Best combloc AK mags

ericoak · Aug 20, 2016

I remember 7 years ago when there were a ton of steel combloc mags out there from many countries. Looks like those have mostly dried up, the ones I am seeing now are Croatian magazines. So what's the best bang for your buck now? Not interested in plastic or Bakelite magazines.

I also preferred the ones that were flat in the back as opposed to the steel ridge most of the ones I see nowadays have, those cut into my hand.

rob-cubed · Aug 20, 2016

The flatbacks are all going to be pre-ban Chinese, or Chugo (Chinese exported from Yugoslavia). A few years ago a ton of new, old-storage flatbacks came in by way of Yugoslavia for around $10-12 each, which took the bottom out of the post-ban market. So thankfully you can still find the flatbacks pretty cheaply on the forums if you are diligent.

The best spined combloc are East Germans, Polish, Hungarian or Russian. But pretty much any milsurp combloc mag will work great, even the Romanians with their sloppy welding and grind jobs. The Yugoslavians also had an interesting design with a pop-up follower.

The Bulgarians started producing thinner metal mags for export only, there are also crappy South Korean exports out there. Basically avoid anything not originally made for a military contract. I can't speak for anything newer hailing from Croatia but for years they exported a mixed bag of milsurp mags originating from any number of countries. Pretty much dumping whatever was left from the conflict.

The amount of imported AK stuff has definitely dropped off, from parts kits to mags to barrels. Not sure why, but the heady days of easy parts definitely seem to be behind us.

Striknine · Aug 21, 2016

Video of Croatian mag production.

https://youtu.be/wtwWCEdW2U4

iH8DemLibz · Aug 21, 2016

"How It's Made" on steroids.

AssMan · Aug 21, 2016

I have bought and used the Croatian mags. They are BHO, which I like, and have been 100% reliable for me. My only complaint is that the finish is very thin - but it's easy enough to just rattle can them. PSA has them cheap right now. I think they're selling a package of 5 Croatian and 5 Pmags for $89. Sale ends this weekend I think.

Edit: I see that you're looking for a flat spine. The Croatian are flat. IMO unless you're a collector or don't like the BHO feature, these are a steal at $8.99. I'll probably buy another dozen or so. FYI, they are also a thinner steel than the Romanian and Yugo milsurps I have. I personally think they're plenty sturdy and appreciate the lighter weight, but some may prefer a more stout mag.

AssMan · Aug 23, 2016

So I'm going to retract my above assertion that the Croatian mags are welded flat - I just found two that have a spine. My other Croatian ones don't so I'm not sure what to say on that.

ken792 · Aug 23, 2016

A lot of Chinese ones (with the flat back) were imported from the Balkans, so that's probably what it is. The Chinese ones are good since they don't have the ridge along the back. They're about $30 each right now.

Performance wise, the surplus mags are about identical unless they are damaged. They were all made to work in mil-spec AK's.

The Soviet waffle pattern aluminum mags are good too. You don't have to worry about rust and they don't weigh a ton. I would worry about denting them if you drop them in rocks.

BLACKTALON · Aug 23, 2016

buy some bakelite mags or Circle 10 if you want the best

highli99 · Aug 23, 2016

[YT]dgpEuCUm6SE[/YT]

fidelity · Aug 23, 2016

BLACKTALON said:
buy some bakelite mags or Circle 10 if you want the best

Circle 10s (from Arsenal in Bulgaria) are easier to find right now. I was looking for both.

I saw that AIM Surplus had 30-rd Polish AK mags the other day, but don't know how they're regarded.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

BLACKTALON · Aug 24, 2016

highli99 said:
[YT]dgpEuCUm6SE[/YT]

so sad he dosnt make videos anymore. if you want to stack cheap mags wait for rusty mag sales if you want the best weight,durability and style waffle (10)

AssMan · Aug 24, 2016

fidelity said:
Circle 10s (from Arsenal in Bulgaria) are easier to find right now. I was looking for both.

I saw that AIM Surplus had 30-rd Polish AK mags the other day, but don't know how they're regarded.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Do the BHO mags work in the AR/Hybrids? Have you tried any BHO's in the PSA?

ken792 · Aug 24, 2016

fidelity said:
I saw that AIM Surplus had 30-rd Polish AK mags the other day, but don't know how they're regarded.

Those are mags refinished with a heavy paint. Some people have got mags with active rust under the paint. They're ugly, but they work. On some AK's, you have to use them a bit to get them to loosen up since the paint makes for a tight fit.

fidelity · Aug 24, 2016

snallygaster said:
Do the BHO mags work in the AR/Hybrids? Have you tried any BHO's in the PSA?

No chance yet. I have these and 4 other types of AK mags (Palm USA, Yugos, etc) waiting at an out of state location that I'll travel to in fall.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

fidelity · Aug 24, 2016

ken792 said:
Those are mags refinished with a heavy paint. Some people have got mags with active rust under the paint. They're ugly, but they work. On some AK's, you have to use them a bit to get them to loosen up since the paint makes for a tight fit.

Thanks for the insight.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

rob-cubed · Aug 25, 2016

Another vote for Bulgarian ((10))s. They are lightweight and durable. The newer Russian poly mags are great too but more of a collector's item.

Best combloc AK mags

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

don't drop Aboma on me

In need of moderation

Active Member

When All Else Fails.

Meh...

Meh...

Ultimate Member

Ammo is like food

Ultimate Member

piled higher and deeper

Ammo is like food

Meh...

Ultimate Member

piled higher and deeper

piled higher and deeper

In need of moderation

Users who are viewing this thread

Log in

Forum statistics