{"id":201762,"date":"2024-06-15T21:29:50","date_gmt":"2024-06-16T02:29:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=201762"},"modified":"2026-10-18T14:13:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T19:13:28","slug":"complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines\/","title":{"rendered":"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer, Hybrid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The best AR-15 magazine is the one that runs every time in your rifle. After that, here is how our writer Robert Sadowski picks them: Brownells 30-round for aluminum, Duramag SS for steel, the Magpul PMAG Gen M3 for polymer and the Lancer L5AWM for a hybrid.<\/strong> He has run all of them in his own rifles, and his favorite aluminum mag, OKAY Industries SureFeed, went out of production in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every type has a trade. Aluminum is light but dents. Steel shrugs off abuse but adds weight. Polymer will not dent, yet the feed lips can crack. A hybrid puts steel lips on a polymer body. The quick picks are in the table, then the full guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3630-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"metal, polymer and hybrid AR15 magazines\" class=\"wp-image-201763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3630-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3630-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3630-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3630-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3630.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are all told the better we eat, the better we feel. The same goes for AR-15 magazines. Don\u2019t let your gun get heartburn from bad magazines because it will lead to unreliability and there is no antacid pill to cure a jammed gun in a gunfight. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-best-ar-15-magazines-at-a-glance\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines\" title=\"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer, Hybrid\" data-level=\"2\">Best AR-15 Magazines at a Glance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-keep-ar-15-magazines-running\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines\" title=\"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer, Hybrid\" data-level=\"2\">How to Keep AR-15 Magazines Running<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faq\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines\" title=\"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer, Hybrid\" data-level=\"2\">FAQ<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-most-reliable-ar-15-magazine\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines\" title=\"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer, Hybrid\" data-level=\"3\">What is the most reliable AR-15 magazine?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-are-metal-or-polymer-ar-15-magazines-better\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines\" title=\"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer, Hybrid\" data-level=\"3\">Are metal or polymer AR-15 magazines better?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-should-you-lubricate-ar-15-magazines\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines\" title=\"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer, Hybrid\" data-level=\"3\">Should you lubricate AR-15 magazines?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-is-a-30-round-ar-15-magazine-high-capacity\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines\" title=\"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer, Hybrid\" data-level=\"3\">Is a 30-round AR-15 magazine high capacity?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-are-okay-industries-surefeed-magazines-still-made\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines\" title=\"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer, Hybrid\" data-level=\"3\">Are OKAY Industries SureFeed magazines still made?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-best-ar-15-magazines-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best AR-15 Magazines at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Pick<\/th><th>Body<\/th><th>Why it made the list<\/th><th>Price Rob paid or saw<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Brownells AR-15 30-Round<\/td><td>Aluminum<\/td><td>USGI spec with a Magpul anti-tilt follower; survived drops on cement with no feed lip dents<\/td><td>About $11<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Duramag SS<\/td><td>410 stainless steel<\/td><td>Dropped loaded on cement, then ran perfectly at the range<\/td><td>Over $19<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>ASC stainless<\/td><td>Stainless steel<\/td><td>A cheaper steel option<\/td><td>About $18<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Magpul PMAG 30 AR\/M4 Gen M3<\/td><td>Polymer<\/td><td>Beefed up over the M2, textured front and rear, dot matrix marking panel<\/td><td>About $15 ($18 Window, $13 Gen M2)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>HexMag and Mission First Tactical<\/td><td>Polymer<\/td><td>Reliable and tough in his use; HexMag texture gives a sure grip<\/td><td>About $15<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Strike 33-Round<\/td><td>Polymer<\/td><td>Three extra rounds, smoke body, thumb reference bump<\/td><td>About $11<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lancer L5AWM<\/td><td>Polymer body, hardened steel feed lips<\/td><td>Translucent body, 5-round versions for hunting<\/td><td>About $22<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Prices are from when this guide was written. Check current listings before you buy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want a second opinion on the Lancer? Our <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/lancer-systems-l5awm-hybrid-translucent-magazine-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"complete-guide-more-or-less-to-ar-15-magazines\" title=\"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer, Hybrid\">Lancer L5AWM review<\/a> ran them for about a year and a half without a single malfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=AR-15+magazine\" campaign=\"ar15-mags-guide\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">&#x1f6d2; Check Current Price for AR-15 Magazines on GunsAmerica<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ar-15-magazines-metal-vs-polymer-vs-hybrid\">AR-15 Magazines: Metal Vs. Polymer Vs. Hybrid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are three types of AR-15 magazines: metal, polymer, or hybrid. Metal magazines have either an aluminum or steel body. Polymer magazines have, you guessed it, a polymer body. A hybrid magazine has a polymer body with metal feed lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than likely your new AR-15 came with