When it comes to the performance and reliability of your AR-15 rifle, choosing the right magazine is crucial. A high-quality rifle magazine ensures smooth feeding, consistent functionality, and quick reloads. With an abundance of options available in the market, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best rifle magazines for your AR-15, taking into account durability, capacity, design, and user feedback.
Magpul PMAG Gen M3: The Magpul PMAG Gen M3 is a popular choice among AR-15 enthusiasts. It features a durable polymer construction, a self-lubricating follower, and a corrosion-resistant stainless steel spring. Available in various capacities, the PMAG Gen M3 ensures reliable feeding and optimal performance.
Lancer Systems L5AWM: Lancer set out to design a better 5.56 magazine; one with the reliability of steel and the durability and weight of polymer. The L5 Advanced Warfighter Magazine (AWM®) is that magazine. The L5AWM’s exclusive hybrid design includes a hardened steel feed lip assembly molded into a proprietary polymer body with aggressive surface texturing to create the ultimate rifle magazine tough enough for military, law enforcement, and competition applications.
- The L5AWM is compatible with modern weapon systems, including M4/M16/AR15, SCAR16, HK416, ARX160, SIG556, ARC, SIG MCX, IWI Tavor, IWI X95, SA80, chambered in 5.56x45mm / .223 Remington.
- Designed, tooled, manufactured, and assembled in the USA
- Increased Durability and Reliability
- Proprietary polymer body offers unmatched durability, even in sub-freezing conditions (tested from -40F to +180F)
- Hardened steel feed lips do not bend, deform, or crack under hard use or extended storage
- Impact and chemical resistant polymer body meets or exceeds military testing standards
- Non-tilt follower with stainless steel spring allows for loaded mag storage without degrading performance
Improved Combat Readiness
- Translucent magazine bodies (select models) make for easy pre-training inspections
- Expedites visual confirmation of ammunition levels during and between exercises
Superior Safety and Efficiency
- Reduces weapon malfunctions by providing increased reliability
- Allows for immediate visual identification of ammunition type
- Increases ammunition awareness during reloads
Okay Industries SureFeed E2: The Okay Industries SureFeed E2 magazine is known for its robust construction and exceptional reliability. With an anti-tilt follower and textured grip, it ensures smooth feeding and ease of use. The magazine is designed to withstand extreme conditions, making it a favorite among professionals.
The Okay Industries SureFeed E2 magazines offer many advantages over the standard aluminum AR-15 magazines. The E2 magazine features textured side panels for a positive secure grip during magazine changes. It also has an enhanced feed lip design that reduces friction and improves bullet alignment for reliable feeding. With over 40 years of battle tested use, these aluminum magazines are preferred by soldiers in various areas of the U.S. Military. Featuring a four-way, anti-tilt, self-lubricating follower, you can rely on this 5.56 magazine to feed correctly without any issue no matter the condition. The stainless-steel spring provides proper tension and keeps rounds properly aligned for optimal function. These USGI magazines are all hardcoat anodized and this model features a black PTFE finish. Every SureFeed magazine is put through a multi-step inspection and testing process to ensure they live up to the performance standards that people have come to know with Okay Industries.
While polymer magazines do have their benefits and space age aesthetic, aluminum mags are not to be forgotten about. One of the benefits that aluminum has over polymer is that it does not swell or shatter in extremely high or low temperatures. The aluminum feed lips are also strong enough to withstand the pressure of a fully loaded magazine over long periods of time without bending or breaking.
The history of Okay Industries goes back to WWII where they helped manufacture millions of M1 Carbine magazines for the United States Military. Fast forward and they helped co-develop the 30-round M16 magazine and has been a preferred supplier of magazines to the U.S. government ever since. Now Okay Industries are making their widely popular AR-15 magazines available to the public with the SureFeed and SureFeed E2 designs.
