ak 74

[spioi]

I just bought an AK 74 .223 and am looking for mags. I have 2 east german weiger mags. is there any others that would fit?

[Bayou Blaster]

Possible Alternative

I just bought an AK 74 .223 and am looking for mags. I have 2 east german weiger mags. is there any others that would fit?

Spioi

AK-74 mags in .223 rem caliber can be both very expensive and difficult to find. I had a similiar delema when I was searching for .223 mags for my Molot VEPR II in .223 also. After doing some reasearch I found that one can purchase 5.45 by 39 East German or Bulgarian "Bakelite" / polymer AK-74 mags and replace the magazine followers with .223 followers. Minor filing/modification of the feed lips and minor chamfering/scalloping of the top of magazine may be required. Very easy to do. Most individuals go this route if they cannot find the expensive .223 AK-74 mags.

They have functioned flawlessly in my firearm. Here are some links that might help:

First selection on page only!

http://www.sksman.com/acces/AK74%20magazines.php

http://www.robarm.com/products.asp?cat=25

Good luck with your search

[rsanders]

Any opinions on polymer vs. steel magazines, I am looking to add to my collection for my SKS, and just really don't like the idea of sticking a "plastic mag" in my weapon . They may be great , I don't know ,never used one, and looking for any and all opinions so I can make an informed decision.
Also you may want to check out J&G Sales.com they have a couple of AK74 mags listed.

[Bayou Blaster]

Any opinions on polymer vs. steel magazines, I am looking to add to my collection for my SKS, and just really don't like the idea of sticking a "plastic mag" in my weapon . They may be great , I don't know ,never used one, and looking for any and all opinions so I can make an informed decision.
Also you may want to check out J&G Sales.com they have a couple of AK74 mags listed.

rsanders

If your primary SHTF rifle is the SKS I would strongly recommend against any of the aftermarket 30rd mags currently being manufactured. This includes the 30rd polymer mags. I have extensive experience with the SKS firearm platform and have tried all manner of high cap 30rd mags with little long term success. I would not gamble my life and those of my loved ones on the 30rd mags (Pure Junk So Far). Others may tell you different. Some people will bend and file the feed lips trying to get the mags to work. Again the reliability is short term at best. If you intend to run your SKS hardcore I would stick with the original 10rd box mag and utilize the stripper clips.

If you are looking for a reliable high capacity SKS mag, the TAPCO 20rd polymer mags have been found to be the most reliable so far. I own several myself. If you decide on the TAPCO mags I would also recommend you consider modifying the bolt so you can load your mags from the "Closed Bolt" position. This modification will facilitate/expedite mag swaps. The bolt modifcation is relatively easy to perform. This link explains the bolt mod: http://www.sksboards.com/smf/index.php?topic=23876.0

TAPCO sells a new SKS bolt with this modification already incorporated. However it will have to be properly fitted/headspaced to your SKS. Headspace guages need to be of the EURO variety to accomplish proper headspacing. Costly and NOT recommended.

If you decide on the Tapco mags I would also recommend installing an extended magazine catch.

If you are still using the original wooden stock with your SKS and having reliability issues with your fully loaded TAPCO mags; then you may have to open/relieve the sides of the magwell. Most people just file the inside of the wood stock to accomplish this.

A properly maintained SKS operates just about flawlessly if left in it's original configuration. The internal box magazine also enables one to shoot the firearm from the prone position without exposing more of your body without cover. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

[pathfinder3081]

I'm going with BB on the SKS Rsanders. The weapon is one of the best made for operation, price and punch. Practice using the stripper clips. You might be surprized how fast that you can get with em'. A freind has a mag fed type, It is clumsey and clumberson to change the mags "slow" much less' fast. Now it is not my SHTF weapon, however having a few of them in locker gives me a little piece of mine and I prefer the original standard styles. Just my 2 cents.

[rsanders]

Thanks BB, and pathfinder, the SKS isn't my SHTF weapon , I just got a deal I couldn't pass up ,and having never owned one I had to have it. I really don't want to modify it any , even though its not an expensive piece ,it is a bit of history , and it is a #'s matching weapon , Chinese made Norinco /26\ manufactured in 1966, it does have the spike bayonet . The only thing it does not have is the original 10 round box mag. Though I have found some of them without any stamped #'s,and stripper clips seem to be abundant , and affordable. It came with some 20 and 30 round steel mags, and while trying to insert them I noticed a really tight fit ,so tight that they could not be completly installed , until about half the ammo was removed from the mag itself. I actually removed 1 round at a time untill it fit smoothly , and it ended up at about half capacity. So I thought I would get some advice before investing . Again ,Thanks guys

[pathfinder3081]

I'll scratch around and try to call a few people. If I can help I'll drop you a PM. You might be able to find the original 10 round boxes at a gun show or surf for em'. The round has flooded the country in the past 20 years. I think it is a good, good back up weapon. Yes it is a battle sight rifle. 100 to 300 meters, but if I see a squad while out and about, chances are I am going to escape and evade if possible reaguardless of what I am carring..... if I can. But no worries the round will punch and has a graveyard to prove it.

[OneBadPig]

I just bought an AK 74 .223 and am looking for mags. I have 2 east german weiger mags. is there any others that would fit?

Promag makes a 223/556 mag for the AK...check Aimsurplus.com for starters.

[Mini 14]

If you're still looking for mags I have 4 Weiger mags for sale 160.00 plus shipping for all 4 you can reach me at 770-367-0312