a polymer magazine. The upside with polymer magazines is that they are dent and bend-resistant. The downside is they are heavier than metal (aluminum or steel) and the feed lips can crack. When that happens, hopefully on the range, deep-six it and buy a new one. And another check in the pro column for polymer magazines: They are usually quite affordable. The Magpul PMAG is an example of a polymer AR-15 magazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Metal magazines can be dented and feed lips can be bent. They are, however, lightweight and are not affected by extremes in temperature. Steel magazines are heavier than aluminum magazines and better resist dents and mucked-up feed lips. An example in the aluminum category is the Brownells USGI Type. A steel AR-15 magazine example is the Duramag SS, which is made of stainless steel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3634-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"OKAY Industries SureFeed magazines\" class=\"wp-image-201770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3634-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3634-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3634-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3634-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3634-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">OKAY Industries SureFeed aluminum magazines are no longer made. They were a benchmark in AR-15 magazine design.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hybrid AR-15 magazines have metal feed lips that resist cracking while the polymer body resists dent. Kind of the best of both worlds. Some are translucent so you can see how much is left in the tank. Hybrid magazines are usually heavier than metal magazines. The Lancer Systems L5AWM is an example of a hybrid magazine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-parts-of-an-ar-15-magazine\">Parts Of An AR-15 Magazine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An AR-15 magazine whether hybrid, metal, or polymer has a body, spring, follower, floor plate, and baseplate. Never lubricate a magazine, doing so will guarantee the magazines will muck up when you least expect it. Polymer and metal magazines are easy to disassemble. Some are sealed, meaning they cannot be disassembled, like the TangoDown MK3 magazines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"603\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3641-1024x603.jpg\" alt=\"Magpul PMAG magazine disassembled\" class=\"wp-image-201776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3641-1024x603.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3641-400x236.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3641-150x88.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3641-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3641.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Magpul PMAG magazine is simple to disassemble.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-high-capacity-vs-standard-capacity\">High-Capacity vs Standard-Capacity <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some in the news media would have us believe a 30-round AR-15 is a high-capacity magazine when, in fact, it is the most common type, which makes it a standard-capacity magazine. When I think of high-capacity AR-15 magazines I think of the old and now discontinued 60-round SureFire metal magazines, the Magpul PMAG D-60, or the KCI 100-round Gen 2 drum magazine. The D-60 and the KCI drum are still available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3640-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Lancer L5AWM 5-round capacity hybrid magazines.\" class=\"wp-image-201775\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3640-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3640-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3640-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3640-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3640.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lancer L5AWM 5-round capacity hybrid magazines are an excellent choice for an AR-15 hunting magazine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I use low-capacity magazines, 5-round capacity, when hunting. I also like to use 10- or 20-round magazines when shooting off a bench. The long 30-round AR-15 magazines can sometimes interfere with the bench top and make shooting less comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-best-options\">What Are The Best Options?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My philosophy for which magazine is best is simple: Whatever works reliably in your gun. I know that\u2019s a bit snarky, but it\u2019s true. My next criterion for an AR-15 magazine is cost. I\u2019m a frugal Yankee but that doesn\u2019t mean I buy my magazines at the Dollar Store. Expect to pay roughly $11 to $22 for a 30-round magazine. A magazine is a wear-use item that eventually needs to be thrown away. I doubt many shooters wear out their AR-15 magazines. More than likely they will be damaged and fail first. That said I have some magazines that have lasted many, many years. Decades even.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-in-aluminum-brownells-ar-15-30-round-magazine\">Best In Aluminum: Brownells AR-15 30-Round Magazine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This would go to OKAY Industries SureFeed magazines, but unfortunately, the company that has been making AR-15 magazines since 1973 discontinued production in 2022. I stocked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3631-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"OKAY Industries SureFeed ar15 magazine\" class=\"wp-image-201765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3631-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3631-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3631-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3631-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3631.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">OKAY Industries SureFeed magazines were one of the first aluminum body AR-15 magazines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Runner-up is Brownells AR-15 30-round magazine. I have so many of them that I include them in my net worth. My accountant doesn\u2019t get it. Brownells mags are made to USGI specs and use Magpul anti-tilt followers. I\u2019ve dropped these mags on cement and no feed lip dents. These cost about $11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3636-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Brownells AR-15 30-round magazine\" class=\"wp-image-201771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3636-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3636-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3636-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3636-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3636.