Do you test run all your mags?

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  • dvd1955

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    Apr 10, 2013
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    So over the past few years I've bought those deals on ar pmags where you can get ten for around $100. Also have several ak mags of various manufacturers. Many of these are still in the original packaging, unopened. Seems I always use the same two or three mags when I go shooting. Just wondering if I should be pulling them all out and making sure they all seat and run, or leave them in the package until I have a need. What do y'all do?

    BTW, I did have one steel ak mag that was difficult to seat and needed a little adjustment. Any pmags I've used have fit the ar nicely, so I don't have any reason to suspect they won't all work, just wondering.
     

    Hatin Since 87

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    Mar 31, 2018
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    If it’s a mag I’m carrying either in my weapon or as a spare, yes.

    When I buy new mags I’ll change out the old ones for the newer ones just to be safe. Old ones will become range mags, new ones will become self defense mags.
     

    Whisk604

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    Feb 21, 2017
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    I think your good on the pmags. Never had a problem with them. Only ones that had to be modified were lr308 mags from ASC. I always test at least one when buying a different type of magazine. Depends on the caliber and mag type. 458 socom can be picky and so can 300 blackout. Just in case SHTF I like to know what I can rely on. But I tend to wear out the same few when practicing too.
     

    shadow64

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    Apr 9, 2011
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    In the past I have opened 3-4 out of the 10 magazines (ar15 mag)trying them out if they pass then I leave the rest in the package. For pistol magazines I test all of them because I use them for self defense .
     

    Hatin Since 87

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    I figure if I happen to get a lemon that passed through inspection and doesn’t work, I sure as hell don’t wanna find out when I need it most. Worth it to take to the range and have the confidence it’s going to fit and feed without issue.
     

    2A-Hoosier23

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    Sep 16, 2018
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    Lawrence
    Yes.

    I load new mags right after I disassemble them to inspect and leave them loaded till next range trip. Then I shoot the new mags first. When I get back home all mags are recharged and ready for next range trip. All mags stay loaded all the time except a couple for each firearm that get loaded with snap caps for dry practice.

    edited to add: I number label all mags with sharpie or the cheap dollar store white stick-on labels. Troubleshooting is much easier that way.
     

    Ruger_Ronin

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    Aug 22, 2017
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    Yep.. Mag is the heart of your firearm and it's been my experience that at least 95% of malfunctions are related to mags or ammo.
    QFT. ALL mags are tested for function. New/used or otherwise. Used will likely get a strip and clean/inspect.

    As stated, if it isn't mag/ammo induced it's most likely shooter induced malfunction.
     

    crewchief888

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    Aug 13, 2016
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    i test run all my mags for my competition guns. if i make any "modifications" to a gun, i'll test run it with several mags. all my mags are numbered as well, easier to pinpoint a malfunction to a specific mag.
     

    2A-Hoosier23

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    Sep 16, 2018
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    Yep.. Mag is the heart of your firearm and it's been my experience that at least 95% of malfunctions are related to mags or ammo.
    Agree, and the 5% when it's the gun, it's usually user error with the gun... improper grip, improper maintenance, using bad parts etc
     

    IUKalash429

    Bullet Hose
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    Apr 6, 2019
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    Rum Ham
    Have never had an issue with a serviceable surplus AK mag (steel, aluminum, bakelite, or polymer) in a quality factory import AK (i.e. not one with a hogged out magwell by a drunk monkey at Century). Also rely heavily on eastern bloc surplus/standard issue mags for my AKs and usually avoid/ignore commercial offerings.

    Like the OP, I tend to cycle through the same five or so mags cased with each gun, and have a 40mm can full of extra range mags that I know all work. Other than that, I might test one or two mags in a new gun but typically have no concern that my others won't work in it.
     

    dvd1955

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    Apr 10, 2013
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    Thanks everyone, looks like the majority test all their mags. Guess I get to go shooting! Now all I need to do is decide if I want to run through a bunch of 223 ammo just to check the mags. This may have to wait until ammo prices and availability come down (that will happen at some point, right?). I guess I could load 'em all up, but only shoot a few rounds out of each to check fit and function.

    I have enough 7.62 that this is not a concern for testing the ak mags.
     

    Kirk Freeman

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    Mar 9, 2008
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    I figure if I happen to get a lemon that passed through inspection and doesn’t work, I sure as hell don’t wanna find out when I need it most. Worth it to take to the range and have the confidence it’s going to fit and feed without issue.

    Smart.

    Last month I did a test run of the new THriL magazines. Worked great in everything I use, they may have problems with M855A1 but I have plenty of Gen3 Pmags in case I bump into any of that.

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    Denny347

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    Mar 18, 2008
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    Napganistan
    My duty/carry/training mags? Yes. Now my box of 50 USGI AR mags? No. I couldn't possibly test them all. They are not even really meant for that. They are just kinda there since I bought them years ago for hardly anything. Always test any mags that could be used to save your life.
     

    Twangbanger

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    Oct 9, 2010
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    My new mags stay in the package until needed, and once they come into rotation, I put them through a "burn-in" period where I load them to _full_ capacity, and use them on the range.

    I think it's important the "burn-in" period is done with mags loaded to full numerical capacity. That is where I have seen most problems; either the mag won't seat under a closed slide at full capacity, or if it seats, the gun won't strip the top round. This is what I love about my Sigs; if something is advertised as 21-round capacity, you can load it to that level and it will work under all circumstances. Not all are like that; some have to be down-loaded. Only by loading them to full capacity and using them extensively, will you know.

    If you use any aftermarket items like replacement baseplates, the above applies x3. Back through the whole qual testing over again. If you switch baseplates from one mag to another - same deal. My experience has been some brands of aftermarket baseplates can come loose during an aggressive reload, if you don't keep an eye on them. I would always prefer to find a high-capacity factory item, and run it through a burn-in period, than add doo-hickies to it myself. All manufactured things have tolerances, and when you replace parts, you've changed the fit stackup. There are just too many variables.
     

    DadSmith

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    Oct 21, 2018
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    Ripley County
    Test the ones I use or plan to use the rest stay in wrapping until I or someone needs them. If need be they also sell better in the original wrapping and never used.
     
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