AK-47 Magazines: What Is The Best AK-47 Magazine?

AK-47 Magazines:

The AK-47 Magazines are present in all categories, including capacity, steel vs. polymer, country of origin, etc. We show you how to choose the best AK magazines for your requirements and budget. The Best AK-47 Drum Magazine and its derivatives are widely available. The AK-47 is carried by every Eastern European force, guerilla army, dictator, and fictional warlord.

While there may be more AR-derived designs developed now altogether, the AK is more widely utilized and has easier access to its magazines. Every time a single gun is made by dozens of different countries and businesses, diversity will be on display. Our diversity is what makes us strong, and AK 47 magazines in particular show a great range. To provide you a summary of AK 47 Gun Magazines that range in price from cheap to expensive, American-made to conventional Eastern European designs, we’ve picked some of our favorites.

Metal: 

Metal magazines are typically thought to be more durable and robust than other forms. But there is a cost associated with these attributes. Mags made of metal often cost more money and weigh heavier than those made of polymer.

The platform itself is not produced to the strict standards that the AR is in the USA, so it is vital to note that some fitting of metal magazines may be necessary, similar to the majority of AKs. It’s acceptable if you need to use a Dremel or a metal file to get a mag to fit in your AK.

To get the magazines to fit, don’t be afraid to make changes. However, we would strongly discourage you against making changes to your weapon for reasons that shouldn’t even need to be mentioned.

A 30-round steel magazine for the Bulgarian AK-47:

Brand	Bulgarian Surplus
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Steel

These AK-47 magazines are constructed in Bulgaria using blued steel. They are superior quality and will fit the majority of AK-47s because they are military surplus, so you can be sure of that. The steel of the body is ridged over its whole length to promote rigidity. The Bulgarian steel magazines have perfectly carved feed lips and springs with high tensile strength that make it easier to load ammunition into your AK. The polymer follower in these magazines also keeps the spring from binding inside the magazine’s body.

The Zastava AK-47 bolt hold is open:

Brand	Zastava Arms
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Steel

The amazing mags from Zastava Arms provide a cool trick. They use a modified follower to hold the AK bolt open after the last round. This witchcraft is almost unheard of in AK culture. This particular tactile and auditory feedback lets you know that you have discharged the last round of the pistol even though the bolt will fall on an empty chamber when the magazine is withdrawn from the magwell. This might increase reload speed and general awareness. Always keep an eye out and switch magazines promptly. These steel magazines are just as durable as the Bulgarian magazines because they share the same design ridges.

Russian AK-47 Waffle Mag:

Brand	Molot
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Aluminum

Since the AK-47 was invented in Russia, the majority of Russian magazines are authentic. This is the situation. These magazines are constructed of aluminum and were produced in Russia. This could appear out of place given the AK’s steel build and the so far-used materials in magazines. Russian engineers began experimenting with various materials to build their magazines. Some of these materials will be covered in more detail in a later section, but in this case, aluminum was chosen because of its potential to reduce weight.

Is the strength-to-weight trade-off worthwhile? As long as you take care of your equipment, hundreds of thousands of aluminum magazines may be used in ARs without causing any harm. There is no reason why the same cannot be said for this situation. You should check your magazines for wear and tear, just like you would with any platform, and if you notice anything that concerns you, just replace them.

Russian AK-47 Waffle Mag:

• Material: Aluminum
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Caliber: 7.62×39

KCI AK-47 Magazine:

Brand	KCI Magazines
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Steel

KCI is a Korean aftermarket manufacturer that produces, among other things, AK-47 magazines. Korea might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about AK’s, but if you check in a history book, you’ll quickly discover that it should. 1950–1953 saw the fighting in the Korean War. North Korea was supported by the Soviet Union at the time because it was the USA’s adversary and the AK-47 had just become widely used. Thus, Soviet Russia was providing assistance to the North Vietnamese.

The Koreans have a long history with the AK-47 and its platform since it doesn’t take a genius to understand the relationship to the AK. While not a military supplier, KCI produces an AK magazine in the traditional manner. They boast sturdy construction and a high-gloss black bluing finish. Even while you might not want to rely on these KCI magazines to go to war, they fill up the space in a range bag like one of our Tactical Rifle Cases or perhaps The Bronx if you like to keep things under wraps. In either case, these are very nice considering their inexpensive price.

KCI AK-47 Magazine:

• Material: Steel
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Caliber: 7.62×39

Croatian AK-47 Magazine:

Brand	Armamentos Inc.
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Steel

These AK-47 magazines from Croatia also feature the much desired bolt hold open follower. The bolt hold open should function with a wider range of AKs than their Serbian equivalents. These steel magazines also have a ribbed construction, which increases their rigidity and robustness. Many nations produce AK-47 magazines, but Croatia appears to know what they’re doing and has added just the right amount of flair to elevate it.

Croatian AK-47 Magazine:

• Material: Steel
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Caliber: 7.62×39

Polymer:

There are some really amazing and novel materials that can be used to make things now thanks to developments since the 1980s. One of the items that has altered the basic foundation of our life is polymer. Modern polymers are used to create commonplace items like the coffee cup in your hand and automotive parts. Since the middle of the 1980s, polymers have been used to create the actual Gun frames, so it is not surprising that producers are now using them to create magazines. Polymers are much more resilient than most alloys, being both lighter and stronger than steel.