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Brownells AR-15 30-round magazine are built to USGI specs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-in-steel-duramag-ss\">Best In Steel: Duramag SS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Duramag SS are made with 410 stainless steel for durability. When I first got my hands on these magazines, I loaded them up and dropped them on the cement. My wife asked what I was doing and I said it was a classified experiment. The Duramag magazines did not fail. Then, I took the beat-up mags to the range and they ran perfectly. I\u2019m also partial to the orange follower. Not sure why? They cost more, over $19 when I bought them, and they are worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3632-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Duramag SS AR15 Magazine\" class=\"wp-image-201767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3632-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3632-1-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3632-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3632-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3632-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Duramag SS AR-15 magazines are constructed of stainless steel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are pinching pennies, the ASC (Ammunition Storage Components) stainless steel magazines are about $18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3638-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Duramag SS ar15 magazine\" class=\"wp-image-201773\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3638-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3638-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3638-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3638.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A good choice for a steel AR-15 magazine is the Duramag SS. It is tough and durable.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-in-polymer-magpul-pmag-30-ar-m4-gen-m3\">Best In Polymer: Magpul PMAG 30 AR\/M4 Gen M3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So I have used a lot of Magpul magazines. Mostly Gen M2, and now that the Gen M3 are available, the Gen M2 variants are a couple of bucks cheaper. But, there is always a but, the Gen M3 are the latest and greatest and bulked up in areas, plus they have added front and rear texture. You can mark the magazine using the dot matrix pattern on the side to easily identify a mag loaded with defense ammo rather than target ammo, or I add a rubber band to those I train with. Gen M3 cost about $15. If you want the variant with the Gen M3 Window it is about $18. Gen M2 mags cost about $13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3637-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Magpul Gen M2 and Gen M3 magazines\" class=\"wp-image-201772\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3637-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3637-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3637-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3637.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Magpul Gen M2 and Gen M3 magazines are both the defacto polymer magazines for many AR-15 manufacturers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have also used HexMag magazines and found them reliable and tough. The hex texture on the body offers a sure grasp. I have also used Mission First Tactical Extreme Duty Magazine and found them to stand up to abuse. Both HexMags and Mission First 30-round mags go for about $15. If you want to add three more rounds to total capacity, the Strike AR-15 Magazine has a 33-round capacity. The smoke body allows you to see the remaining round count. It also has a bump on the spine for your thumb so it can be used as a consistent reference point when drawing it from a mag pouch or chest rig. Strike mags are about $11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3633-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"HexMag ar15 magazine\" class=\"wp-image-201768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3633-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3633-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3633-113x150.jpg 113w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3633.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">HexMag AR-15 magazine is a good alternative in a polymer magazine; the hex texture is unique and offers a good grasp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-in-hybrid-lancer-systems-l5awm\">Best In Hybrid: Lancer Systems L5AWM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lancer L5AWM (Advanced Warfighter Magazine) is built with hardened steel feed lips molded into a polymer body. This offers the reliability of steel and the durability and weight of polymer. It is like a win-win. I use 5-round capacity Lancer mags in my 300 BLK hunting AR. The smaller magazine fits easily in any pocket and is compliant with some state hunting laws. I broke my own rule with Lancer mags because I like the translucent smoke body to determine round count easily. These cost about $22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3639-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Lancer L5AWM ar15 magazine \" class=\"wp-image-201774\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3639-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3639-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3639-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3639-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3639.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Lancer L5AWM is an example of a hybrid AR-15 magazine, constructed of both polymer and steel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-keep-ar-15-magazines-running\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Keep AR-15 Magazines Running<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Do not oil them.<\/strong> Lube collects grit and causes the very jams you are trying to avoid.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Watch the feed lips.<\/strong> A cracked polymer lip or a bent metal lip is the usual failure. Retire that mag.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mark your mags.<\/strong> Use the PMAG dot matrix panel or a rubber band to keep carry mags apart from range mags.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Match the mag to the job.<\/strong> Five rounders for hunting where the law requires it, 10 or 20 rounders for bench work, 30 rounders for everything else.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-is-the-most-reliable-ar-15-magazine\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the most reliable AR-15 magazine?