Reliable, in-expensive AR10 mags recommendations?

[skyfire1201]

Hi all,

I recently joined the semi-auto DMR family with the purchase of a Colt LE901. The gun comes with a Magpul AR10 mag, but I've had some questionable experiences with Magpul mags in the past, so I'm looking at other options. After some research, I came to the realization that the AR10 mag scene is all over the place, since there is no mil-spec standard. And the mags reputed to be most reliable (Larue, KAC) are IMO ridiculously expensive. What's the consensus on reliable and reasonably priced (<$30) AR10 mags? Ideally it'll feed reliably under all conditions, and can be stored loaded for long periods of time without feed lip deformation.

Thanks!

 

[bobke]

ASC. Will load to 2.87-88 and is right in your price range for 10 round mags.

 

[davsco]

have had zero issues with pmags, both ar15 and ar10. for some reason i can't get their aics mags to work in my prs bolt gun or i'd def be using pmags there as well.

 

[deersniper]

I use Lancers and Pmags and haven't had issues with either

 

[Jsp556]

As posted above, Lancers and PMags. You need a D50 as well.

 

[skyfire1201]

Thanks for the advice everybody! @Jsp556, what's a D50?

 

[deersniper]

FNGs lol

 

[Jsp556]

Lol, for extended strings of fire

 

[GhostFace]

have had zero issues with pmags, both ar15 and ar10. for some reason i can't get their aics mags to work in my prs bolt gun or i'd def be using pmags there as well.

Im the opposite. I have had issues with 5.56 Pmags but not with the A.I. pmags. In fact i dont even use my A.I. mags anymore. To the OP I would suggest D&H steel mags, they are solid and well made.

 

[LeadZeke]

D&H Steel and Pmags. Lancers are good but expensive, same with KAC and Larue.

 

[Marinevet1]

Good isn't cheap, cheap isn't good.........

 

[hitman44]

I'll vote Lancer as well.

 

[VegasHKShooter]

D&H Steel and Pmags. Lancers are good but expensive, same with KAC and Larue.

Everything in this post is SPOT on.

 

[skyfire1201]

Reporting back to this thread after firing several range sessions, here's my findings:

Gun: Colt LE901, 16" 308Win
Ammo: mix of mil-surplus, 168gr and 175gr match
Mags that worked: Larue, C-products, Magpul
Mags that didn't work: DPMS

The Larue mags worked without a hitch, which is to be expected. C-Product mags are almost of the same construction as the Larue's, at a fraction of the price. Given my affinity to metal mags, I'm going to get a bunch of these when they re-surface on the market.

The DPMS mag in my gun almost always experience a FTF on 2nd to last round, and only that round, regardless of ammo. I bought the mag used from a friend, who ran it flawlessly in his Larue OBR.

- Skyfire

 

[10000yards]

For the money, the DD5 from Daniel Defense is a good gun. I've shot the piss out of them. My only reservations are the proprietary rail system and charging handle. Top tier would be Knight's Armament Co. SR-25 variants. They're not as good as they used to be, but if you want to impress your friends this is what you get.

 

[BigBC]

I've had no issues with Magpul or Lancer Systems. I ran a CQB class with both mags and they both fed fine under "higher" rates of fire and speed reloads.

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

I was told not to allow a P-mag to set loaded in a hot A/O. I learned the hard way,( that is SOP for me) took much effort to extract that mag an had major issues installing another that was loaded as well. I have went back to metal mags.

 

[Docsherm]

I was told not to allow a P-mag to set loaded in a hot A/O. I learned the hard way,( that is SOP for me) took much effort to extract that mag an had major issues installing another that was loaded as well. I have went back to metal mags.

I am curious to hesr more about this. I have LOADED PMags in my truck all of the time. I have had no issues with them.... and it is hot here in Texas. I also dod the same thing in multiple hot shit holes around the world.

What specific failures did you have? Was it in several mags or just a few? How log were they sitting?

Thanks

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

I am curious to hesr more about this. I have LOADED PMags in my truck all of the time. I have had no issues with them.... and it is hot here in Texas. I also dod the same thing in multiple hot shit holes around the world.

What specific failures did you have? Was it in several mags or just a few? How log were they sitting?

Thanks

Both mags swelled to the point I had a hard time getting the loaded one out an after that, trying to get another loaded one in. Both stick an extra mag/s live in one truck. A/O is NE Alabama they had been fine prior to rotating to the truck. Tip summer temp 85-100 in the shade so guessing inside was around 125-135 during the day as said truck sets in the sun 9-11 hrs a day. I had heard of this happening an was warned by jhuskey (here) but as I had never had issues with the 5.56 p-mags I did not heed his warning.

 

[Docsherm]

Both mags swelled to the point I had a hard time getting the loaded one out an after that, trying to get another loaded one in. Both stick an extra mag/s live in one truck. A/O is NE Alabama they had been fine prior to rotating to the truck. Tip summer temp 85-100 in the shade so guessing inside was around 125-135 during the day as said truck sets in the sun 9-11 hrs a day. I had heard of this happening an was warned by jhuskey (here) but as I had never had issues with the 5.56 p-mags I did not heed his warning.

