AICS Magazines - Preferred Brands?

[MikeMcCasland]

I dropped off components to build out my first AICS fed bolt gun today, and am in the market for a few mags. It's a short action .473 build, off an Atlas Tactical, using M5 bottom metal.

I'd prefer to stay away from p-mags if only for aesthetic reasons, but was curious if there was a "go to" metal mag that's 'the best'? Will probably get a few 5 & 10rders.

Also, does anyone make a 'sled' for AICS setups?

Any help or direction is appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I got some arc mags from area 419 and they run real good. I dont think theyre everybodys choice though

 

[tomswede]

There is a Bob Sled for AICS. Have one in my Eliseo chassis, works great.

 

[ToddKS]

Be prepared to tune feed lips on whatever brand you buy. You may not need to but my rifle, for example, requires some work on the mags for the rounds to feed consistently.

I have used Accuracy International mags with good results. I also have a 12 round MDT mag that I have been working with. So far it is feeding well. Finish on the MDT mag is not as nice as the AI mags but that is cosmetic.

I started with PMAGS. I was able to make them work but doing so required a fair amount of file work on the feed lips. On one mag I went too far and ruined it. I would not recommend the PMAG route personally but many people use them.

Depending on the caliber you are loading for, you may want magazines without a binder plate to allow for a longer OAL. I have removed the binder plate from an AI mag. It was a bit of a pain and left the follower loose. I had an issue with this mag at the last match which is part of the reason I am experimenting with the MDT mag as it comes designed without the binder plate. I can run with the binder plate but it is tight. Not having the binder plate gives me some room for error if my OAL is not 100% consistent.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I run Accurate mags and AI mags, among others. These two brands I have never had an issue with.

Don Dunlap

 

[littlebuddybr]

I use mostly ai and a few accurate mags. No issues. Yet.

 

[Steve Donlon]

I have a couple of the Bob Sleds and they work good, I also have a couple made by PTG and are made from solid aluminum with an adjustable catch so so can set them at any height. Where the Bob Sleds sit sort of low and are made of a composite. They work but the PTG ones are adjustable.

 

[pikespeakgoat]

I have AI, Accurate and P-mags, no issues with any of them in 243W. You don't say which cartridge, so you may be able to use mags with binder plate or maybe not to achieve you proper COAL.

However in those mags which I use the BR case, I have found none to run 100%....I just ordered a couple MDT BR versions to try.

 

[MikeMcCasland]

Thanks for the info guys; really appreciate it.

FWIW - it's for a 6.5CM.

 

[DirtySteve]

Area 419 has great customer service. They made an error on an order for me and promptly corrected it.

 

[BP1]

Thanks for the info guys; really appreciate it.

FWIW - it's for a 6.5CM.

Mike get the Accurate mags without the binder plate.

 

[mtnman31]

I mostly use Accurate Mag. I've had zero issues with them for .308, .260, and 6.5cm.

Ruger's factory mags for their scout rifle are Accurate Mag made. I found a bunch of them for 10 bucks each and bought a few.

 

[Papa Charlie]

P-Mag. I purchased one just to test it out, not expecting much from a plastic magazine. But this is a great unit. Used by the US Military and has performed flawlessly for me. Can't complain about the prices either.