More Information About AR15 Magazines
AR15 Magazine Features & Specifications
AR-15 magazines have some great features & specifications including:
- Higher Capacity : The standard magazine capacity for an AR15 is 30 rounds. However, many magazines are available with much higher capacities, such as Drum Magazines, which can hold 50+ rounds.
- Material: The AR 15 mags are made from a number of different materials including steel, aluminum, and polymer. Polymer mags are lightweight & durable. Aluminum/steel magazines are strong & heavy.
- Interchangeable: Ar-15 magazines are interchangeable & fit any standard M16/AR15 , except for the AK-47. This allows AR-15 owners to use magazines from different brands without compatibility issues.
- Reliability : Ar-15 Magazines are known for its reliability & ease of use.
- Compatibility : AR-15 magazines are very compatible & suitable for use in multiple situations or circumstances.
- Quick loading and unloading: AR-15 Design allows it for quick loading & uploading that makes it useful in high-pressure combat situations.
- Various Variants: When it comes to style and looks, there are dozens of AR15 magazine options to choose from. Choose from various colours, capacity & material.
Types of AR-15 Magazines
There are different types of AR-15 Magazines by material, capacity, rounds & color.
Material
- Aluminum: Aluminum magazines are popular option for AR-15 rifles. Known for their strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum mags are lightweight while maintaining solid structural integrity. Aluminum offers a good balance between the durability of steel and the lightness of polymer.
- Steel: Steel magazines are built for ultimate toughness and durability. These mags are constructed from high-quality steel, typically coated with a protective finish to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Polymer: Polymer magazines are one of the most popular choices for AR-15 users due to their lightweight nature and durability. Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and popular for modern use.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel magazines combine the best of both worlds by offering the strength and durability of steel while adding corrosion resistance. These mags are especially suited for those who need something more resistant to rust, especially in humid or wet conditions.
AR15 Mags By Capacity
- Standard Capacity: 20-30 rounds, most widely used.
- Low-Capacity: 5-10 rounds for hunting or restricted areas.
- High-Capacity: 40+ rounds for extended use.
- Drum magazines: These ones have cylindrical designs and able to store a high number of rounds (at least 50 rounds).
- Double sided magazine ar15: Featuring an innovative floor plate coupling system, this design allows two magazines to be joined in four configurations within seconds, enabling quicker reloads and enhanced firepower.
AR-15 Magazine Popular Brands
Find AR-15 magazines from these trusted brands:
Magpul
Magpul offers a huge selection of high-quality magazines that are often regarded as some of the best AR-15 magazines. Their Magpul T-MAG magazines are durable and reliable and translucent, designed for maximum performance.
- Impact and crush resistant polymer construction
- Optimized for use with Colt-spec AR15/M4 firearms
- Anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower for increased reliability
Lancer
Lancer’s hybrid magazine design blends the durability of polymer with the reliability of steel, resulting in one of the most advanced magazines on the market.
- Affordable price point with combat-ready features.
- Features textured polymer construction and welded steel feed lips for maximum service.
- Perfect for civilians, law enforcement and military
Hexmag
Hexmag magazines deliver proven reliability, superior strength, and exceptional value. Features the Hexmag® patented Tool-Less Design for fast and easy floorplate removal allowing field cleaning.
- Featuring a proprietary PolyHex2™ Advanced Composite.
- Some of the strongest, most versatile and most dependable options on the market today.
- patented Hexture surface design for superior handling
Duramag
DURAMAG Magazines are designed with the EVERFLEX spring, ADVANCED GEOMETRY FOLLOWER, and LIPLOCK technology, featuring a durable POST & HOLE™ design for added strength.
- DURAMAG SPEED mags are a good option to get a lighter and more economic alternative.
- DURAMAG SS are known for maximum reliability and superior feeding.
- Removable baseplate
What Guns Use AR-15 Magazines?
Guns that use AR-15 magazines primarily include most variations of the AR-15 platform itself, such as the M16, M4 carbine, and various civilian AR-15 models including:
- Colt M16: The Colt M16 uses standard AR-15 magazines, which are usually 30-round magazines chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO or .223 Remington. These magazines are designed to work seamlessly with both the AR-15 and M16 platforms.
- M4: The M4 Carbine uses the same STANAG (Standardization Agreement) magazines as the AR-15 platform. These magazines are typically 30-round mags chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO or .223 Remington.
- Barrett REC7: If your Barrett REC7 is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO (the most common variant), it is compatible with standard AR-15 magazines designed for this caliber.
- SIG Sauer MCX: The SIG Sauer MCX chambered in 5.56mm NATO can use standard AR-15 magazines, which are typically available in polymer, aluminum, steel, or stainless steel materials.
Check other Ar-15 Magazines compatible rifles here.
What Calibers Use AR-15 Magazines?
AR-15 magazines are not limited to the standard 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington calibers. There are other calibers you can use including;.
- .300 Blackout: Compatible with standard AR-15 magazines without modifications.
- 6.5 Grendel: This round is shorter than others with a larger diameter case so that it can fit into the 5.56 AR-15 magazines.
- .350 Legend: Works in standard AR-15 magazines with minor capacity adjustments.
- 7.62x39mm : Requires special AR-15 magazines due to the cartridge’s tapered design. Standard AR mags won't work properly.
- 50 Beowulf : Like .458 SOCOM, it fits in standard AR-15 mags but holds fewer rounds due to the large cartridge size.
AR-15 Magazine Capacity
The capacity of AR-15 magazines varies depending on the design:
- Standard Capacity Magazine : Typically 20-30 rounds.
- Low Capacity : 5-10 rounds for hunting or compliance with state laws.
- High-Capacity: 40-60 round magazines for extended shooting.
- Drum Magazines: Can hold 50-100 rounds or more for tactical or competitive use.
- Double Drum Magazine A double drum magazine for the AR-15 is a high-capacity magazine, typically hold 100 rounds.
What is the Largest Capacity AR-15 Magazine?
Drum magazines are the largest capacity AR-15 magazines available. Some models can hold up to 150 rounds, such as the X-Products X-15 Drum. These are ideal for competitive shooting, tactical drills, or situations requiring extended fire. However, their weight and bulk may not be suitable for all users.
Top Selling Magpul PMAG GEN M3 Window AR-15 .223 / 5.56 30-Round Magazine
Cost Range: Starting from $12.99
Average Rating With Seller: 1238 Reviews
Why It's Best To Buy:
- Excellent customer reviews
- Very easy to insert, and very nice weight.
- Featuring an optional clear polymer window for keeping up with ammo capacity at-a-glance.
- Modified dimensions for platforms such as the HK?416/MR556A1/M27 IAR, British SA-80, FN SCAR™ MK 16/16S
- Popular for its reliability because of anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower.
Limitations:
- The 30-round capacity makes the GEN M3 illegal in states or countries with magazine capacity restrictions.
- The GEN M3 is slightly more expensive due to its advanced materials and features.
Top Selling Lancer L5AWM AR-15 30 Round Translucent Purple Mag
Cost Range: Starting from $17.99
Average Rating With Seller:169 Reviews
Why It's Best To Buy:
- Good customer choice as per the positive reviews
- The colorful, translucent magazines are a great way to make sure your ammo is available.
- Increased durability and reliability
- Improved combat readiness
- Superior safety and efficiency
- Reliability of steel, durability of polymer and weight of aluminum
Limitations:
- Some users claim they fit a little loose in the gun.
- Capacity limitation in restricted states