Mags: General Observations

[Slater]

Judging from the Metalform thread and others, mag selection can be a hit-or-miss proposition at times. Even manufacturers with solid reps turn out bad batches at times, and some mags (AR-15) can really bring down the overall reliability of a weapon.

Kind of a simplistic question, as I'm far from an expert: Why can't mags (which are essentially stamped and formed pieces of sheet metal with springs in them) be much more reliable than they are, no matter the weapon? You would think that modern technology would make this a piece of cake. Again, looking at this from a pretty basic perspective.

[TangoRomeo]

Originally Posted by Slater

You would think that modern technology would make this a piece of cake.

Yep, you'd think!

[Cazach]

I think it all comes down to tolerances and standards. While one manufacture may hold it's dimensions to a few thousandths, others may deal in bigger numbers.

You also have to take into account the gun manufacturer's tolerances as well.

Variable mag tolerances + variable gun tolerances = chance of failure.

Couple these issues with various follower designs, spring weights and bullet shapes and you have about a jillion different possibilities for failure.

I think that is why it is a little hit or miss on some guns. You have to find the perfect fit of all these components to make them work.