Which AI or AW magazine to get?

[Sendit6.5]

I need to get a few magazines for my new build. This is my first magazine-fed custom and my first experience with AI or AW style magazines. The rifle is a 6.5CM built on a Defiance Deviant Tactical action with the American Precision Arms' RTG/SA bottom metal. So, I can go with AI or AW magazines. I know that I'm going to get one of Curtis Customs 3 round flush magazines for hunting. But I'm looking for other options that will allow me as long a OAL as possible. The reamer being used is optimized for shooting 140gr Berger HVLDs and I've always found seating them up near the lands to work best for me. That led me to the Alpha 2 magazines which they say allows for a max OAL of 2.965. the only thing is, I'd really prefer a 5 round magazine. I do a LOT of hunting (running a large hunting ranch) and I usually would prefer a lower profile magazine - I'm rarely going to need more than a few rounds.

Any other magazines I should be looking at? I'm even open to polymer magazines. Ideally, I'd like to find some 3 and 5 round magazines that'd allow me that longer OAL. I wonder if it'd be possible to cut those Alpha 2's down and convert them to 5 rounders?

I keep reading that the AW magazines have feeding issues with 700 clone actions. Is this right? If so, I'll just stick with the AI mags.

 

[Hondo64d]

I really like the magpul mags, but it will be a little short on the OAL you specify.

John

 

[CShooter92]

AW mags are a double stack design where as AICS mags are single stack and feed from the middle. If your Defiance action is cut to accept AW mags, it shouldn't have an issue with them. However, if it is not, you will likely be limited to single stack mags of some variant. The bottom metal doesn't dictate which mags will feed properly in your action.

 

[Niles Coyote]

As stated, if your action is cut to accept AW mags, AW's will work... Feeding issues arise when the bottom metal isn't at the right height and the bolt overrides the cartridge. Once the bottom metal is installed correctly it feeds great. I have been using both 5 round AICS and 10 round AW mags in the field hunting out of a eberlestock back and shoulder carry for the past 9 years and never had an accidental mag drop, nor have I had it hang up on brush or sage... so I think you will be fine with a slightly longer mag should you choose to use one.

 

[FourT6and2]

Defiance Deviant is cut for AW mags. So they won't be a problem. That said, you say you would prefer 5-round mags. So what's the problem here? AW = 10 round. So it should be an easy decision to go with the AICS.

 

[Johnson184]

Don't the 10 round AW mags have the same height sticking out as the 5 round AICS mags?
And isn't there a third even more compact option in the AX mags? Or are those just for the newest AI AXMC rifles?

 

[Sendit6.5]

Thanks for all the input fellas!

Defiance Deviant is cut for AW mags. So they won't be a problem. That said, you say you would prefer 5-round mags. So what's the problem here? AW = 10 round. So it should be an easy decision to go with the AICS.

I didn't realize that AW magazines were limited to 10 rounders. I just figured that they made a 5 round version. Thanks for the info!

So far, I guess I'll get a Curtis and one of the Alpha 2. I'll take a look at the Alpha and see if I can cut it and tig weld it back together to make it a smaller capacity. If not, I'll just run with it.


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[FourT6and2]

Thanks for all the input fellas!



I didn't realize that AW magazines were limited to 10 rounders. I just figured that they made a 5 round version. Thanks for the info!

So far, I guess I'll get a Curtis and one of the Alpha 2. I'll take a look at the Alpha and see if I can cut it and tig weld it back together to make it a smaller capacity. If not, I'll just run with it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would advise against Alpha mags. Just my own opinion, but they suck. But hey, do what you wanna do. The best option is just go with a 5-round AICS. They are tried and true.

 

[FourT6and2]

Don't the 10 round AW mags have the same height sticking out as the 5 round AICS mags?

No