Specifications:
- 5.56mm
- 30rd
- Aluminum
- Hardcoat anodized
- Four-way self-lubricating follower
- Enhanced feed lips
- Textured side panels
- Mil-Spec stainless steel follower spring
- 100% made in the USA
Troy BattleMag: The Troy BattleMag boasts a reinforced feed lip and an aggressive texture for improved grip and control. Its polymer construction provides durability without sacrificing weight. The BattleMag’s low-profile design allows for easy insertion and extraction in tight magwells. The Troy Industries Battlemag is an advanced polymer 30-round magazine for AR-15 style firearms in .223 Remington. The polymers used in the magazine are chemical, biological and impact resistant. The feed lips have been reinforced and the mag uses an anti-tilt follower. The mag body features a aggressive scale texture that provides a sure grip but will also extract from magazine pouches easily. The spine of the magazine is designed to prevent over-insertion common with some polymer mags. Functions with all M4, M16, AR-15, HK416, and FN SCAR rifles.
C Products Defense Duramag: The C Products Defense Duramag is renowned for its stainless steel construction, which enhances durability and corrosion resistance. The magazine features a self-lubricating follower and an anti-tilt design for reliable feeding. With a wide range of capacities, the Duramag suits various shooting applications.
Duramag ensures supreme reliability by creating advanced geometries and unique coatings, combined with superior construction techniques and strict quality control. CPD has forged strong relationships with customers, suppliers and others in the firearms industry and now supplies most U.S. firearm manufacturers, as well as police and military around the world. In their ninth year, C Products Defense is leading the industry in innovation, creativity and quality with the DURAMAG brand.
In 2019 Duramag released several fantastic, caliber-specific magazines that the market has been desperate for. CPD is proud to produce and provide a true .450 Bushmaster specific AR pattern magazine that solved every issue with this platform. Duramag also designed and released the only true .350 Legend magazines for the AR platform.
Brownells USGI Aluminum Magazine: The Brownells USGI Aluminum Magazine is a go-to option for those seeking a classic design and proven reliability. These mil-spec magazines offer a lightweight aluminum body, heat-treated springs, and an anti-tilt follower. The USGI magazines are cost-effective and perform exceptionally well.
Even if you have the world’s best quality-built AR-15, all it’s good for is firing a single shot if you don’t have a quality magazine that’ll feed reliably. The Brownells 5.56mm AR-15 Magazine is built right to ensure trouble-free feeding in any of your go-to rifles.
- Built with aluminum body
- Offered in black, gray, and tan finishes
- 30-round capacity
- Includes Magpul anti-tilt follower
Each Brownells 5.56mm AR-15 magazine is built to military specifications and are held to ISO quality-control standards and are made by Brownells itself. Each magazine features a stainless-steel spring and is treated with a hard-anodized finish to protect against corrosion.
ETS AR-15 Magazines: Engineered with clear polymer bodies, the ETS AR-15 magazines provide visual round count and rapid visual identification of ammunition type. The robust construction and reliable feeding make them a top choice for competitive shooters and range enthusiasts.
- Improved feed lip geometry allows better compatibility with more receivers
- Over insertion tab is larger to increase mag retention
- Standard 30-round capacity
- No tilt follower with reliable bolt open on last round
- Clip on dust cover to keep dirt and debris out during storage
- Fast and easy disassembly for maintenance without tools via our specially designed floor plate
- Ergonomically designed floorplate makes it easy to grab from mag pouches
- Magazine grip ribs gives you superior control
- Lifetime Warranty
- Extreme Impact Resistance—won’t crack or break when dropped
- Very resistant to harsh chemicals
- Superior heat, cold and UV resistance—won’t become brittle over time even when exposed to harsh environments or extreme cold
- Translucent body—allowing you to see your ammo count and type
- Creep resistant—the feed lips and body won’t spread when being stored long term even when fully loaded
Hexmag Series 2: The Hexmag Series 2 magazines offer unique features such as tool-less disassembly for easy cleaning and a patented hexagonal pattern for enhanced grip. These lightweight and durable magazines are made of fiber-reinforced polymer and provide consistent feeding performance.
