Omar Khalid
AK-47 magazines have traditionally been made of steel, but the transition to plastic magazines has offered a significant weight reduction, allowing soldiers to carry more ammunition for the same weight. The most common types of plastic used in AK magazines are nylon, Bakelite, and glass-reinforced polyamide. Nylon is a popular choice due to its durability and resistance to brittleness. Bakelite, a thermoset phenol-formaldehyde resin, was commonly used in the 1950s for its lightweight and strong properties, but it degrades and becomes brittle over time. Glass-reinforced polyamide is another material used in AK-103 magazines, known for its durability and lightweight construction. While the specific types of plastic vary, the transition to plastic AK magazines has provided functional and practical benefits for soldiers and enthusiasts alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Magazine material | Bakelite, Nylon, Polymer, Steel, Aluminium, Plastic, Polyamide, Phenol-formaldehyde resin, Wood, Birch plywood laminates |
| Magazine capacity | 10, 20, 30, 40, 75 rounds |
| Magazine weight | 0.42-0.43 kg (empty) |
| Magazine price | $10-$20 |
| Magazine durability | Prone to rusting, chipping, breaking, brittle |
| Magazine origin | Bulgarian, Romanian, Yugoslavian, East German, American |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic magazines are lighter, allowing soldiers to carry more ammunition
- Steel magazines are more durable but prone to rusting
- Polymer magazines are more expensive but less prone to rusting
- Bakelite magazines are light and strong but degrade and become brittle quickly
- Clear plastic magazines are more brittle than coloured plastic magazines
Plastic magazines are lighter, allowing soldiers to carry more ammunition
Plastic magazines are significantly lighter than their metal counterparts, allowing soldiers to carry more ammunition. The AK-47 and its variants, for example, are known to use magazines made from polymer, nylon, or even the older Bakelite. These plastic magazines are highly sought after due to their lightweight and durable nature.
The weight of ammunition is an important consideration in combat situations. Soldiers need to be able to move quickly and efficiently while still having enough ammunition for their mission. Plastic magazines help to reduce the overall weight a soldier carries, increasing their mobility and reducing fatigue.
The standard combat load for a US Army M4 rifle is seven 30-round magazines, or 210 rounds. In comparison, the M14 rifle, which fired a larger round, required soldiers to carry heavier magazines, resulting in a lower ammunition capacity. The adoption of lighter magazines and ammunition allowed soldiers to increase their ammunition capacity without sacrificing mobility.
Plastic magazines, such as those made by Magpul, offer high-quality products at low prices. Their AK MOE magazines are widely used and feature aggressive texturing on the back, front, and sides, providing an excellent grip even when wearing gloves. Magpul's PMAGs are available in various capacities, with 30-round magazines being the most common. These magazines are highly durable and can withstand being dropped, kicked, or thrown without failing.
While plastic magazines offer weight advantages, they may not always be as durable as metal magazines. Steel magazines, for example, are known for their strength and longevity. However, plastic magazines with steel-reinforced locking lugs offer a compromise, providing increased strength and durability while still being lighter than fully metal magazines.
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Steel magazines are more durable but prone to rusting
Steel magazines are generally heavier than polymer magazines, which are typically made of plastic. Steel is stronger than polymer, making it a more durable option. However, steel is also prone to rusting, especially in humid environments. While small amounts of moisture can hide in the crevices of steel magazines and cause rust, this can be mitigated by regularly cleaning and oiling the magazine. Steel magazines with stamped ridges can provide additional strength, but the feeding lips that hold the rounds in the magazine can bend or dent over time, causing feeding problems.
Polymer magazines, on the other hand, are lighter in weight, which can be advantageous when carrying multiple magazines. While polymer magazines can be brittle, nylon polymers can provide a more durable option that doesn't suffer from the same brittleness as other plastics. However, they may not last as long as steel magazines. Clear plastic magazines, in particular, tend to be more brittle than their coloured counterparts.
The choice between steel and polymer magazines depends on the user's specific needs and preferences. If durability and strength are the primary concerns, steel magazines are a better option, but they require more maintenance to prevent rusting. Polymer magazines are lighter and may be more suitable for certain use cases, but they may not offer the same level of durability as steel.
Some users may opt for a combination of both steel and polymer magazines, depending on their intended use. For example, steel magazines might be preferred for drills involving magazines dropping into the dirt, as scratches can add to their rugged appearance. Ultimately, both types of magazines are considered semi-disposable due to their relatively low cost and the fact that they are not meant to last as long as the firearm itself.
To prevent rusting in steel magazines, it is essential to keep them clean and oiled. Regularly wiping down the magazine with oil-based products, such as gun oil lube wipes or CLP (Ballistol), can help prevent rust from spreading. Additionally, waxing or plating the magazine can provide a longer-lasting solution to prevent rust. It is also recommended to inspect the feeding lips for any dents, cracks, or chips that may impact the magazine's functionality.
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Polymer magazines are more expensive but less prone to rusting
AK magazines are made of different materials, including steel, aluminium, and polymer. Polymer magazines, although made of plastic, are more expensive than their steel and aluminium counterparts. However, they offer the advantage of being less prone to rusting and corrosion.
