Tapco AK mags: All junk or did I get a lemon?

[mrghost]

So I got a Tapco 20 round 7.62x39mm AK mag today:

-Took it out of package and confirmed it's for 7.62x39mm
-Fingered the follower and it did not tilt and seemed solid
-Confirmed rifle unloaded and safe
-Attempted to insert mag, fumbled
-Continued to fumble
-Continued to fumble
-Seemed to insert mag, but no positive snap heard or felt
-Shook mag and it did not wiggle
-Removed mag, inserted Circle 10 5 round mag and confirmed it rocked right in with positive snap
-Inserted snap caps into Tapco mag and tried again a few times and it still would not insert smoothly or connect with a positive snap
-Chambered and cycled a couple of snap caps with no issue

I hate this mag already. Fumbling around trying to insert this mag made me keenly aware of the sharp-edged metal floor plate digging into the palm of my hand.

Never had a Tapco brand mag before and my other mags are Circle 10 for the AK and Magpul for my Kel-tec 5.56.

Is this experience pretty typical for Tapco or did I get a lemon of a mag?
Do I simply need to know how to handle this mag better?
I like 20 round mags -- is there a good alternative that's not $30 each?

[blacklabel]

All my knowledge is second hand but I'd return your Tapco mag and buy some surplus magazines. I stay as far away as possible from Tapco stuff.

[spleify]

All my knowledge is second hand but I'd return your Tapco mag and buy some surplus magazines. I stay as far away as possible from Tapco stuff.

Gotta echo this, I got these ones, and they run flawlessly,

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/PKG07.aspx


If you are gonna order a set, let me know I may get in on it with you and get another set myself.

[DeusExMachina]

I have 12 Tapco 5.45 mags. Some of them are difficult to insert when new, but eventually work fine.

If I shot 7.62x39 I'd use Bulgy waffle mags, though.

[Great-Kazoo]

like some after market mags they need to be fitted to the mag release catch. insert mag and see where it sits in relationship to the mag release. you will more than likely have to file some of the mags rear tang's bottom side a little. i had to do this to some unmarked waffle mags i found in my parts bin. little filing of the bottom and they fit good across the board in the AK's

[mrghost]

like some after market mags they need to be fitted to the mag release catch. insert mag and see where it sits in relationship to the mag release. you will more than likely have to file some of the mags rear tang's bottom side a little. i had to do this to some unmarked waffle mags i found in my parts bin. little filing of the bottom and they fit good across the board in the AK's

Yeah the rear tab on the Tapco is a bit thicker, but slightly shallower than the rear tab on the Circle 10. However, on my new 30 round C-10, the plastic coating on the front tab peeled off after a few practice mag change sessions, yet it still snaps in perfectly.

[mrghost]

Gotta echo this, I got these ones, and they run flawlessly,

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/PKG07.aspx


If you are gonna order a set, let me know I may get in on it with you and get another set myself.

That looks like a good deal. Gonna bookmark that for consideration -- thanks

[jmg8550]

I have two of them, they have worked perfect for me so far. A little fitting was required at the mag release. They lock up real tight now though.

[TEAMRICO]

I have 6 and they are rock solid, never had an issue, fired through AK, Draco and soon my RPK.
They lock tight, dont wobble and feed flawless. Yeah I like the traditional look of the metal mags but these are tough and I still use metal from time to time.
I like 'em!

[jreifsch80]

you should get the euro pattern steel mags, they are great