M1A - M14 Mags!

**bellson** · 01-22-2013, 01:26 AM

So, this is just a sad sob story. It is me being sad and sobbing!

In 1999, before the big bad bans took place in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia, I bought a total of 16 "M14 Magazines". These are 20 round mags, I got them, I put them away, I never touched them.

I had one 10 Round Mag, and one 20 Round mag, and these are all I ever used when I took the rifle to the range.

I finally decided to take these mags out to the range. I first tested each one with 5 dummies on the bench and made adjustments as needed. 13 of the 16 functioned with 10 rounds at the range. BUT, when loaded with 15 or more rounds, they all failed. Mostly, they spit rounds (unfired) out during each cycle. They also tended to swell to the point where it was difficult to seat the mag into the rifle.

I took some apart after returning from the range, and the bottom retaining plates could be bend into a banana shape and not return to normal, indicating that these are not tempered or heat-treated.

End result, these mags as they are can not be trusted or relied upon.

My question is this: Can I reasonably heat treat the mag bodies, or should I just resign myself to buying replacement parts. Since I live in Kalifornia, this would be my ONLY recourse under the law.

I welcome your thoughts and input.

BTW: Does anyone out there have any mag bodies that they might be willing to part with? Springs I can get. Followers I can get, Floorplates I can get. Bodies is what I need.

Anyone????

Regards,

moleman · 01-22-2013, 08:52 AM

Thats sucks... I haven't seen replacement mag bodies, but I haven't been looking either. I'll keep any eye out for them as well. I also got caught during the first AWB with only a few M1A mags. I tried a couple of the norinco and thought they'd be crap, but they were almost as good as USGI mags. I couldn't get any more though and eventually bought a bunch of the ones CTD was selling as G.I issue (didn't say who's army though) . IDK if they're the same ones you have, but they seem soft and do flex when loaded so I believe I'm in the same boat as you. I haven't shot a DCM match in a while to test them out though and have mostly been using it with a 5rnd mag for deer hunting. It works great in that role.

**bellson** · 01-22-2013, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moleman

Thats sucks... I haven't seen replacement mag bodies, but I haven't been looking either. I'll keep any eye out for them as well. I also got caught during the first AWB with only a few M1A mags. I tried a couple of the norinco and thought they'd be crap, but they were almost as good as USGI mags. I couldn't get any more though and eventually bought a bunch of the ones CTD was selling as G.I issue (didn't say who's army though) . IDK if they're the same ones you have, but they seem soft and do flex when loaded so I believe I'm in the same boat as you. I haven't shot a DCM match in a while to test them out though and have mostly been using it with a 5rnd mag for deer hunting. It works great in that role.

Pull the floorplate and see if it's springy, or bendy. Mine are bendy. The "Good" ones that I have (1 -10 rd and 1-20rd) are springy.

**tanvil** · 01-22-2013, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellson

Pull the floorplate and see if it's springy, or bendy. Mine are bendy. The "Good" ones that I have (1 -10 rd and 1-20rd) are springy.

I just tried this experiment with the Promags and the floorplate was VERY easy to bend.

**bellson** · 01-22-2013, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanvil

I just tried this experiment with the Promags and the floorplate was VERY easy to bend.

Please try one of the "real" ones as well. Mine are "springy". Since I do not have an actual issue one, I really want to know. My two "good" ones are commercial from Springfield Armoury, the 20 round came with the rifle, and the 10 round was bought at the same time to ensure compliance before we knew better, and is also an SA Commercial mag.

Thanks again. The info alone is very valuable.

**tanvil** · 01-22-2013, 09:19 AM

There's some real junk out there. Same with the Mini-14 mags.

If they aren't working, you'd lose nothing to try an experimental heat treat.

How is the law written?
If you can legally obtain all the parts and assemble them, it sounds like I could legally send you dis-assembled GI mags and you could assemble them at home and every one would be happy.
Is my thinking correct?

railbuggy · 01-22-2013, 09:30 AM

When I ordered a bunch of 1911 mags made by Checkmate,I saw that they were produceing M14 mags also.Just sayin...

**bellson** · 01-22-2013, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by railbuggy

When I ordered a bunch of 1911 mags made by Checkmate,I saw that they were produceing M14 mags also.Just sayin...

That is who I want to buy from. I may have to start asking favors to get them though, buy through an intermediary who would disassemble them and re-ship to me. Stupid laws.

jrs · 01-22-2013, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanvil

There's some real junk out there. Same with the Mini-14 mags.

If they aren't working, you'd lose nothing to try an experimental heat treat.

How is the law written?
If you can legally obtain all the parts and assemble them, it sounds like I could legally send you dis-assembled GI mags and you could assemble them at home and every one would be happy.
Is my thinking correct?

You are 100% correct, Tanvil. I know Bellson would be appreciative.

**bellson** · 01-22-2013, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanvil

There's some real junk out there. Same with the Mini-14 mags.

If they aren't working, you'd lose nothing to try an experimental heat treat.

How is the law written?
If you can legally obtain all the parts and assemble them, it sounds like I could legally send you dis-assembled GI mags and you could assemble them at home and every one would be happy.
Is my thinking correct?

Yup, that is about it. The end result has to be no net gain in the number of magazines. So, I can buy all the parts I want. If I can find them that is....