The Hexmag HX Series 2 features a superior Grip which is achieved with Hexmag’s patented hexagonal surface pattern as well as the pronounced ribbing on the front and back of the magazine. This combination provides a comfortable and sturdy grip when completing magazine changes. The Hexmag Anti-Tilt Follower was engineered with equal length legs to prevent tilting forward or backwards keeping the ammo in a straight double stack. The High visibility, Hexmag Orange Follower allows for safer clearing of your rifle’s chamber. A Heat Treated 17-7 PH Stainless Steel Spring, allows for long term magazine storage while fully loaded and stainless steel resists corrosion unlike music wire or silicon steel springs. Hexmag magazines feature a Fiber Reinforced Polymer Construction that is lighter than other leading AR-15 magazines making it a perfect option for competition shooters looking for weight savings. The HX magazine is designed for use with 5.56×45 NATO/.223 Remington, 300AAC Blackout approved, (both supersonic and subsonic .300AAC blackout ammo) .458 SOCOM and .50 Beowulf tested working by independent manufacturers. National Tactical Officers Association tested and approved. NTOA
Hexmag utilizes the same size magazine body for all three capacity options. Hexmag developed a system that does not require the use of pins or limiters. Hexmag didn’t take their 30-round magazine and alter it, they actually changed the internals to mimic a shorter 10 and 15-round magazine. The Hexmag True Riser system features a Patent Pending, fiber reinforced Riser that is engineered to bring the base of the spring up. A shortened, heat treated, stainless steel spring is then used to connect the riser and follower. This system mimics a shortened magazine but keeps the benefits and style of a standard size 30-round Hexmag magazine body. Hexmag’s system as shipped cannot be converted back to 30-rounds. Hexmag does not sell parts to convert their magazines to 10, 15 or 30 rounds due to state restrictions.
Features
- 10, 15, and 30-round mags are the same size but are limited by the True Riser and Follower
- Superior Grip is provided by Hexagon Surface Patterns
- High visibility anti-tilt follower and Heat treated 17-7 PH stainless steel spring
- Compatible with Hexmag’s Hex ID system
- True Riser Systems Limits shorter Mags from using any extra rounds30 rounders
Mission First Tactical Extreme Duty Magazine: The Mission First Tactical Extreme Duty Magazine combines a rugged design with a high-visibility orange follower and an oversize bolt catch. Its floor plate lock prevents unintentional disassembly. These magazines are built to withstand harsh environments and demanding use. Utilizing new material technology and manufacturing processes for enhanced strength, durability, and reliability to exceed demanding military performance specifications. Designed for the AR15/M4 but allowing use with a wide range of non-AR15/M4 platforms.
EXDPM556 Features and Functions:
50% Stronger
3x More Impact Resistant than traditional nylons
Next Generation Long Glass Fiber Polymer
Enhanced Strength & Durability
Ribbed front and rear gripping surface
Long-life USGI-spec stainless steel spring
Four-way anti-tilt self-lubricating follower
Flared floor plate
Oversized bolt catch
Paint Pen dot matrix
Tool-less disassembly with double floor plate safety release tabs
ASC Stainless Steel Magazines: ASC Stainless Steel Magazines are known for their excellent build quality and resistance to corrosion. These magazines utilize stainless steel bodies, springs, and followers to ensure long-term durability and reliable feeding. They are particularly popular among enthusiasts who prioritize longevity. In 2011, Johnathan Scalise founded Ammunition Storage Components (ASC), a company specializing in magazines for the AR platform, and put together a team that had decades of magazine manufacturing experience. With ample knowledge in metal stamping, heat treating, and fishing industries, the ASC team built an exquisite and diverse product line. ASC is now known as one of the best AR magazine manufacturers worldwide. At GunMag Warehouse, we offer a wide selection of ASC magazines at low, budget-friendly prices. Shop our full collection of ASC mags and accessories today to get the gear you need at prices you can afford.
Selecting the right magazine is essential for optimizing the performance of your AR-15 rifle. Whether you prioritize durability, capacity, or specific features, the top 10 magazines listed above are proven to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and functionality. Consider your shooting requirements and preferences when choosing the perfect magazine for your AR-15, and remember to test various options to find the ideal fit for your needs.