As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours in the field and at the range with my trusty AR-15. Over the years, I’ve learned that a reliable magazine can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day of malfunctions. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 AR-15 magazines for 2024, covering both standard and high capacity options. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the AR platform, this guide will help you choose the best magazine for your needs.
Magpul PMAG Gen M3 30-Round Magazine
When it comes to AR-15 magazines, the Magpul PMAG has been a game-changer since its introduction in 2007. The latest iteration, the Gen M3, continues to set the standard for reliability and durability. I’ve personally run these magazines through mud, sand, and even accidentally dropped them in water during a particularly eventful hunting trip. Each time, they’ve performed flawlessly.
The PMAG Gen M3 features a robust polymer construction that resists dents and impacts better than traditional metal magazines. The polymer body can flex under pressure and return to its original shape, which is a significant advantage in rough field conditions. The feed lips, a critical component of any magazine, are designed to resist spreading or cracking even after extended use or being stored fully loaded for long periods.
One of the standout features of the Gen M3 PMAG is its anti-tilt follower. This self-lubricating follower ensures smooth feeding and helps prevent common issues like double feeds or failure to feed. The follower design has been so successful that other manufacturers have adopted similar designs in their own magazines.
For those who like to keep a close eye on their round count, Magpul offers a windowed version of the PMAG. This small but useful feature allows you to quickly check your remaining ammunition without removing the magazine from your rifle. It’s particularly handy during intense shooting sessions or in low-light conditions.
The Gen M3 also incorporates some subtle improvements over its predecessors. The magazine catch area has been strengthened, and the body is slightly slimmer to ensure compatibility with a wider range of AR-15 platforms, including some non-standard models like the HK416. The texture on the body has been enhanced for better grip, which is especially useful when changing magazines with gloved hands or in wet conditions.
While the PMAG Gen M3 is slightly heavier than some aluminum magazines, the added durability and reliability more than make up for the extra ounce or two. Available in various colors and capacities (including 10, 20, 30, and even 40-round versions), there’s a PMAG to suit every shooter’s needs.
Lancer Systems L5AWM 30-Round Magazine
The Lancer Systems L5 Advanced Warfighter Magazine (AWM) represents a brilliant fusion of polymer and metal magazine technologies. As someone who appreciates innovation in firearm accessories, I was immediately drawn to the unique design of the L5AWM when it first hit the market.
The body of the L5AWM is constructed from a proprietary polymer that offers exceptional durability. Lancer has tested these magazines in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°F to +180°F, ensuring they’ll perform reliably in any climate you might encounter. The polymer body resists crushing, cracking, and chemical degradation, making it an excellent choice for hard use in challenging environments.View Product Price.
What sets the L5AWM apart from other polymer magazines is its hardened steel feed lip assembly. This clever design combines the best attributes of both polymer and metal magazines. The steel feed lips resist deformation and wear, providing consistent feeding over thousands of rounds. At the same time, the polymer body absorbs impact and prevents the feed lips from being bent out of alignment if the magazine is dropped.
Another standout feature of the L5AWM is its translucent body. Available in a range of colors, including a clear “smoke” tint, these magazines allow for quick visual verification of your remaining round count and ammunition type. This can be particularly useful if you run different loads for different purposes, such as alternating between match-grade ammunition and hunting rounds.
The L5AWM incorporates a non-tilt follower design that works in tandem with a stainless steel spring to ensure reliable feeding. The follower is designed to maintain proper orientation of the cartridges, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions. The stainless steel spring is corrosion-resistant and maintains its tension even when the magazine is stored fully loaded for extended periods.
Lancer has put significant thought into the external design of the L5AWM as well. The magazine features aggressive texturing that provides a secure grip even in adverse conditions. The base plate is designed for easy disassembly, allowing for quick cleaning and maintenance without the need for tools.
Compatibility is another strong point for the L5AWM. These magazines are designed to work with a wide range of AR-15 style rifles, including the M4, M16, SCAR 16, HK416, and many others. This versatility makes the L5AWM an excellent choice if you own multiple AR-platform rifles or if you frequently shoot different rifles at the range.
Okay Industries SureFeed E2 30-Round Magazine
For those who prefer the classic look and feel of aluminum magazines, the Okay Industries SureFeed E2 stands out as a top contender. Okay Industries has been a trusted supplier of magazines to the U.S. military for decades, and their expertise shines through in the SureFeed E2.
