Author Topic: Anyone used polymer mags for semi auto rifle? (Read 289 times)

StarOfAfrica2 · « **on:** November 20, 2006, 11:17:00 PM »

Shopping for some new magazines for my SKS, and I'm seeing polymer mags show up. One of the big complaints about the removeable SKS mags has been the thin, cheap metal construction. This could change that, but I dont want something that will crack and break if a tiny piece of it sticks up too far and gets whacked by the bolt.

Anyone used these yet? Opinions?

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 01, 2006, 11:31:50 PM »

Since no one ever responded I'll take it as a "no" on whether or not anyone has tried them. So I bought some.

Tried one from National, 20 rd. mag (polymer). Never could get it to fit right in the gun, didnt hold the bolt back when the last shot fired. When it DID fit, fed fine, though it "hitched" a couple of times. Maybe for the same reason it wouldnt fit right in the gun.

Tried one from Tapco, 5 rd. mag (polymer). Fits beautifully into the gun, snaps in place, feeds flawlessly, holds the bolt open when done just like its supposed to. Bought 3 more.

Tapco's offering is guaranteed for life too. They already had my business for stocks, now they've got it for everything else.

Chairboy · « **Reply #2 on:** December 01, 2006, 11:37:06 PM »

I have some polymer 'Hot Lips' magazines for my 10-22. I'm of the impression, based on my experience, that they seem to jam more often than the metal lipped mags.

I don't know if it was the spring or the actual material, but that's just been what I've noticed. Butler creek makes 'Steel lips' now for mine, I don't know off hand if they do for yours or not, but it might be worth checking out.

Slash27 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 01, 2006, 11:38:11 PM »

I bought a 30 round one from ProMag yesterday for my AK. If I can get the damn replacement stock to ever fit right Ill try it out and let you know how it worked.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 02, 2006, 12:30:58 AM »

Which stock did you buy? Some brands are better than others (obviously).

Slash27 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 02, 2006, 12:41:16 AM »

I bought a Tapco folder and pistol grip. Im not sure of the hand guards maker. It had no paper work with it. None of it seems like its going to fit correctly.

Its a PolyTech "Mak90" AK stamped reciever. It originally came with that lame wood thumbhole stock that I replaced with a Fiberforce "Dragonov" style stock that was better but I never really liked the look.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 02, 2006, 12:48:56 AM »

Ah, you went with the folder. I prefer the T-6 style. For some reason the stock length is all wrong for me on a standard length gun, I like the adjustable stock. Does yours have the Galil style handguard like this one?

My next purchase.

Slash27 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 02, 2006, 01:16:12 AM »

I really looked at that one but I grabbed this one on a whim. I thought I may want an optic mounted forward at some point.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/bigpic.asp?img=AKS-034.jpg

After digging around I think Im going to need this to put a new stock on. It goes in the rear of the reciever. I'll need a whole new rear stock though. Of course:rolleyes:

http://www.riflestocks.com/images05/AK/AKRBC2.jpg

So I'll need $100 bucks more for one that fits than I paid for the one that didnt fit.This is going from something simple to a full on project.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 02, 2006, 11:54:07 AM »

I'm pretty sure they sell just the upper handguard with Weaver / picatinny style mounts. I know they do for the SKS. They also sell a rear "receiver cover" replacement that has the same mounts on it, as well as a view-through so you can still use the iron sights. I like that, because the Yugo SKS has flip-up night sights (white dots) front and rear. And I'm looking at a holographic HUD sight on sale at Midway for 50 bucks .............. Not sure if it will fit on the rail system I bought. If not, they have one for 200 bucks that I know will fit .............

I never much cared for the Dragonov style stocks either, and I actually went with a full length rifle stock for the SKS. The Yugo has the integrated grenade launcher, so its longer than the carbine length of the standard SKS. I ordered a bipod that uses the bayonet lug for its mounting point, rather than shave off the lug and buy a bipod that clamps to the barrel, and I ordered a muzzle brake from Tapco that looks like the original grenade launcher. Without the muzzle brake, shooting from a bench and using a bipod, the gun shoots in a 4 inch circle at 100 yards using Wolf mil-spec ammo. I'm hoping the muzzle brake will help me close that up a bit.

VOR · « **Reply #9 on:** December 02, 2006, 12:00:28 PM »

I've used bakelite mags in my AK for a couple of years and they've been military issue items for many years. No problem.

Polymer mags in an SKS are (I'm assuming) going to be exclusively aftermarket jobs, so buyer beware.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 02, 2006, 12:07:04 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by VOR
I've used bakelite mags in my AK for a couple of years and they've been military issue items for many years. No problem.

Polymer mags in an SKS are (I'm assuming) going to be exclusively aftermarket jobs, so buyer beware.

Yeah. I've got a couple of metal removeable mags for it, and they are so flimsy they bend if you sneeze on them. They also dont hold the bolt back on firing the last round, and have feed problems. I think its the awkward catch in the front, means it has little support in the back. The Tapco mags are mil-spec polymer, and they are guaranteed. So far they are the only manufacturer of any aftermarket parts I have had much success with.

VOR · « **Reply #11 on:** December 02, 2006, 12:15:07 PM »

Yeah the removeable mags for SKS are shaped pretty wierd. I've never bought any, so I'm no expert.

10 rounds has always made me happy in my SKS and it's reliable, too. Even in my AKs, I use 20 round mags more often than 30 rounders because they're easier to manipulate when shooting from a bench. Plus, I just think they're nifty.