3 Tips for Choosing AR-15 Magazines

What do you know about selecting AR-15 magazines? You can read about choosing the best option for your needs in this brief guide.

What do you know about selecting AR-15 magazines? The AR-15 is the most popular gun in America. As of 2020, there were about 20 million AR-15-style weapons in the country.

Because it’s such a popular weapon, there are many accessories that are needed to make the weapon work to its full potential. The AR-15 magazine is a crucial accessory for your weapon that you should not overlook. Read on to learn about the things you should know about AR-15 mags as you shop for one.

1. Visually Inspect the Magazines

Visually inspecting an AR-15 magazine prior to purchasing them is key to achieving a high-quality product that is both dependable and reliable. Look for any obvious signs of wear. This includes scratches, scrapes, or marks on the magazine.

Inspect the feed lips with a caliper. This will identify any burrs or irregularities, which can cause problems with feeding.

Check for any deformation, or warping from torque. Additionally, check the bottom of the magazine for any burs which may indicate poor manufacture or damage.

When inspecting magazines that are already loaded with rounds, ensure that they fit into the magazine properly. Check the rounds for any damaged lips or blemishes. 

2. Do the Bump Test

When choosing multi-caliber AR-15 magazines, it’s important to do the bump test. This test checks for any possible feeding issues that may arise due to improper fitting or poor machining.

The bump test should be done without ammunition loaded in the magazine. With the magazine held in the firing position, firmly strike the magazine base into a hard surface. This helps to ensure a secure fit within the magazine well.

Also look for any signs of metal warping, as this can also have an effect on performance and reliability. Be sure to also check for any AR-15 magazine spring sticking out of the bottom.

Finally, look for magazines that are made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, aluminum, or polymer and have wide-loading lips. These can provide a smoother feed and reduce magazine contact with the chamber.

3. The Drop Test

When it comes to choosing the right AR-15 magazines for your needs, the drop test can be helpful in ensuring quality. The drop test involves dropping the magazine from a certain height and watching for any signs of the magazine components loosening.

After the drop test, check the base plate, the feed lips, and the ar-15 magazine spring. The impact should not cause any of these components to loosen or detach.

Quality magazines should stay secure and locked into place even after the drop test. The magazine should also maintain its shape and integrity after the test. If the magazine does not meet these standards, then it is better to err on the side of caution and choose a model from a reputable manufacturer.

How to Choose the Best AR-15 Magazines

AR-15 rifles have outstanding features and capabilities. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that you select the best AR-15 magazines for your rifle.

Whether you are looking for quality, customization, convenience, or accessories, there is an AR-15 magazine for you. Begin your search now for the optimal choice today to ensure you are ready for your next outdoor excursion!

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