If I use the ranger plates, do these make it easier to dissassemble and clean the mag. This would be a big help, as the GI plates get a bit bent in taking them off. (BTW - what is best technique in removing GI floorplates?).
How do the REGULAR/Original pulls go onto the GI mags and stay - are they just tight? I’ve heard that rangerplates are better in that the loops on the regular ones flatten out over time. True? I suppose the plates are also thinner. I know RPs are MUCH more expensive.
We added Ranger Plates and MagPul followers to all our GI Magazines. I think the mags are easier to disassemble now, and am happy with my purchase. I just used a falt blade screwdriver to move the baseplate make sure you get a finger in to hold the spring as the baseplate moves out.
I have both. I have ranger plates on a few GI mags, Ranger plates on my PMAGs, and a few GI’s with original MagPuls. I personally like the ranger plates better, because they are a little bit lower profile, and along with being able to stick a finger in the “loop” to pull them out, on a mag change, it is extremely easy to use two fingers to secure the mag in your hand while inserting the other, if you can’t reach for your dump pouch immediately.
The magpuls do over time, if they are in closed mag pouches, tend to “warp” a little bit, but saying they flatten isn’t the word. It’s more that the magpul “loop” starts to shift to one side or the other. If you’re using open top mag pouches with retaining straps, either will work perfectly with no issues. The original magpuls allow for a little bit more positive pull in this case, but what the ranger plates give up in that area, they make up in magazine retention on a reload.
Last deployment, I used some PMAGs and some issue mags that retro-fitted with MagPul non-tilt followers and Ranger plates. The PMAGS were much easier to disassemble than the the retro-fitted magazines. The retro-fitted magazines were easier to disassemble than the issue magazine and the Ranger plates do not deform with dis-assembly.
I have used the Original MagPuls for over ten years. They will do. They are better than para-cord or tape. They will loosen up over time or in hot enviros. They do have issues with flattening in standard close top mag pouches. But, they are inexpensive and do the job.
IMHO, If you are going to take the time to put Ranger Plates on your GI mags, then spent a few bucks more and put non-tilt followers in too!!
If you prefer the loop orientation of the Ranger plates, original Magpuls can be used per the “SKD Method” outlined in the instructions included with a pack of Magpuls or downlaoded from the Magpul website. Not really rocket science; just put them on turned 90 degrees. Yes, they’ll deform a little and flatten out somewhat from use and exposure to the rough handling a set of mags will go through in an operational or serious training environment but they will still facilitate their intended purpose.
USGI mags have always been more difficult to strip for maintenance but the process is a little easier with the Ranger floorplate set up.