Polymer magazines, also known as plastic magazines, are created through injection moulding, a process that involves injecting plastic into a mould. This method is more cost-effective than metal stamping, which was the previous preferred low-cost manufacturing technique. The marginal cost of producing each additional plastic magazine part is relatively low, contributing to the overall affordability of polymer magazines.
Despite their higher price compared to other materials, polymer magazines offer several benefits. They are generally lighter in weight, making them advantageous for those who need to carry multiple magazines. Additionally, polymers are less susceptible to rust and corrosion, which can be an issue with metal magazines over time due to moisture accumulation in crevices. However, it is important to note that polymers can be adversely affected by water and strong solvents, and they may not be as durable as steel magazines.
The durability of polymer magazines has been enhanced by companies like Magpul, which has developed a proprietary polymer composition reinforced with fiberglass. This innovation has resulted in PMAGs that are stiffer, less brittle, and more heat-resistant than their predecessors. These magazines are also impact and crush-resistant, capable of withstanding various forms of abuse without failing.
While polymer magazines offer advantages in weight and rust resistance, they may not be as reliable as metal magazines in terms of locking up securely. Additionally, their performance may vary depending on the specific gun used. As a result, many shooters choose to own a selection of both metal and polymer magazines to suit different situations and preferences.
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Bakelite magazines are light and strong but degrade and become brittle quickly
AK-47 magazines are available in a variety of materials, including polymer, steel, plastic, and nylon. While steel magazines are known for their strength and durability, they are also heavier and prone to rusting. Plastic magazines, on the other hand, offer a significant weight reduction, allowing soldiers to carry more ammunition. However, not all plastics are created equal. Clear plastics, for example, tend to be more brittle than coloured plastics.
One notable type of plastic AK magazine is the Bakelite magazine, also known as the AG-4S. Introduced around 1965-1968, these magazines are made from a thermoset phenol-formaldehyde resin reinforced with glass fibre. Despite being lighter and more durable than steel magazines, Bakelite magazines have a reputation for degrading and becoming brittle over time. This is due to the chemical composition of Bakelite, which is prone to breaking down and becoming brittle with exposure to heat, moisture, and other environmental factors.
While some sources claim that the AG-4S magazines are prone to chipping and breaking, others refute this claim, arguing that the glass fibre reinforcement prevents such issues. The reality is likely somewhere in between, as Bakelite magazines are indeed lighter and stronger than their steel counterparts, but they may not stand the test of time as well. Over time, they can become brittle and fragile, especially if exposed to harsh conditions or improper storage.
The decision between steel and plastic magazines ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. Steel magazines are ideal for those seeking maximum durability and longevity, while plastic magazines like the Bakelite offer lightweight alternatives, even if they may not last as long. For those seeking a compromise between durability and weight, nylon magazines, such as the Magpul MOE 7.62x39 AK mag, offer a middle ground, although they are more expensive.
In conclusion, while Bakelite magazines offer the advantages of lightweight construction and strength, their propensity to degrade and become brittle over time is a significant drawback. For those seeking a more durable option, steel or nylon magazines may be preferable, although they come with their own trade-offs in terms of weight and cost. Ultimately, the choice of magazine material depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
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Clear plastic magazines are more brittle than coloured plastic magazines
Clear plastic AK magazines have a reputation for being more brittle than coloured plastic magazines. While some sources claim that coloured plastics are stronger, others suggest that clear plastic AK magazines are just as durable.
Clear plastic AK magazines are made from a variety of plastics, including polyamide, nylon, and polymer. Coloured plastic magazines are often made from similar materials but with added colourants or other additives that may enhance their strength or durability. Some coloured plastics, like Bakelite, are known to be strong and durable but can degrade and become brittle over time. Nylon, on the other hand, is known for its flexibility and resistance to brittleness, making it a popular choice for coloured plastic magazines.
The brittleness of clear plastics is often attributed to their composition and manufacturing processes. Clear plastics may be made from less impact-resistant materials or may undergo injection moulding, which can weaken the material. Additionally, clear plastics tend to break down when exposed to light, leading to a shorter lifespan compared to coloured plastics.
However, it's worth noting that the durability of any plastic magazine, clear or coloured, depends on various factors such as the specific type of plastic, the manufacturing process, and the conditions of use and storage. While clear plastic magazines may have a reputation for being more brittle, this does not necessarily mean that they are inherently weaker or less durable than coloured plastic magazines.
In summary, while clear plastic AK magazines may have a reputation for being more brittle, the durability of plastic magazines depends on a multitude of factors, and both clear and coloured plastic magazines can offer sufficient strength and longevity depending on their specific characteristics and applications.
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Frequently asked questions
AK magazines are made of plastic, steel, or a combination of the two.
The type of plastic used in AK magazines varies. Some are made of Bakelite, nylon, or glass-reinforced polyamide. Others are made of ABS plastic, while others are made of a thermoset phenol-formaldehyde resin.
Plastic AK magazines are lighter than steel magazines, allowing soldiers to carry more ammunition for the same weight. Plastic magazines are also cheaper and quicker to produce than steel magazines.
Some plastic AK magazines are more brittle than steel magazines and can break or degrade over time. Plastic magazines may also compromise the rifle's camouflage and lack the reinforcing ribs found on steel magazines.
