PMAG Gen 2 vs Gen3

[Dalendenver]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between these and is there a significant performance difference?

[Kraven251]

Gen3 works in the HK416 and a couple other rifles that the gen2's won't work in that about it

[Sharpienads]

Everything you ever wanted to know and more:

http://www.ar-15.co/threads/68281-NEW-PMAG-30-M3-PMAG-30-M3-MAGLEVEL

OK, maybe not, but it's a good start.

[bobbyfairbanks]

Gen3 works in the HK416 and a couple other rifles that the gen2's won't work in that about it
GEN2 work in 416.

[cfortune]

Gen 3's work in the SCAR 16 without modification while the gen 2's don't.

[wreave]

Everything you ever wanted to know and more:

http://www.ar-15.co/threads/68281-NEW-PMAG-30-M3-PMAG-30-M3-MAGLEVEL

OK, maybe not, but it's a good start.

Man, I loved reading the discussion about buying some up if Obama got re-elected, and some people suggesting it wasn't going to be an issue. Like a time machine!

[Kraven251]

GEN2 work in 416.

I'd always thought they had issues seating consistently, if that's not the case I stand corrected.

[Fromk]

There's also just a little bit more play when you have 30 rounds loaded. Almost enough for 31. This helps to seat the mag on a closed bolt. I thought that was the biggest difference besides the 416 thing.

[hatidua]

Man, I loved reading the discussion about buying some up if Obama got re-elected, and some people suggesting it wasn't going to be an issue.

It's bittersweet: I wish they had been right but alas, they could not have been more wrong. I've had to pat myself on the back more than once for resisting the urge to tell a few people "I told you so".

[Sharpienads]

Man, I loved reading the discussion about buying some up if Obama got re-elected, and some people suggesting it wasn't going to be an issue. Like a time machine!

I just went back and read it (I didn't reread before I posted it above). Very interesting.

[twitchyfinger]

Originally Posted By Magpul:


-The M3 design is stronger in all tests over the current PMag (feedlip impact, spine strength, side impact, cold/hot weather. etc.).
-The M3 has geometry changes to increase reliability in extreme and adverse conditions.
-The M3 has new low drag follower design for increased reliability in dust environments.
-The M3 is now drop free compatible with magazine wells on the tight end of the tolerance.
-The M3 is now fully compatible with HK416, SA80A2 (Magwell length) and FNSCAR (Bolt Catch) weapon systems.
-New over travel stop allows the M3 mag to be used in mixed HK416/M4 environments without potential over travel in the M4 weapon. (previous PMag has the over travel stop in the front of the mag which cannot be used due to the longer HK416 magwell).
-The M3 magazine catch area is reinforced.
-The M3 magazine has a new slimmer floorplate to aid in pouch compatibility.
-The M3 has slightly increased rib height for better handling under stress.
-The M3 has grip ribs on front and rear spines for increased positive handling under stress.
-The M3 has a recessed paint pen matrix for individual marking of magazines that is consistent and will not become illegible due to use and cleaning.
-The M3 Maglevel features new window material which is more chemical resistant and has a new non glare finish.

[osok-308]

Originally Posted By Magpul:


-The M3 design is stronger in all tests over the current PMag (feedlip impact, spine strength, side impact, cold/hot weather. etc.).
-The M3 has geometry changes to increase reliability in extreme and adverse conditions.
-The M3 has new low drag follower design for increased reliability in dust environments.
-The M3 is now drop free compatible with magazine wells on the tight end of the tolerance.
-The M3 is now fully compatible with HK416, SA80A2 (Magwell length) and FNSCAR (Bolt Catch) weapon systems.
-New over travel stop allows the M3 mag to be used in mixed HK416/M4 environments without potential over travel in the M4 weapon. (previous PMag has the over travel stop in the front of the mag which cannot be used due to the longer HK416 magwell).
-The M3 magazine catch area is reinforced.
-The M3 magazine has a new slimmer floorplate to aid in pouch compatibility.
-The M3 has slightly increased rib height for better handling under stress.
-The M3 has grip ribs on front and rear spines for increased positive handling under stress.
-The M3 has a recessed paint pen matrix for individual marking of magazines that is consistent and will not become illegible due to use and cleaning.
-The M3 Maglevel features new window material which is more chemical resistant and has a new non glare finish.

Man, you didn't miss a thing! I'm for sure buying some of these through Magpul and their Airlift Boulder Campaign!

[R2Chief2]

Another difference is that you can't snap the dust cover onto the bottom of the Gen3 like you can with the Gen2.

Not sure why they did away with that feature?

[Fromk]

Another difference is that you can't snap the dust cover onto the bottom of the Gen3 like you can with the Gen2.

Not sure why they did away with that feature?

Huh? I can with mine.

[kwando]

Mine as well... I even have gen 1 pmags! :)

[Dalendenver]

Originally Posted By Magpul:


-The M3 design is stronger in all tests over the current PMag (feedlip impact, spine strength, side impact, cold/hot weather. etc.).
-The M3 has geometry changes to increase reliability in extreme and adverse conditions.
-The M3 has new low drag follower design for increased reliability in dust environments.
-The M3 is now drop free compatible with magazine wells on the tight end of the tolerance.
-The M3 is now fully compatible with HK416, SA80A2 (Magwell length) and FNSCAR (Bolt Catch) weapon systems.
-New over travel stop allows the M3 mag to be used in mixed HK416/M4 environments without potential over travel in the M4 weapon. (previous PMag has the over travel stop in the front of the mag which cannot be used due to the longer HK416 magwell).
-The M3 magazine catch area is reinforced.
-The M3 magazine has a new slimmer floorplate to aid in pouch compatibility.
-The M3 has slightly increased rib height for better handling under stress.
-The M3 has grip ribs on front and rear spines for increased positive handling under stress.
-The M3 has a recessed paint pen matrix for individual marking of magazines that is consistent and will not become illegible due to use and cleaning.
-The M3 Maglevel features new window material which is more chemical resistant and has a new non glare finish.

Thanks Twitchy. That is very helpful. I even did a search on the forum before posting this and got no results. I just ordered 5 gen3 Pmags through the Boulder Airlift.

[R2Chief2]

Huh? I can with mine.

I just checked my mags again and I can't get it to snap on the bottom.
There's not even grooves to catch the dust cover on the ends of the bottom like there is on the Gen2
When I did some searching online, this seems to be the case with everyone.

How are you getting your covers on the bottom?
I really don't think they are meant to be snapped on the bottom of Gen3 Pmags

[osok-308]

Another difference is that you can't snap the dust cover onto the bottom of the Gen3 like you can with the Gen2.

Not sure why they did away with that feature?

This doesn't bother me as much as the fact that the ranger plates that worked on the gen2 won't fit on the new gen3 ones!

[NavyBob]

Everyone will have a different take, personal preference, but I still like the Gen 2's better. They are specific to the AR only and I can tell by the fit. I could be wrong, be the Gen 3's have a little too much wiggle or play when seated. I also like the dust covers being able to snap on the bottom. Again, it come down to personal preference.