Refinish USGI AR15 Mags.

[wilkoi]

Here in Massachusetts we can only have preban magazines that hold over 10 rounds. That is made before September of 94. So I bought some preban mags, most are from 87. As you can imagine lots of wear and tear in 29 years. Tried my hand at refinishing them to look a bit better.

1) Soak and wash in warm water with small amount of Borax powder. Rinse well.
2) Put in toaster oven and heat at 250 for 30 minutes to remove any and all traces of moisture.
3) Spray each side with several light layers of CRC dry moly. Spray one side and let dry for 15 minutes, then repeat other side.
4) Place in toaster oven at 300 to 315 degrees and bake for one hour. I confirmed temperature with infrared heat gun.
5) Let cool with door shut then remove and wipe powder residue with microfiber cloth. It has many facets in the cloth but is not abrasive.
6) Install new generation 3 magpul followers. Install ranger plates. (New springs if needed)

There will be slight in-perfections due to age, scuff marks, wear and tear. Results.

 

[soonerwink]

I can't see your pic, but that sounds like a lot of work. I sure am glad I don't live in your state.

 

[nocents]

I can't see the pics either

 

[MichiganScott]

CRC Moly Dry works very well when refinishing mags. Google it. It was very common during the first assault rifle ban. You do not need a no tilt follower in a 20rd mag, but if it makes you happy, it doesn't harm a thing.

I decided that I preferred the used look. The old Colt mags have a gold color when worn.

I also figured that instead of refinishing mags, I'd simply stock up. I have a lifetime supply for my family. I suggest that anyone who owns an AR stock up while the price is cheap. I well remember $8 GI aluminum mags selling for $80 during the last ban.

 

[wilkoi]

The mags are 30 round but I would have replaced the followers anyway. I would love to stock up but understand these are preban mags, easy to find but not so easy for a reasonable price.

 

[TNDave]

During the bad old days of the 94 ban I used to refinish my GI mags by spraying them with a graphite lubricant called Slip Plate. I would degrease them first with some kind of spray. I can't remember what it was. It duplicated the original finish almost perfectly and was easy.

 

[cololab]

Thanks for the "how to" tips. Now that the good citizens of Kolorado can not purchase mags with a capacity over 15 rounds, there might be some that could benefit from your experience.