Polish Radom Circle 11:

Brand	FB Radom
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

These Polish FB Radom publications are constructed like tanks. These magazines were created thanks to developments in the polymer industry, and FB Radom says their mags are impact resistant. Additionally, to aid in keeping the magazine in the magwell, these magazines contain two locking lugs. They have a wire spring and a polymer anti-tilt follower built in to prevent the rounds from becoming stuck in the magazine’s body. To keep track of your round count, FB Radom also provides numbered witness holes in the back of the magazine.

Polish Radom Circle 11:

• Material: Polymer
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Caliber: 7.62×39

Magpul Gen M3:

Brand	Magpul USA
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	10, 20 or 30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

American Shooters should be associated with the term Magpul. This company has led the way in magnification technology developments and made a splash with a number of new items that are all based on their polymer designs. Although the MOE mag that Magpul initially produced for the Ak rifle was of high quality, its polymer locking lugs would eventually wear out from being inserted and released from the magwell repeatedly.

Magpul started producing the M3 for the AK platform after realizing a potential to expand another product. The locking lugs, which were previously made of polymer, would be replaced with steel lugs in this new magazine, greatly enhancing the design. When you look at the Magpul M3 magazines, you’ll see that its unique appearance is reflected in their AR range.

Magpul Gen M3:

• Material: Polymer
• Capacity: 10, 20, 30 Rounds
• Caliber: 7.62×39

Bulgarian Steel Lined Polymer:

Brand	Bulgarian Surplus
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

These Bulgarian publications are as resilient as nails. Bulgaria takes great satisfaction in producing the AK and all of its attachments. These Bulgarian magazines, as the link above indicates, contain a steel liner that strengthens the magazine’s body. Steel is used in the feed lips in addition to the locking lugs to prevent the 7.62x39mm rounds from emerging from the top until they are meant to. Bulgaria claims to have been making AKs and magazines for more than 50 years, and these are the industry benchmark for AK magazines.

Bulgarian Steel Lined Polymer:

• Material: Polymer
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Caliber: 7.62×39

Arsenal Circle 10:

Brand	Arsenal Magazines
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

Arguably the best polymer magazine on the market is the Arsenal Circle 10. High-end AKs are a well-known product of Arsenal. Their magazines are obviously of the highest caliber and are well-regarded. The magazine itself has a high tensile steel spring, a detachable floor plate, and a waffle pattern design for easier grip. A little expensive, but you get what you pay for, according to the proverb.

Arsenal Circle 10:

• Material: Polymer
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Caliber: 7.62×39

US Palm AK-47 30 Round:

Brand	US Palm
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

US Palm has produced a number of guns accessories over the years, much like Magpul. The American AK community loves their line of magazines and grips. One of their grips is currently on my own PSA AKP, and I adore it. US Palm also produces a “range” magazine with a steel-reinforced upper design in addition to the entire polymer version. There are many other colors of US Palm magazines available, and they even have one that is decorated to resemble a banana.

US Palm AK Mags:

• Material: Polymer
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Caliber: 7.62×39

Bakelite:

Bakelite is a fascinating substance. In essence, Bakelite, which was created in 1907, is a tough-infused and resilient plastic. Many items that would later be built of more advanced polymers would be manufactured from this substance. In the world of AK, bakelite furniture is highly prized and costs a lot of money.

This makes it challenging to locate. If there is an advertisement for Bakelite magazines and you get the itch, buy it. Buyer beware; because to its scarcity and great demand, some individuals would disguise polymer magazines to resemble Bakelite and sell them to unwary customers. We suggest you to only buy these kinds of magazines from reliable retailers, whether you do it online or off.

Russian Bakelite AK-47 30 Round:

Brand	Russian Surplus
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Bakelite

Bakelite is pretty cool, as was already mentioned. This is one of the few items that can truly satisfy your retro craving if you have it. Though there are many imitations, some of which are advertised as such and some which are not, it’s incredibly challenging to ignore the original Bakelite. These magazines shouted old-school cool and were produced in Russia at the height of the USSR. They can’t be beat for that cool factor alone, even though they aren’t as strong as contemporary polymers. I believe that each AK owner need to have at least one Bakelite magazine.

Bakelite Magazines:

• Material: Bakelite
• Capacity: 30 Rounds
• Caliber: 7.62×39

AK-47 Drum/Hi-Cap:

The AK crew must also have a couple Hi-Cap options, just like mags in America. Who would object to having a 40-round RPK magazine or a 75-round drum magazine hung behind their Russian Tula AK kit construction? In addition to adding weight, extra rounds are more enjoyable. Does the trade-off make sense? In my opinion.

Russian Bakelite RPK 40 Round:

Brand	Russian Surplus
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	40 Rounds
Construction	Bakelite

The Russian Bakelite mags make another appearance on our list here in the Hi-cap section. This time they are from the Russian Machine Gun, the RPK. These mags hold 40 rounds of 7.62x39mm awesomeness. By being able to hold those additional ten rounds, you end up adding length to the overall magazine. The Bakelite factor applies here, and even more so because of the added rarity of the RPK mag.