I just bought my first AR-15 yesterday (yay!). It’s a preban Colt HBAR, and based on my first trip to the range last night, I’m very happy with it. However, I’m having trouble with the magazines I bought along with it.
It came with one standard Colt magazine, which works great but only holds eight rounds. So I bought two more mags from the same shop – a 20 round (probably used) and a “new” 40 rounder.
The 20 round mag works fine through the first 19 rounds. However, after the 19th round is fired, the bolt will lock back like the mag is empty. When I look in the chamber, the 20th round is sitting on top of the mag – not in the mag, just floating there. If you tilt the rifle sideways or drop the magazine, the round will fall right out.
The 40 round mag won’t even fit into the rifle. If you really jam it in there, it will go in, but it won’t lock and won’t feed. And forget about getting it back out – I basically had to lay the rifle on the ground and step on it to pull the mag back out.
My first question is, what should I do with the mags I have? I’m assuming the 40 rounder needs to be returned. Is there anything I can do to fix the 20 rounder, or should I return that one as well?
The second question is, where can I get good mags for my rifle? Is there anything (available in Mass) equivalent to the Wilson mags I have for my 1911? I’m not even concerned about capacity – while eventually it will be nice to have some reliable 30 rounders (just in case), for now I’d be happy with a hand full of good, solid, super reliable 10 round magazines.
Also, does anyone have any input or suggestions for the first time AR owner? Any must have accessories that will make my life easier? What about amm? I tried a half dozen brands I found at the shop, and the IMI (Guatemalan military surplus, I believe) seems to be the best bang for the buck.
Thanks!
-Chris
It came with one standard Colt magazine, which works great but only holds eight rounds. So I bought two more mags from the same shop – a 20 round (probably used) and a “new” 40 rounder.
The 20 round mag works fine through the first 19 rounds. However, after the 19th round is fired, the bolt will lock back like the mag is empty. When I look in the chamber, the 20th round is sitting on top of the mag – not in the mag, just floating there. If you tilt the rifle sideways or drop the magazine, the round will fall right out.
The 40 round mag won’t even fit into the rifle. If you really jam it in there, it will go in, but it won’t lock and won’t feed. And forget about getting it back out – I basically had to lay the rifle on the ground and step on it to pull the mag back out.
My first question is, what should I do with the mags I have? I’m assuming the 40 rounder needs to be returned. Is there anything I can do to fix the 20 rounder, or should I return that one as well?
The second question is, where can I get good mags for my rifle? Is there anything (available in Mass) equivalent to the Wilson mags I have for my 1911? I’m not even concerned about capacity – while eventually it will be nice to have some reliable 30 rounders (just in case), for now I’d be happy with a hand full of good, solid, super reliable 10 round magazines.
Also, does anyone have any input or suggestions for the first time AR owner? Any must have accessories that will make my life easier? What about amm? I tried a half dozen brands I found at the shop, and the IMI (Guatemalan military surplus, I believe) seems to be the best bang for the buck.
Thanks!
-Chris
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