AK-47 magazines

[Noslack71]

I have done a search for AK magaznes and a couple of different variables but, the search returned 0 hits. My google fu may be weak this morning.

I have two questions for those with experience (QP's & BTDT folks). 1St is how would you gentlemen rate the polymer AK-47 magagazines vice the steel ones, dependability, stoppage issues, maintenance and, general desirability?
2nd question for riding around Baghdad in a non-descript. un amored HOOPDI, in your professional opinion, how would you rank order the following weapon\s to take with you AK-74, M-4 or, the MP- 5. In addition to the shorts you carry.


Thank you for your time

Noslack

[The Reaper]

I have not used the poly mags in the AK, but every other long gun I tried them in, they were problematic.

The steel AK magazine is strong, reliable, and heavy.

Most military organizations have abandoned the 9mm SMG in favor of a carbine chambered for an intermediate round. With very limited exceptions, the 5.45/5.56 carbine is going to be far superior to the MP-5.

The M-4 is more accurate, more ergonomic, allows a far better assortment of attachments, including optical sights, but is slightly less reliable.

Ultimately, the choice between the AK or the M-4 would be driven by support and supply issues, and whether you are trying to appear to be something other than what you might be.

Best of luck.

TR

[HOLLiS]

I have two AK 74's and they have the poly mags. I think the big difference with the AK74's Poly Mags vs M4 poly mags, is that the mags for the M4 must be of the same size of the metal mags to be able to fit into the mag well. The Ak74 has the same mag well as the AK 47, the mags then are made thicked and beefier than the poly mags I have seen for the M4. I have not had any problems with the AK74 mags yet (500+ rds). I do have one steel mag for the AK74. The Poly mag for the AK74 is much more popular. The steel mags, I have not seen for sell.

I really like shooting the 5.45 round and it is much cheaper to shoot factory ammo out of. Disclaimer, being retired, it is all fun and frolick for me.

[jbour13]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

I have not used the poly mags in the AK, but every other long gun I tried them in, they were problematic.

The steel AK magazine is strong, reliable, and heavy.

Most military organizations have abandoned the 9mm SMG in favor of a carbine chambered for an intermediate round. With very limited exceptions, the 5.45/5.56 carbine is going to be far superior to the MP-5.

The M-4 is more accurate, more ergonomic, allows a far better assortment of attachments, including optical sights, but is slightly less reliable.

Ultimately, the choice between the AK or the M-4 would be driven by support and supply issues, and whether you are trying to appear to be something other than what you might be.

Best of luck.

TR

There are a handful of police agencies now that are playing with the 6.8 as an entry gun round in the M-4 platform.

So far it is pretty good at getting velocities and accuracy out of shorter barrels (8in, 10.5's and even a 6in upper being developed).

I can speak for one manufacturer and say that they've really busted the barrier on barrel length and accuracy. Another manufacturer of AR-15's in the 6.8 (who shall remain nameless, since he's a good guy and took it well) ran one of his 16in uppers and shot an 8in group at 400yards. Pretty good shooting. Well, we ran our upper and got the same result at 400 yards, out of an 8in upper, No BS.

A retired Special Operations Soldier gave up some of his time to assist the company in demonstrating the new rifles capabilities and he was equally impressed (and he knows his poop) at the accuracy, controllability and power of the 6.8 in an 8in upper.

The attached image is the shot group at 100yds from the prone (up on the elbows). The man can shoot, nuff said.

If interested in more info, PM me and I'll pass along the link (unless Admins or QP's don't mind a shameless plug).

[Tuukka]

The Finnish Defence Forces went to a polymer magazine some years back.

The current issue ones are black, the earlier green colored did have issues and the newer ones cured those.

In my own service I did not experience a single malfunction on the three rifles issued to me, so no magazine related issues then either.

I also did not witness issues with the rifles and magazines of my fellow soldiers.

[Team Sergeant]

Originally Posted by jbour13

There are a handful of police agencies now that are playing with the 6.8 as an entry gun round in the M-4 platform.

Police work in totally "permissive" environments and usually face one bad man with little to no weapons training.

My point, don't compare our operating environment to one of a US LEO, it's apples and watermelons.

95% of all police "sniper" shots are under 100 meters. Not what I would call a requirement for a trained sniper......

I would, in a heart beat, utilize a shotgun for 95% of the police, bad-guy confrontations, entry weapon etc.

The reason is the ease of re-supply in a "permissive environment". Police do not face multiple threats from 360 degrees and re-supply that could take days. Police don't sleep and eat with weapons 24/7 for years at a time.

Again, don't compare the "permissive" operating environment of a police officer to that of a soldier.

Cops can and will use every type of weapon their departments will aloow them to use. Where's that post on the moron sheriff that purchased a dozen very expensive elephant guns....

[Kyobanim]

Where's that post on the moron sheriff that purchased a dozen very expensive elephant guns....

That would be our local Sherriff who decided not to run for re-election this year.

[jbour13]

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

Police work in totally "permissive" environments and usually face one bad man with little to no weapons training.

My point, don't compare our operating environment to one of a US LEO, it's apples and watermelons.

95% of all police "sniper" shots are under 100 meters. Not what I would call a requirement for a trained sniper......

I would, in a heart beat, utilize a shotgun for 95% of the police, bad-guy confrontations, entry weapon etc.

The reason is the ease of re-supply in a "permissive environment". Police do not face multiple threats from 360 degrees and re-supply that could take days. Police don't sleep and eat with weapons 24/7 for years at a time.

Again, don't compare the "permissive" operating environment of a police officer to that of a soldier.

Cops can and will use every type of weapon their departments will aloow them to use. Where's that post on the moron sheriff that purchased a dozen very expensive elephant guns....

I agree and I never intended for it to be a comparison for Soldiers or Police. I don't see anywhere in my post that I drew that comparison TS......

I would say that it is a horse apples vs apples debate.

If you drew my comparison out of stating a former Soldier was the tester of this platform I apologize. But my statement stands, LEO community is the primary user.

Besides I came off topic since this was an AK Magazine thread.