Plastic vs Steel AR-15 mags

Addicted2Shooting · May 25, 2012, 10:39 AM

I've been heavy in debate with some colleagues about the quality and reliability of the black teflon AR mags vs the plastic magpul pmags

I have read and watched numerous reviews about the polymer pmags which tends to show that they are virtually indestructible, while steel mags don't seem to hold up as well.

I don't have any experience with the teflon mags, but know the pmags have held up from everything I've put mine through.

Does anyone know or have any experience using teflon mags or have any idea how they might stack up against the proven polymer mags?

brmfan · May 25, 2012, 02:20 PM

It's not so much the mag body itself but the follower and spring are critical. The follower must be anti-tilt/ dive to be worth keeping. I have P-Mags, standard issue aluminum, and HK steel mags that all function flawlessly -after I replaced most of the followers (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2...-TILT-FOLLOWER) and used double coil springs http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/239...d-braided-wire (all except the P Mags). Any mag that doesn't function 110% gets tossed. Good thing most are pretty inexpensive!

Addicted2Shooting · May 25, 2012, 02:30 PM

I'm assuming the teflon coating would help with rust/wear on the steel mags, where the pmags are polymer and wouldn't have that problem.

Additionally, would the teflon strengthen or weaken the steel at all, or would it simply provide a protective coating.

The steel mags I've linked to say that they have a magpul follower...I wonder if its more of a hybrid mag...maybe the best of both worlds?

The steel mags typically run a little cheaper too...so I don't know :-\

7jinxed7 · May 25, 2012, 06:27 PM

Is that test the Gen 1 or Gen 2 PMags? I can't tell. The Gen 1's are stronger and thicker and have stronger springs compared to the Gen 2's.

Addicted2Shooting · May 25, 2012, 09:17 PM

Really? I figured the Gen 2's would have been better...huh'..who would have thought?

I know the ones I have are the Gen 2 and have been through a beating...everything from being dropped on run and guns, to being bashed up against rocks and concrete walls while in my vest/pouches.

My real question of quality is with the teflon mags and how they stack up against the polymer

Te Anau · May 25, 2012, 10:10 PM

I feel you need to cover all your bases when it comes to AR mags.I own steel,polymer and stainless ones.

May 25, 2012, 10:39 AM	#1
Addicted2Shooting Member Join Date: November 12, 2010 Posts: 84	Plastic vs Steel AR-15 mags I've been heavy in debate with some colleagues about the quality and reliability of the black teflon AR mags vs the plastic magpul pmags I have read and watched numerous reviews about the polymer pmags which tends to show that they are virtually indestructible, while steel mags don't seem to hold up as well. I don't have any experience with the teflon mags, but know the pmags have held up from everything I've put mine through. Does anyone know or have any experience using teflon mags or have any idea how they might stack up against the proven polymer mags?

May 25, 2012, 10:10 PM	#6
Te Anau Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2004 Location: Somewhere south of the No Posts: 3,824	I feel you need to cover all your bases when it comes to AR mags.I own steel,polymer and stainless ones. __________________ "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." --American author Mark Twain (1835-1910)

May 25, 2012, 02:20 PM	#2
brmfan Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2008 Posts: 557	It's not so much the mag body itself but the follower and spring are critical. The follower must be anti-tilt/ dive to be worth keeping. I have P-Mags, standard issue aluminum, and HK steel mags that all function flawlessly -after I replaced most of the followers (http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=2...-TILT-FOLLOWER) and used double coil springs http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/239...d-braided-wire (all except the P Mags). Any mag that doesn't function 110% gets tossed. Good thing most are pretty inexpensive!

May 25, 2012, 02:30 PM	#3
Addicted2Shooting Member Join Date: November 12, 2010 Posts: 84	I'm assuming the teflon coating would help with rust/wear on the steel mags, where the pmags are polymer and wouldn't have that problem. Additionally, would the teflon strengthen or weaken the steel at all, or would it simply provide a protective coating. The steel mags I've linked to say that they have a magpul follower...I wonder if its more of a hybrid mag...maybe the best of both worlds? The steel mags typically run a little cheaper too...so I don't know :-\

May 25, 2012, 06:27 PM	#4
7jinxed7 Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2009 Location: no where Posts: 352	Is that test the Gen 1 or Gen 2 PMags? I can't tell. The Gen 1's are stronger and thicker and have stronger springs compared to the Gen 2's.

May 25, 2012, 09:17 PM	#5
Addicted2Shooting Member Join Date: November 12, 2010 Posts: 84	Really? I figured the Gen 2's would have been better...huh'..who would have thought? I know the ones I have are the Gen 2 and have been through a beating...everything from being dropped on run and guns, to being bashed up against rocks and concrete walls while in my vest/pouches. My real question of quality is with the teflon mags and how they stack up against the polymer