Mags

A few comments on Alpha Mags.

1. Believe the concept is great. Combining double stack storage, with single stack feed, to provide maximum reliability and using minimum magazine depth. Excellent idea...way to go Alpha Mag!
2. Believe execution by Alpha Mag is poor. Their marketing, sales, and customer service model seems to have a few flaws, to say the least. Customers would likely be happier if the company (which appears to running with a slim staff, perhaps only Chris the owner) would concentrate on product delivery and communicating availability and upgrades with the entire customer base on a mass scale. Having the owner chat on the phone with customers is great, but not so much when many other customers cannot get delivery on product and cannot get any status unless they get lucky enough to catch the owner on the phone at just the right time.
3. Believe the posting of "In Stock" on the Alpha Mag website for a product seems to have no meaning. I have seen that posting come and go, and come and go again, all the while waiting for over 30 days for delivery of magazines that showed "In Stock" when I placed my order via the webstore.
4. Despite the posting on the company's website that states they "WILL NOT BILL YOUR CREDIT CARD UNTIL PRODUCT IS SHIPPED", like any reputable company policy should be, when I placed an order they billed my credit card immediately and then took over 30-days to deliver (all the while providing no status on my order for over 30-days despite repeated emails and phonecalls requesting status).
5. If "tweaking" of Alpha Mags is required to ensure they fit and function properly, I have no problem with that. It seems proper fit and function is hit or miss, but be prepared that the mags you get may not function properly in your rifle and may very well need some "tweaking". I can understand they want a snug fit for their mags, and different mag wells...and actions...can have slightly different specs and tolerances. However, perhaps creating some info/procedures on how to check and properly "tweak" Alpha Mags would be helpful? They could easily create and provide this info on their website and/or ship this info with the mags to ensure customers clearly understand these limitations. Some common/uniform "tweaking" procedures would be welcome to ensure any problems can be easily identified and fixed as needed to ensure they work properly for all users and keep customers satisfied.
6. It's great if Alpha Mag is putting effort into upgrading their product line with better materials, and/or better design, but how about keeping customers up to date? How about marking your products with some codes (something like "REV:1" stamped into the metal, or even some silly code only known to Alpha Mag like a Smiley face, would be good) so folks will know what version of product they have in their hands? How do I know if the mags I just received this week are the current upgraded design, or some older version?

I really try to be patient with people in general, and company's in particular, probably more than I should sometimes. However, I tend to be passionate about the shooting sports and hate to see a company take advantage of others and abuse fellow shooters. Perhaps someone will buy out Alpha Mag, or another company will market a similar product in a professional manner that will meet the needs of the shooting community.
 
#24
Re: New Alpha Mags

Has anyone been able to get an answer there lately? I received a type 2 that won't load in any of the three rifles that I've tried it in. I've called three times and got no answer, left a message and sent an email a couple days ago and haven't heard back.
 
#25
Re: New Alpha Mags

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nauta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has anyone been able to get an answer there lately? I received a type 2 that won't load in any of the three rifles that I've tried it in. I've called three times and got no answer, left a message and sent an email a couple days ago and haven't heard back.</div></div>

Good luck ...
 
#26
Re: New Alpha Mags

Well I bit the bullet and ordered a couple to try and if they don't work I will return them. I called Chris the other morning to check on my order and got a hold of him no problem, even at 6:30 in the morning, he said he would check and call me back in 5 minutes and he did, although he didn't tell me exactly when they would ship but said the order was filled and it would ship by the end of the week.

Kind of odd that my order was filled on Monday but wouldn't ship till the end of the week
 
#28
Re: New Alpha Mags

I have 8 alpha wsm mags that I run in a surgeon action that I've been using for some time. My gunsmith notched the feed ramps because I run the COAL long, which is the point with Alpha mags. They have been flawless. Something to consider, you can't just blaim the magazine.
 