The SureFeed E2 is constructed from heat-treated aluminum, providing a robust yet lightweight magazine. The aluminum body is less susceptible to expansion in high temperatures compared to polymer magazines, which can be an advantage in certain climates or during high-volume shooting sessions.
One of the key improvements in the E2 model is the enhanced feed lip design. The feed lips are precisely formed and treated to reduce friction and improve bullet alignment. This results in smoother feeding and increased reliability, especially with a variety of ammunition types. The feed lips are also designed to maintain their shape over time, even when the magazine is stored fully loaded for extended periods.
The SureFeed E2 incorporates a four-way, anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower. This follower design helps prevent common issues like nosediving rounds or failures to feed. The self-lubricating feature ensures smooth operation even in dirty or dry conditions, which is particularly beneficial during extended use without cleaning.
Externally, the SureFeed E2 features textured side panels that provide a secure grip during magazine changes. This texturing is subtle enough to allow for easy insertion and removal from magazine pouches but provides enough traction to handle confidently in wet or muddy conditions.
The magazine body is finished with a durable coating that resists corrosion and wear. Okay Industries offers the SureFeed E2 in various colors, including black, tan, and gray, allowing users to color-code their magazines for different ammunition types or purposes.
One aspect of the SureFeed E2 that I particularly appreciate is its reliability with a wide range of ammunition. From light target loads to heavy subsonic rounds, these magazines feed consistently and smoothly. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for shooters who frequently switch between different types of ammunition.
Magpul PMAG D-60 Drum Magazine
While 30-round magazines are the standard for most AR-15 applications, there are times when having more rounds at your disposal is advantageous. Enter the Magpul PMAG D-60 Drum Magazine, a high-capacity option that brings 60 rounds of firepower to your AR-15 platform.
The D-60 is a marvel of engineering, packing double the capacity of a standard magazine into a relatively compact drum design. Despite its increased capacity, the D-60 is only about the length of a standard 30-round magazine with a 40-round magazine extension. This makes it a viable option for prone shooting and other positions where an extra-long magazine might be cumbersome.
Constructed from the same durable polymer as Magpul’s standard PMAGs, the D-60 is built to withstand the rigors of hard use. The drum’s outer housing is heavily reinforced to resist impacts and crushing forces. Inside, a constant-curve internal geometry ensures smooth feeding of all 60 rounds.View Product Price.
One of the most impressive features of the D-60 is its feed lip design. Unlike some drum magazines that can be prone to double feeds or misfeeds, the D-60 uses a similar feed lip geometry to standard PMAGs, providing reliable feeding round after round. The drum also incorporates a ratcheting loading lever that makes filling all 60 rounds a much easier process than you might expect.
The D-60 features a transparent window on the rear of the drum, allowing you to quickly check your remaining round count. This is particularly useful given the high capacity of the magazine. Additionally, the drum includes a spinner on the baseplate that gives you a quick visual and tactile indication of approximately how many rounds remain.
While the D-60 is significantly heavier than a standard 30-round magazine, especially when fully loaded, it offers undeniable advantages in certain situations. For competitive shooters, the D-60 can be a game-changer, allowing for extended strings of fire without reloading. In a home defense scenario, the extra capacity provides a significant advantage, reducing the need for reloads in high-stress situations.
It’s worth noting that the D-60 is not just a range toy or competition accessory. Magpul has designed this drum magazine to meet or exceed the same military standards as their standard PMAGs. It’s been tested for reliable feeding, drop resistance, and function in extreme temperatures and harsh environments.
Hexmag Series 2 30-Round Magazine
Rounding out our top five is the Hexmag Series 2, a polymer magazine that has gained a strong following among AR-15 enthusiasts. Hexmag entered the market with a focus on creating a durable, reliable magazine with unique features, and the Series 2 represents a refinement of their original design.
The most distinctive feature of the Hexmag is its hexagonal surface pattern, which gives the magazine its name. This pattern isn’t just for looks; it provides an excellent gripping surface that’s effective in wet or muddy conditions. The hexagonal texture extends to both the front and rear of the magazine, ensuring a secure grip from any angle.View Product Price.
Constructed from PolyHex2 Advanced Composite, the Hexmag Series 2 is designed to be both lightweight and durable. This proprietary material is said to offer superior impact resistance compared to some other polymer magazines on the market. In my experience, these magazines have held up well to drops and rough handling without showing signs of damage.