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The one that runs in your rifle. Our writer has had good results with Brownells aluminum, Duramag SS steel, Magpul PMAG Gen M3 and Lancer L5AWM mags, and our Lancer reviewer ran his for about a year and a half with zero malfunctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-are-metal-or-polymer-ar-15-magazines-better\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are metal or polymer AR-15 magazines better?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither wins everywhere. Metal is lighter and handles temperature extremes but can dent. Polymer resists dents but the feed lips can crack. A hybrid like the Lancer L5AWM pairs steel lips with a polymer body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-should-you-lubricate-ar-15-magazines\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should you lubricate AR-15 magazines?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Oil attracts dirt and leads to malfunctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-is-a-30-round-ar-15-magazine-high-capacity\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a 30-round AR-15 magazine high capacity?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Thirty rounds is the standard AR-15 magazine. Drums and 60-round mags are high capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-are-okay-industries-surefeed-magazines-still-made\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are OKAY Industries SureFeed magazines still made?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. OKAY Industries, which made AR-15 magazines from 1973, ended production in 2022.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The best AR-15 magazine is the one that runs every time in your rifle. After that, here is how our writer Robert Sadowski picks them: Brownells 30-round for aluminum, Duramag SS for steel, the Magpul PMAG Gen M3 for polymer and the Lancer L5AWM for a hybrid. He has run all of them in his [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":201763,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[59,7,109,771],"tags":[613,102,1836,3123,345],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":["post-201762","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ar-15-gear-reviews","category-gunsamerica-authors","category-gear-reviews","category-robert-sadowski","tag-ar-15","tag-feature-articles","tag-gear-guide","tag-gear-reviews","tag-magazine"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.7 (Yoast SEO v28.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer and Hybrid<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The best AR-15 magazines by type: Brownells aluminum, Duramag SS steel, Magpul PMAG Gen M3 polymer and Lancer L5AWM hybrid. 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Sadowski is an American writer and journalist. He has written about firearms and 2A issues for decades, and has trained with some of the country\u2019s finest firearm instructors in handguns, rifles\\\/carbines, shotguns and long-range shooting. He has also had the opportunity to interview numerous individuals deeply involved in protecting our 2nd Amendment. He a is a frequent contributor to numerous gun-enthusiast publications, a few of which include: \u2022 TheArmorylife.com \u2022 TheTruthAboutGuns.com \u2022 GunsAmerica.com \u2022 GunBroker.com \u2022 Gun-Tests.com \u2022 Shooting Illustrated \u2022 SHOT Business \u2022 Gun Digest Sadowski is also the author of numerous gun books, including: \\\"9MM \u2014 Guide to America\u2019s Most Popular Caliber\\\" and \\\"Book Of Glock,\\\" both of which were #1 new releases on Amazon. He also wrote the popular DIY gun book series: Shooter\u2019s Bible Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly, and Cleaning Volume 1 and Volume 2. 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Sadowski is also the Treasurer\\\/Secretary of the GLOCK Collectors Association, a non-profit organization with the mission to educate and preserve: Educate the public on the models, variations, and commemoratives built by GLOCK, as well as provide members with information on GLOCK serial numbers, importation, and other facts unique to GLOCK pistols.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/author\\\/robertsadowski\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Best AR-15 Magazines: Aluminum, Steel, Polymer and Hybrid","description":"The best AR-15 magazines by type: Brownells aluminum, Duramag SS steel, Magpul PMAG Gen M3 polymer and Lancer L5AWM hybrid. 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Sadowski is an American writer and journalist. He has written about firearms and 2A issues for decades, and has trained with some of the country\u2019s finest firearm instructors in handguns, rifles\/carbines, shotguns and long-range shooting. He has also had the opportunity to interview numerous individuals deeply involved in protecting our 2nd Amendment. He a is a frequent contributor to numerous gun-enthusiast publications, a few of which include: \u2022 TheArmorylife.com \u2022 TheTruthAboutGuns.com \u2022 GunsAmerica.com \u2022 GunBroker.com \u2022 Gun-Tests.com \u2022 Shooting Illustrated \u2022 SHOT Business \u2022 Gun Digest Sadowski is also the author of numerous gun books, including: \"9MM \u2014 Guide to America\u2019s Most Popular Caliber\" and \"Book Of Glock,\" both of which were #1 new releases on Amazon. He also wrote the popular DIY gun book series: Shooter\u2019s Bible Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly, and Cleaning Volume 1 and Volume 2. Other gun books authored by Sadowski include \"50 Guns That Changed the World,\" and edited \"The M16A1 Rifle: Operation and Preventive Maintenance\"originally published by the U.S. Department of the Army. He also edits the annual \"Gun Trader's Guide\" to firearm values. Sadowski is also the Treasurer\/Secretary of the GLOCK Collectors Association, a non-profit organization with the mission to educate and preserve: Educate the public on the models, variations, and commemoratives built by GLOCK, as well as provide members with information on GLOCK serial numbers, importation, and other facts unique to GLOCK pistols.","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/robertsadowski\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_3630-150x113.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/201762","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=201762"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/201762\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":259041,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/201762\/revisions\/259041"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/201763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=201762"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=201762"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=201762"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=201762"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=201762"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}