PMags vs. Hexmags v. Metal Mags

TX-Badger · May 12, 2016

I was wondering which magazines y'all prefer for your M&P sports? I've got a mix of some Magpul Pmag Gen 2s and Hexmags. Both work equally well for me. I'm curious to see if anyone has used the Magpul Pmag Gen 3s and if there is much difference from the Gen 2s? Also, anyone else using the Hexmags? Anyone use metal?

CATI1835 · May 12, 2016

I generally use milsurp metal mags in my AR, 30m round. I can pick them up for about $7/each and replace the follower if necessary for less than $2. They are light, all metal and what the rifle was designed to use. I have never had any problem with one.

Arik · May 12, 2016

Where are you getting surplus mags for $7?

I use Pmags, Troy, Lancer and USGI although those are more expensive

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blues7 · May 12, 2016

I've stuck with the PMAG Gen 2's since that is what my rifle shipped with.
The cost is reasonable, especially on sale, and I like the uniformity from the standpoint of both form and function.

I haven't seen a need to purchase the Gen 3's and if I recall correctly, I vaguely remember reading of an issue here or there that some folks were having with them. I'm sure others will be able to provide more on this.

CATI1835 · May 12, 2016

Arik said:
Where are you getting surplus mags for $7?

I use Pmags, Troy, Lancer and USGI although those are more expensive

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Local gun shows around here. Last one I went to, 2 weeks ago, had them 4 for $25, $7 for one. I have seen the same vendor at several other shows. I had to replace the followers with anti-tilt followers but that is a minor expense. Bottom line, I am into them for about $8 each. My experience with the polymer mags is mixed. I don't have many and probably won't buy more. I'm not sure, but the metal magazines may actually weigh less than the polymer versions.

Now, AK magazines are a different animal altogether. Still looking for the golden unicorn on those.

jbo89 · May 12, 2016

Is it better to buy the Gen 2 or 3 PMAG? What's the difference?

snm8510 · May 12, 2016

I stick to PMags.. They're ~$9 in my area (same as Hexmags) so upgraded USGI mags would be the same just about.. As far as Gen2/3s go, the majority of my 30s are Gen2s and my 10 and 20 round mags are all Gen3s, but if you plan to get an ambi mag release, I'd stick to Gen3s as I had to return my Norgon mag release so I can keep my Gen2s..

Bozz10mm · May 12, 2016

I have Pmags, Lancers, Brownell's, and D&H mags. The D&H mas are suppose to be very good, but they are the only ones that have given me any trouble. The followers were supposed to be anti-tilt, but they still got stuck about half way up.

fyimo · May 12, 2016

I have Pmags Gen 2 and Gen 3 magazines in 10, 20 and 30 round magazines, Brownnel's USGI CS 30 round metal magazines with the non tilt followers, and I have some Tapco 30 round Magazines. I like the Tapco magazines the least and they are range only magazines. They have never failed me but for some reason I just like them the least and they seem heavier.

ralston · May 12, 2016

I'm a big fan of PMags. They've never done me wrong. I only have experience with those and a few USGI mags. I haven't had the experience of saying "such and such mags are terrible and I had numerous jams/FTF etc at the range." If I ever ran into an unreliable mag I'd put it out there. PMags and USGI work for me.

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Mark S. · May 12, 2016

jbo89 said:
Is it better to buy the Gen 2 or 3 PMAG? What's the difference?

Gen 2s are fine for ARs.

From what I remember, the Gen3s have an additional 'stop' to prevent the magazine from being overly inserted which apparently can happen if you are using them in SCARs and other foreign made rifles that accept AR magazines.

C J · May 12, 2016

I have PMAG Gen 2's and Gen 3's and I haven't noticed much difference in them to be honest. They have all worked fine but I only have 4.

JaPes · May 12, 2016

I buy whatever is on sale. Most of the mags in my rotation are P-Mags. I also have about 36 D&H aluminum mags w/magpul followers. I stocked up on them back in the day when they went on sale for $6 each.

SteveFi · May 12, 2016

i have the pmags - 2nd & 3rd gen, the D&H metal, and did recently pick up 2 hexmags. havent had any issues with the pmags or d&H. havent used the hexmags much yet but they have worked fine so far.

i buy the 2nd gen pmags but I also occasionally pick up an extra 10 or 20 rder so get 3rd gen for those as that is what is available.

Maddmax · May 13, 2016

I've been using PMags since they came out and have had zero issues with any of them. Both Gen 2 & 3, in 10-20-30 round in both 5.56 and 7.62.

Kadonny · May 13, 2016

I have them all. I like the Magpuls the best, but I like the cool look of the Hexmags. The aluminum D&Hs work, but they are my "spare" mags. I've used the Pmags the most always flawless. The other two types I don't use as much, but still peform very well.

medic15al · May 13, 2016

I prefer the GI straight 20 rnd mags. My AR is a M-16A1 clone and the GI 20s and 30s just go right with them

Also prefer the 20s for range shooting off the bench or prone. And the strippers feed smoothly in them.

BAM-BAM · May 13, 2016

LOL........It depends on how long you've been shooting ARs.........

I've got "very old" Colt straight 20 rd'ers.....Brownell and other alum mags., even 2 of H&K's "super expensive" steel 30 rd mags.... to Gen 2 & 3 P-mags..............30,20 and 10 rounds...................

20 round mags for when the SHTF....................

30 round mags for TEOTWAWKI................. and.............. LOL......

10 round mags for "everything else"!!!!!!!

jimbo728 · May 13, 2016

BAM-BAM said:
LOL........It depends on how long you've been shooting ARs.........

I've got "very old" Colt straight 20 rd'ers.....Brownell and other alum mags., even 2 of H&K's "super expensive" steel 30 rd mags.... to Gen 2 & 3 P-mags..............30,20 and 10 rounds...................

20 round mags for when the SHTF....................

30 round mags for TEOTWAWKI................. and.............. LOL......

10 round mags for "everything else"!!!!!!!

I was puzzled at first by TEOTWAWKI but I impressed the heck out of myself and figured it out before asking WTHOEDTM.
Jim

blues7 · May 13, 2016

jimbo728 said:
I was puzzled at first by TEOTWAWKI but I impressed the heck out of myself and figured it out before asking WTHOEDTM.
Jim

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PMags vs. Hexmags v. Metal Mags

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