Inside the magazine, Hexmag uses a robust stainless steel spring and an anti-tilt follower. The follower is designed with equal-length legs to prevent tilting, ensuring that rounds are presented to the bolt face consistently. The bright orange color of the follower also serves as a visual indicator when the magazine is empty, which can be helpful during fast-paced shooting or competitions.
One unique feature of the Hexmag Series 2 is its tool-less disassembly. The floorplate can be easily removed without the need for a bullet tip or other tool, making field cleaning and maintenance a breeze. This is particularly useful if you find yourself needing to clear a malfunction or clean out debris while at the range or in the field.
Hexmag offers these magazines in a variety of colors, which can be useful for organizing different types of ammunition or for matching your rifle’s aesthetics. They also produce 10 and 15-round versions for shooters in capacity-restricted states, using their innovative “True Riser” system to maintain reliable function in the lower-capacity models.
An interesting accessory that Hexmag offers is their HexID color identification system. These are small, swappable pieces that can be inserted into the magazine to help quickly identify different loads or designate magazines for specific purposes. It’s a clever system that adds an extra level of customization and organization to your magazine collection.
Choosing the Right Magazine for Your Needs
When selecting an AR-15 magazine, there are several factors to consider:
Reliability: This should be your primary concern. A magazine that doesn’t feed reliably is worse than useless – it can turn your rifle into a frustrating single-shot weapon. All of the magazines listed in this article have proven track records for reliability, but it’s always a good idea to test any new magazine thoroughly before relying on it for critical applications.
Durability: Consider the conditions in which you’ll be using your rifle. If you’re hard on your gear or frequently shoot in harsh environments, the polymer magazines from Magpul, Lancer, or Hexmag might be your best bet. If you prefer the classic feel and performance of metal magazines, the SureFeed E2 is an excellent choice.
Capacity: Standard 30-round magazines are versatile and work well for most applications. However, if you live in a state with magazine capacity restrictions, you’ll need to opt for 10 or 15-round versions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for extended capacity for competition or range use, the Magpul D-60 offers an excellent high-capacity option.
Compatibility: While most AR-15 magazines are designed to work with standard AR-15/M16 pattern rifles, some non-standard models may have specific magazine requirements. Always verify compatibility with your specific rifle model.
Weight: If you’re building a lightweight rifle for hunting or competition, every ounce counts. In this case, you might lean towards aluminum magazines or lighter polymer options.
Price and Availability: While it’s worth investing in quality magazines, price is always a consideration. Keep in mind that it’s often more economical to buy magazines in packs of three, five, or ten.
Maintenance and Care
To ensure the longevity and reliability of your AR-15 magazines, proper maintenance is key:
1. Clean your magazines periodically, especially after use in dusty or muddy conditions. A simple wipe-down is often sufficient, but occasionally you may need to disassemble the magazine for a more thorough cleaning.
2. Inspect the feed lips regularly for signs of wear or damage. For polymer magazines, look for cracks or deformation. For metal magazines, check for bending or spreading of the feed lips.
3. Check the follower for smooth operation and ensure the spring still provides adequate tension.
4. If you store magazines loaded for long periods, consider rotating them or downloading them by a few rounds to reduce spring fatigue.
5. Keep a few dedicated magazines for training purposes. These can be older or less expensive magazines that you don’t mind subjecting to harsh treatment during drills or classes.
Conclusion
The AR-15 platform’s popularity is due in large part to its reliability and versatility, and choosing the right magazine is crucial to maintaining these qualities. Whether you opt for the battle-proven Magpul PMAG, the hybrid design of the Lancer L5AWM, the classic aluminum SureFeed E2, the high-capacity Magpul D-60, or the distinctive Hexmag Series 2, you’re equipping your rifle with some of the best magazines available in 2024.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to have a variety of magazines on hand. Different situations may call for different capacities or designs, and having options allows you to find what works best for your specific rifle and shooting style.
Lastly, whichever magazines you choose, make sure to train with them regularly. Familiarize yourself with their operation, practice reloads, and put them through their paces at the range. The most advanced magazine in the world is only as good as the shooter using it.
Now, with your AR-15 equipped with top-notch magazines, you’re ready for whatever your shooting adventures may bring. And don’t forget, when those adventures extend into the twilight hours, your trusty night vision gear from NightVisionGears.com will ensure you don’t miss a thing. Happy shooting, and stay safe out there!