I read a lot of discussion on the reliability / durability of AR magazines, but dont see too much on the reliability of AK magazines. Granted, I havent looked too hard, but im interested if anyone can point me in the direction of tests, or data.
How often are they replaced in the military? Are they as disposable as AR mags?
Have any of you used mags until they were inoperable? If so, how many time and under what conditions?
In my travels, I’ve seen AK mags that had no right to work chugging along just fine. Rusted, mud covered, horribly mistreated, and still work.
I don’t believe the AK or it’s magazines are infallible, but judging by the AKs I see around here (I’m in Afghanistan), I’d say they replace them every 50 years, whether they need it or not.
With the exception of the limited release aluminum ‘airborne’ AK mags, good luck wearing one out. If you stick to real commie production mags, they are very resilient.
I cant highlight cause im typing from my phone but the key words are…" If you stick to real commie production mags, they are very resilient"
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Thank you for the information guys. I wondered as much when I see no stocks, rusted barrels, and upper handguards on some of them. I do stick with the Circle10s and the all steel Polish varieties.
How durable are AK magazines?
Probably more durable than AK rifles… which says a lot.
I have seen numerous AK mags that didn’t work. Things like worn out springs, baseplates that were hosed from disassembly and bodies that were dented from being dropped, banged and hit. Just like any other magazine they should be considered disposable.
They’re pretty much as durable as a rifle magazine’s going to get. You’d really have to mistreat one to break it.
This^. I ordered a bunch of east euro surplus mags for a friend for xmas a couple years ago and a few of them had good sized dents in them. Dented bad enough they would bind. IF buying used surplus Id suggest hands on instead of online.
Everything made by man, can be destroyed by man. “Man is always stronger”*. But it takes a little more effort to kill quality AK mag, than to kill quality AR mag. Difference comes from design and concept. AK mag was designed to use by Red Army conscript with zero technical culture, plus nobody gave a damn about how big it is and how much it weights.
pirate ak’s:
The description said, “Apparently the guns were in working order and well oiled inside.” 
What did Larry Vickers say about the AK mag? “it’s made like a cement mixer”.
Have you ever held an AK mag? that didnt answer your question?
I had an AK mag that wouldnt work right once. Hell, I even had two that BROKE in inserting! (bought those from gabe suarez) but then for reference I also have had several (3) “round over bolt” malfunctions too (over many years of shooting).
Look at that shiny bayonet.
At first glance I thought that was a folder, then I realized that the rear tang has his sling tied through it meaning he just removed the rear stock altogether. Nothing ceases to amaze me with these guys.
As for AK mags, most any commie steel mags will outlast you save for a few of the ones already mentioned. ((10)) good to go as well.
When discussing the durability of AK mags this is worth a read.
The ak magazine primer
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=40068
I think those pictures say it all
If your weapon ever gives up, and it is rather unlikely your AK will, it is comnforting to know you can beat your enemy to death with a loaded magazine.
If you doubt that, just drop one on your bare foot.
All magazines can be made to fail but the AK magazine in original Combloc format is as rugged as any magazine I have ever seen
Which means if you have a decent supply and treat them well they will last you as long as you and your children are alive
I take it that trolling them behind your pirate mother ship and lubing with urine does not meet the standard of “treat them well.” :lol:
I have several different combloc AK mags (all steel, non of the Bulgarian plastic ones yet) and they are pretty dang thick metal and heavy. In harsh conditions I imagine rocks and other hard surfaces take their toll eventually, but it would be a lot longer than the aluminum AR mag would endure. I have never heard of AK mag lips spreading or breaking, but anything is possible.
A little hammer therapy and good as new. 
It’s hard chromed.