#29
Re: New Alpha Mags

Some may be having trouble because of unmodified feed ramps but I tried the mag in a modified R700 and a Surgeon 591 that both run long bullets all the time with other mags. It doesn't even load the first round with the the mag only half full.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have 8 alpha wsm mags that I run in a surgeon action that I've been using for some time. My gunsmith notched the feed ramps because I run the COAL long, which is the point with Alpha mags. They have been flawless. Something to consider, you can't just blaim the magazine. </div></div>
 
#30
Re: New Alpha Mags

Ouch!! and vkc, my wife runs a modified type II alpha mag out of her R700 in a Manners chassis. It works fine as long as only 9 rounds are loaded in the magazine. If you load 10, it will feed, but it is extremely challenging to actually load into the chassis' magazine well. Such problems simply do not exist with AICS or accurate mags; however, it is not easy to get those mags into a configuration to allow for loading with a longer OAL.

The point I gather from all of this thread is that there is a real risk that a mag you order from Alpha will not function properly, and that it is challenging to get customer support to replace or return defective products. For some, the benefit of having a mag that can load a longer OAL outweighs the risk involved. I am relieved that my AICS can accommodate my desired cartridge length, because the product issues associated with these mags are too much of a headache for something that I consider to be my relaxing hobby.
 
#32
Re: New Alpha Mags

I just took my GAP 260 Hospitaler out with my 2 new 10 round Alpha type 2 mags. I have Badger bottom metal and when I load 5 rounds in them they work ok, but have some feeding issues. When I load 10 rounds in them I have to turn the rifle over and push the mags in. Once seated they don't feed the first two rounds at all and then feed ok. I put the alpha mags in my friends rifle with PTG bottom metal and they work fine....I put his AI mags in my rifle and they works perfect...

I called Alpha and left a message and will see when I get a call back what they are willing to do?
 
#33
Re: New Alpha Mags

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lochem158</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I call Alpha and left a message and will see when I get a call back what they are willing to do?</div></div>

You'll wait a long time if you're expecting a call back.
 
#35
Re: New Alpha Mags

I left a message and sent an email Monday morning and still haven't received a reply. I called a couple other times throughout the week and got no answer. If you used a credit card, I recommend doing what I'm doing - opening a dispute through the card issuer. They will try to contact the company and get them to issue a refund and if they have no luck they will likely reverse the charge.
 
#36
Re: New Alpha Mags

Im starting to regret giving Chris a chance and buying some of his mags. I placed my order the sunday before last and was told that monday that it was filled. Then I was told my order shipped out last week USPS priority flat rate but was not given a tracking number. I still haven't received my order and I have tried emailing and calling to get a tracking number with no response and now I cannot even leave a message due to his voicemail box being full.
 
#37
Re: New Alpha Mags

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 707electrician</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im starting to regret giving Chris a chance and buying some of his mags. I placed my order the sunday before last and was told that monday that it was filled. Then I was told my order shipped out last week USPS priority flat rate but was not given a tracking number. I still haven't received my order and I have tried emailing and calling to get a tracking number with no response and now I cannot even leave a message due to his voicemail box being full.</div></div>

I recommend you do what nauta has done above: dispute charge with your credit card company.
 
#38
Re: New Alpha Mags

When I first got my alpha mags they had some of the problems that are mentioned in the thread. I only loaded 5 rounds for a while and slowly started to put a one or two more rounds in as time went by. Now that I've had them for a while, I can put 10 rounds in all of them and load them just as quick as if 5 rounds were loaded. Maybe I'm lucky, but mine work as advertised after a "break in" period. I've ordered all mine through Triad Tactical and received them within a week.
 
#39
Re: New Alpha Mags

Alpha(Chris) called me over a month ago and told me that they were suspending dealer sales for the time being. There was no estimate of when they would resume sales to us. So for the time, until further notice from Chris, I guess Triad will be removing the Alpha line from the site.
 
#40
Re: New Alpha Mags

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Triad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alpha(Chris) called me over a month ago and told me that they were suspending dealer sales for the time being. There was no estimate of when they would resume sales to us. So for the time, until further notice from Chris, I guess Triad will be removing the Alpha line from the site.</div></div>

You know Steve, a month ago is right about the time of Charlie Papa's (the OP's) original post. If you go back and read this original post and then read yours you can't help but feel like the gack monster took a dump in your mouth, especially if you were some poor sot that happened to place an order anywhere in this time frame. I'm not faulting you, Steve, or your company in any way; 100% of the blame lies squarely with Alpha. To put it mildly, Alpha's levels of service or quality over the past couple months are such that I have a difficult time imagining why I would ever again purchase or endorse another product from them.
 