What gen PMAGs? Were they the colored ones or Black?

 

[Gunfighter14e2]

Black, they were bought about 2-3 years ago

 

[bbyars]

ASC mags for me. Zero issues on all 4 of mine.

 

[TACC]

Just starting on this AR 10 /SR25 adventure so interested in orgers experiences with this.
My lower is a PSA GEN 3 right now.

 

[Blitzy]

Love me some M118LR 25rd windowed PMAGs. Have bought for around $17 before.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

TACC, I have the same combination, the PMAG 10 7.62x51 Gen 3 LR/SR will not lock into PSA Gen 3 ("Space Cannon") lower, and the problem was just reported to PSA. There's apparently an interference between the rear portion of the mag well, and the magazine spine contour.

I'm not going to modify or replace my PMAGs. If there is a question regarding PSA vs Magpul standards, I'm backing Magpul; they are the most common choice between the two. I'm also not going to do any mods to the Lower myself, in case that invalidates the warrantee.

I'm leaving this one up to PSA and any advice they can offer. They have a genuine right to figure this one out without any pressure from the likes of me.

So, just a heads up.

I fully expect PSA to behave honorably in this. I'm sick of all the PSA bashing I see on the 'Net. I made my choice with PSA, and I fully intend to stick with it/them.

Greg

 

[NukeMMC]

I have KAC, ASC and PMAGs I run thru my Maten lower. All do just fine. The KAC doesn't qualify as inexpensive by any means. The ASCs are similar in size and shape as the KAC and are $17 from Primary Arms. PMAGs are, well, PMAGs. Like a Glock, they're plastic, ugly and run all day long, feeding anything and everything.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Well, PSA has NOT behaved in a satisfactory manner.

I had purchased a PSA PA-10 "Space Cannon" Lower on August 30. The lower will not accept a Magpul Gen 3 magazine and lock. The magazine well extends too low in the rear to be compatible with the Magpul design. Research into the issue reveals that this is not an isolated problem.

I turned in a trouble ticket approximately a week after the purchase.

They claimed early this month to be setting up a return for the lower. Noting positive has happened. A couple of inquiries into the matter have been met with cheerful thanks for my inquiry, but no actual movement toward as return of any other resolution of my trouble report.

I'm tired of being treated like a mushroom, i.e., being fed sewage and left in the dark.

So far, Ive had several satisfactory dealings with PSA, but this one stinks. Period.

I've requested a refund on a defective lower. We'll see what happens.

Greg

 

[bfoosh006]

Well, PSA has NOT behaved in a satisfactory manner.

I had purchased a PSA PA-10 "Space Cannon" Lower on August 30. The lower will not accept a Magpul Gen 3 magazine and lock. The magazine well extends too low in the rear to be compatible with the Magpul design. Research into the issue reveals that this is not an isolated problem.

I turned in a trouble ticket approximately a week after the purchase.

They claimed early this month to be setting up a return for the lower. Noting positive has happened. A couple of inquiries into the matter have been met with cheerful thanks for my inquiry, but no actual movement toward as return of any other resolution of my trouble report.

I'm tired of being treated like a mushroom, i.e., being fed sewage and left in the dark.

So far, Ive had several satisfactory dealings with PSA, but this one stinks. Period.

I've requested a refund on a defective lower. We'll see what happens.

Greg

I suggest you try posting in the PSA Industry Forum on AR15.com.... Josiah ( one of the original 2 PSA Brothers ) frequents there... and is MORE then responsive. He is flat out worth his weight in gold... and is very helpful.


As for the OP's question... D&H Steel mags are great in all my PSA's... Magpuls as well... the Lancers, with their stiff as_ mag springs ( Great mags and design ) do not play well with my reduced cyclic speed tuning.

 

[b6graham]

cheap reliable ar10

pick two

 

[Greg Langelius *]

BFoosh006; I haven't been on AR15.com in over a decade(?). No real reason, just been busy on here. I'll give your suggestion thought.

Greg

PS I tried registering so I could post but the AR15.com refused to allow my EMail service.

bfoosh006; if you really want to help, maybe you can PM Josiah about my problem there. I can't, and I flatly refuse to be dictated to about what EMail service I use.

PPS I'm just pissed is all. I'm pretty convinced that the folks at PSA C/S are either don't care, or aren't allowed to care; but if I treated a customer the way they are treating me, I'd have been fired the second time I tried it. Bought the Lower Aug 30, reported the problem in September, and the promised return is still just an empty promise. The rifle won't perform a very basic requirement with a very common aftermarket magazine. They're all just thrilled to the gills thanking me for my inquiries; but send me a return label, as promised Oct 8?

Naahhh.

I am not a fan of PSA anymore, no matter what happens after this. I'll get this resolved, end up with a PA-10 (which is what I've been trying to get straightened out since August 30); and then no more PSA for me. Damn, it's almost November, and still no functional PA-10.

