Can someone explain the differences between the many different Magpul brand magazines please?

If you could provide some qualitative evaluation on why one would choose a model over another appreciate that, too t!

Thanks!

LMGTFY

I used to know the differences between the Magpul generations, but it got to a point where they all blended together.

here's what I found on a quick search.. hope it helps
Magpul PMAGs - Everything You Wanted To Know | The Blog of the 1800GunsAndAmmo Store

Magpul PMAG generation differences. - AR15.COM

The Difference Between MAGPUL PMAG Gen M2 and PMAG Gen M3 – Bayou Tactical

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John 14:6, Luke 21:11

In all seriousness, if you are using in an AR-15, buy whichever generation that is on sale between the gen 2 and gen 3. If you are using a non-AR patterned rifle, stick to gen 3.

+1 on what cyphertext said.
Also, when I added a norgon ambi mag release, it had issues with the gen2s so I had to return it and get another to accept the 2s. After swapping it out, I didn't have any issues at all with the 2s.. Just another consideration if you have or are planning on getting an ambi mag release. Gen3s are always safe, Gen2s are usually safe.

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Isaiah 43:1-3

One other difference is the G3s come w/ the snap on dust cover while the G2s don't. If you like the covers, that helps justify the higher price of the G3s.

I don't worry about Gen 2 or Gen 3. Get what's on sale.

And the G3s have those cool little dimples at the bottom that allows you to mark caliber with a sharpie. I actually use them to mark my .300blk mags.

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Still carrying my S&W 642

I think the only G3's I have are a 10rd and a 20rd. Everything else is G2. The one thing I do like are the window mags. I will pay extra for those. I've seen no functional difference between the G2 and G3 that I have. The 10rd stays loaded with some varmint stuff in the case that vermin shows up in the yard. And the 20rd gets the most use basically because it holds 1 full box and the shorter length I find kind of handy. I don't use my 30rd mags that often. Kind of wish I'd bought 20's instead because the 30rd ones have kind of just accumulated. But I never go to a range so I'm never preloading and transporting a bunch of mags. I'm usually loading up a 20rd and walking out the back door on a whim.

Nothing wrong with Gen 2's for general use but Gen 3's also use a better polymer, there are videos of loaded mag drop tests at 60 below zero. Also the Gen 3's will fire the M855A1 without damaging the rifle, and after extensive tests the USMC has adopted the Gen 3 window as the only mag they will go to war with. Of course one reason for the Marines going with the Gen 3 is because they work in the M27 IAR (HK 416).

the Gen.3's won't work in the billet magwell on my rifle because of the over insertion tab that the Gen 2's dont have....every other mag I have tried works fine......... a dremel will make short work of the tab but around here I have picked up plenty of Gen 2 and GI mags

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Since you brought up the subject of mags for hunting, we have a 5 round limit for hunting with a centerfire semi-auto here.

I had some of the converted steel mags that Bushmaster sells, but found a 50% failure rate with them. But that, I mean only half of them could be counted on to function flawlessly. The rest would cause various jams.

At one time Magpul was making a 5 and a 10 round plug kit for their 20 round PMAGs. I really like these for hunting. However, these are getting hard to find. Function has been totally flawless.

The latest PMAGS for hunting are the 10 rounders, which are a nearly flush mag in the mag well. Not much more than the bottom plate shows. For 10 round requirements just use the 10 round mag as is, though you could get a minus ten (-10) plug kit and use a 20 round mag. For 5 rounds you are limited to the -5 kit in a 10 round mag. These have performed flawlessly for me as well. They are more compact to carry than the 20 rounders, and two fit nicely in the square style MOLLE grenade pouch.

Note that the plug kits for the earlier mags and the latter mags are NOT interchangeable. You must stay within generation. Make sure about the part numbers before purchasing.