#42
Re: New Alpha Mags

Damn. I have 10 round type one and two's for my 308 in a Manners with Badger Mini Chassis. 100% reliable so far. More compact than the single stack AI's and cheaper. Hate to see this
 
#43
Re: New Alpha Mags

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Triad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alpha(Chris) called me over a month ago and told me that they were suspending dealer sales for the time being. </div></div> I hope that things are just on hold until they straighten out some of the problems. The mags I have work great and I hope they get to the bottom of the problems they started seeing. Good luck to them. I do hate that some people paid for mags that do not function well. Maybe they can make it right if or when they figure this out. Hope to see Alphas for sale again.
 
#44
Re: New Alpha Mags

After reading this thread I got worried, since I placed a order on 6/19/12 so I called and emailed for a update or tracking number but no reply, got my mail today 7/7/12 and my mag was in the box.
 
#45
Re: New Alpha Mags

I'd like to just share that I had a very positive expirience with my purchases. The first was slow to ship because it was out of stock, I called to check on availability on the second order and he said that he had some ready to go. The second order shipped timley as I would expect for an item that is in stock.

I have had zero issues with the magazines (Type 2). I load them long and stuff 10 rounds in there. No complaints, no bolt riding over the round (unless I short throw the bolt, which I have done).

*edit* I'm running it in a McRee chassis (another quality product), Surgeon 591R action with barrels chambered in 260REM and 308WIN (I use it as a switch barrel rifle).

All in all very happy and I'll be buying more as funds allow.
 
#46
Re: New Alpha Mags

The larger issue here is product and service variability. I'm sure that several shooters that own these mags experience no problems with them. In full disclosure, my wife uses a type II alpha in her 5R (but can only fit it in the manners mini-chassis if 9 rounds or less are loaded in the mag). I would rather her keep using this mag than to work up an entirely different load that is compatible in a mag that has a shorter OAL.

If your barreled action is such that you need a long OAL capacity mag to get your ogive right up to the lands, then the type II mags are the most convenient option. However, if you don't need the extra OAL, the variability I have witnessed is enough for me to recommend AICS or accurate mags instead.

For new shooters that are wondering what type of magazines to purchase, this is information they should consider to make a truly informed decision. This hobby costs too much money to have headaches from magazine feeding issues.
 
#47
Re: New Alpha Mags

I think you nailed it with "product and service variability". For some its a great product, because it works for them. If you are one of those that it does not, and you cant make contact for a timely resolution, it sucks.

I hope Chris gets things on track to where he is putting out product and is able to support large orders from his dealers.

And LT, no "gack", it just didn't work out right now.
 
#48
Re: New Alpha Mags

I purchased 5 or so type I's from Steve @ Triad last winter. A couple of them feed fine, and two usually jam/misfeed. I'm running them in a AIAX chassis, and another rifle with Surgeon Bottom Metal. They are EXTREMELY snug in the surgeon BM. I have not attempted to contact the manufacturer about the feed problems in the two mags, nor have I attempted to modify the problem mags. I bought them because of the size(length) and price. I've had no feeding problems in either action with a couple of AI mags. I hope Alpha Mags gets the bugs worked out, and customer service improved.
 
#49
Re: New Alpha Mags

Chris' customer service is terrible and it would seem that he isn't being truthful about when orders are actually shipping. USPS priority from southern california to northern california is normally two days but I haven't seen my order in over a week since it supposedly shipped. On top of that he will not return my calls and emails asking for a tracking number so I can find out if my order actually shipped and where it is.

Because of this terrible customer service, IF I ever get my mags I am probably just going to send them right back, whether they work fine or not and I will order a couple of the accurate mag .300WSM mags so I can load my long OAL rounds.
 
#50
Re: New Alpha Mags

I actually got a hold of Chris today, he said my mags shipped on Thursday the 28th. They definitely should have been here by now so I asked him for a tracking number and he kind of beat around the bush and said if they aren't here tomorrow to call him (right, because that is easy to do) and he will overnight me a couple more mags.

So we will see what happens
 
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