Now I understand why folks warn others away from dealing with PSA.

Great folks to deal with, eh?

PSA fornever.

 

[hlee]

cheap reliable ar10

pick two

I'm hoping the 2 elander mags I bought today put the lie to this, but we'll see.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Response received in the form of a return label and a repair request form. This serves my purposes effectively, and I thank all involved.

I was pretty close to losing my cool yesterday, and it troubles me that I can still get into that condition at my advanced age. I should be able to get past that without the drama. Gonna have to work on that (some more).

All applicable apologies to any who feel they qualify.

Greg

 

[TACC]

Greg,

You had me worried, I have not put a round through my Gen 3 lower yet and just ordered 10 pmags , I have not put rounds in any of them yet but empty, all the mags stay locked in and also disengage correctly when the mag release is pushed. We will see next weekend when firing how things work.

Keep us posted on your situation.

 

[deerhunter9790]

PMAGS have always been the go to. No issues with 556, 762 or 6.5 Creed so far. Many of my mags have extensions too

 

[Centuriator]

PMAG....'nuff said.

 

[shax2lex]

I run PMAGs in my Seekins. I know I don’t have a PSA but they work in my rifle. I also never had a problem with cartridge OAL because I don’t hand load for it. I shoot the 130 Norma Ammo and the Hornady American gunner 140gr. No problem feeding.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Let me put it in a nutshell.

I bought The "Space Cannon" variant because (and only because) it was the El Cheapo-est PA-10 Gen3 lower I could obtain (on a Labor Day sale, very good discount). I'm guessing I made a mistake, but I do not believe the basic PA-10 Gen3 Lower shares the same issues as my Space Cannon.

IMHO, you should be fine.

For some reason my Space Cannon and the Magpul magazines mentioned in my earlier posts don't like each other, and I'm kinda looking at what may still turn into a finger pointing session.

Meanwhile I got some help I'm not talking about, and the Lower is packaged for UPS pickup with a return label from PSA.

In any event, I still like PSA, regardless of any heated comments I made earlier. Whatever way this goes, I'm going to end up with a PA-10 Lower that handles the described Magpul mags, even if I have to break out the Dremel myself.

I'd rather drink battery acid than turn a Dremel on a gun, but that's my bottom line.

Greg

 

[Raffica762]

Asc and Cproducts mags work well for me ..both have the room for longer COAL unlike the lancer and pmag...I have a Elander 308 mag..looks just like my KAC mags..and I got this one for 16 bucks

 

[NoBodyImportant]

Acs are pretty good for the money

 

[Yondering]

Pmag all the way for my 308 PSA (gen 1), and most of the time for 5.56. I've never had a single issue with 308 Pmags in mine; they've been perfect.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Just received EMail saying the Lower is fixed and will ship shortly. QC reports removing sharp edges from its mag well that prevented the Mag from seating. Will be subjected to testing, and then on its way back to me.

I have a new trio of PSA PA-15 M4 Classic Lowers that ave been allocated to a pair of 6.5 AR Stoner Grendel Uppers and an AR Stoner M4gery Upper. One Grendel is a 20" factory built, and the other is a 24" home build. Initial testing with the unmodified Lowers indicate these will be great shooters.

Over the past two days, have upgraded all three with PSA Nickel Boron Two Stage Triggers, AR Stoner Bolt Release Extensions, and Limbsaver recoil pads.

The trigger replacement is transformative. Great triggers for $70 each. A fourth trigger and the other upgrades await arrival of the repaired Lower.

After 10 months of being housebound, this has got me all stoked.

Greg

 

[saywhen11]

Good isn't cheap, cheap isn't good.........

Couldn't agree more

 

[Darqusoull13]

Magpul PMags. I love mine, they work with every round I've tried. I've heard great things about other brands but I always find myself buying Magpul stuff because it always works without any hassle. I open the box and it goes straight to doing the thing it was designed to do.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Lower received, appearance is excellent, function is excellent; this saga is complete.

I have since installed the PSA Nickel-Boron trigger, AR Stoner Bolt Release Extension, and recoil pad.

Happy.

Greg

 

[Lawless]

Try C Products steel or some other steel mag and see how they lock in.

 

[Raffica762]

I had nothing but great luck with C products and ASC mags...I like the longer coal I run alot of the 208gr Amax for hunting..the steel mags work well with them..

 

[tspinaker]

I have had zero issues with pmags. On my 5.56, I prefer my steel HK mags. I'd like to get a couple of steel mags for my large frame too.

 

[Raffica762]

I'm a fan of the steel HK 556 mags myself..also check out the PRI 556 magazines they are built like a tank and can allow longer COAL like the HK mags...Steel 308 mags is all I run..just my preference..I like to run longer coal in 556 and 308 or 6.5

 

[Claluja]

Just starting on this AR 10 /SR25 adventure so interested in orgers experiences with this.
My lower is a PSA GEN 3 right now.

Stay away from ASC for kac SR25s. Usually won't run.

 

[Lawless]

no worries