Check all your mags, especially PMAGS, but check all mags!!

[atldad]

Found the same issue with my Magpul mags. 20 seconds each with a sharp blade to make the left rear look like my Colts and Lancers. Problem fixed. Going to stick with my metal and Lancers for now on new purchases until Magpul mods their die.
I did notic fit issues with various production dates on the Magpuls. Some P-Mags were tighter than others. Also the covers and possibly the face of the mags have changed over the years and they are no longer interchangeable. Some just will not lock on and you have to do a match up.

[gatorzingo]

Will modified PMAGS and EMAGS function properly with an AR platform?

I would like to use the same mags for both my SCAR 16 and M4 rather than have to seggregate them.

[djv38]

Will modified PMAGS and EMAGS function properly with an AR platform?

I would like to use the same mags for both my SCAR 16 and M4 rather than have to seggregate them.

Yes, they work fine. Modifying them to work with the SCAR in no way changes their functionality in an AR.

[MP_OHIO]

+1 on that, I regularly swap between my Scar 16 and my RRA AR's

[Frank Law]

Thank you for posting this. I had a SCAR 16S that I sold last year and ran PMAGs in it and never knew it to be a problem. Recently picked up another one (NIB) and saw this before I made the same mistake!! I checked them and sure enough the PMAGs would have caused a problem but now they are fixed. Once again thank you!

[MP_OHIO]

We "aim" to please

[Justin-Beard]

To answer some PMAG/EMAG questions that have come up here you'll need to know some background:
The PMAG was optimized for the Colt M16. While they tend to work quite well with the vast majority of aftermarket AR15's out there, some platforms such as the SCAR 16 differ from the Colt-spec and may or may not have issues. BTW mil issue SCARS do not seem to have any problems with PMAGs in terms of bolt catch interference or drop-free performance. Maybe they just haven't noticed any carrier wear or maybe their lowers are different from civilian models but, regardless, they have never reported any issues.

Also note that the STANAG 4179 spec was never actually adopted. Even so, to truly meet that draft-standard a magazine will have to be made of stamped aluminum so no polymer mag could ever be "STANAG 4179 compliant". Regardless, the PMAG was optimized for the Colt M16 and absolute compatibility with every weapon on the market was not a consideration.

The EMAG was optimized for the HK 416's tighter magwell as well as its 5 degree magwell angle (the Colt spec is 10 degrees). These tighter dimensions allow the EMAG to have a better chance of dropping free from the SCAR versus the PMAG, but this will also vary since the SCAR's magwell tends to have a little bit of warp in it (hourglass shape). Again, the military has not reported any drop-free issues with PMAGs but we've seen civilian models vary from fitting PMAGs fine to not dropping EMAGs or even USGI mags. While we initially listed the SCAR as being compatible with the EMAG, we pulled it from our website description long ago when these bolt catch issues first came to light.

For those wondering the advantages of the PMAG over USGI:

• PMAG internal geometry uses an aggressive constant curve to improve reliability (the USGI has a curved then straight section to work with the M16 straight mag well).
• PMAG has a corrosive resistant stainless steel spring, USGI uses stock music wire.
• PMAG has a 4 way anti tilt follower as standard (only very recent USGI mags have this).
• PMAG has a floorplate that is easier to remove and more robust than a USGI.
• PMAG body has better crush strength than a USGI.
• PMAG feedlips have better impact strength than a USGI.
• In combat deployment after-action reports, the PMAG far out lasts USGI mags in theater.
• PMAG is functional after a 500 hour simulated salt spray test (the USGI fails).
• PMAG has a dust cover (use is optional) that will keep dust and debris out of the magazine during long term storage.
• PMAG has a much, much lower IR signature than a USGI.
• PMAG body is easier to handle in both extreme hot and cold temperatures.
• PMAG has color options and it's color is embedded. USGI finish can wear off.
• PMAG has an option for a round count window (MagLevel) that can read rounds remaining that are obscured by the magazine well.
• All PMAGs go through the same QC control (internal and external gauge check for EVERY magazine that leaves the factory).
• Not all USGI mags are built for the US GOV and not all a built to remotely similar standards.

It is also worth noting that PMAGs are in a constant state of revision based upon feedback we receive and new production methods. While the PMAG retains the same basic look it started with, it has been continually updated and it's performance far out shines the original from 5 years ago.
The newest generation PMAG being released this Spring, the M3, is the strongest by far. It has the additional benefits of being fully compatible with the the HK 416, SA80A2 and the FN SCAR (same feedtower geometry as the EMAG with a larger notch in the back to accommodate the unique SCAR bolt catch). It also has a slim line floorplate option, additional gripping texture, over-travel stop, and a paint pen matrix for individually marking your magazines.

Justin Beard
Sales and Service Manager
Magpul Industries Corp.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

To answer some PMAG/EMAG questions .....

Justin Beard
Sales and Service Manager
Magpul Industries Corp.

Justin, welcome to FNForum. Thanks for the information.

[Justin-Beard]

Appreciate the welcome! While we normally do not monitor these forums, if anyone has any questions they are more than welcome to contact us directly anytime:

techsupport@magpul.com
or
877-4MAGPUL

[jbgill6535]

Great info. Took no time at all to mod 20 with a dremmel!