Tapco Smooth Side 7.62x39 magazines at retailers now

I'm starting to see Tapco's new magazine, a smooth side version for those that don't like their aggressive texture but still like their magazines overall.  Definitely has a more traditional look.

So if you like Tapco but not the look of their mags, this might be a good option for you.  If you don't watch out for these magazines since you might have to do a double take to separate them from surplus magazines.  They look more traditional for sure, I just wonder why they went with the more 5.45x39 style front ribs (granted 7.62x39 Polish Radom and rare AK-103 mags have them too).  The floorplate area is still a little bulky as well.  Available colors are orange "bakelite," flat dark earth, and black (it looks like Tapco may have dropped olive drab from there AK products).  MSRP is $15

One thing about there description gets me, "Designed in the spirit of the original Bulgarian steel magazine for use with the AK-47."  LOL, again looks more like a Polish Radom mag.  If anything the AK-103 style is more like the original Russian steel magazine with its lengthwise ribs.  Honestly though, I have given Tapco mags a little more of a chance now. I bought a few for range use in 5.45x39 due to the current shortage and to have for a reference.  I also have a single 7.62x39 one that I got in a package deal.  I do think for a lot of people, they can make sense for cheap range use as surplus mags start to dry up on the retail market, but they still aren't up to the standard of ((10))  <(how the cool AK kids are typing Circle 10 these days) waffles or East German bakelite, my current 5.45x39 magazines.  Also cruising the for sale section of various gun message boards can net you a lot of good surplus mag deals.

US Palm Cage Pictures

Armed and Christian's comment on the MD mags made me want to share these

You can see the metal rear lug and the metal cage in the mold holes.

Metal on front lug

More pics of the cage inside the mag.

The line is the approximate location of where the cage stops (no metal feed lip support)

For reference, this K-Var pdf details their metal parts on the Bulgarian Circle 10 waffle mags.

Note the extra metal in the front strap, floorplate area, and lips in the Circle Ten. US Palm's response would be that it just adds weight and their mags are strong enough without it due to their design.

US Palm's lug cage goes all the way around where the Circle Tens don't. It wouldn't surprise me if US Palms were stronger in the lugs than Circle Tens. Of course, the US Palms might be weaker in the lips. I think if there are no defects, the US Palm "floorplate" is stronger, but if you are the type that likes to pull your floorplate, the Circle Tens are the way to go. But for the most part, besides for me being a US Palm fanboy, I think they are equally good in both theory and my experience. "They are both equal and it is purely a personal preference."

I have both and they are both my "first line" magazines depending on which gear setup I use. The Attack Rack has the US Palms, the Hawkepaks Civil Defense Survival Kit Bag has the Circle Tens. Unless it is a 40 rounder or 20 rounder, ComBloc metal are generally kept around as bench warmers.

Now if the MD Arms Quad Stacks are as good as Mike says, the others might become second string. If you guys want a magazine depth chart I can make you one (I must be excited the NFL is coming back with all these roster references).

New AK74

Sorry for the slow posts lately! I got a new Bulgarian kit on NDS-2 AK74 in my arsenal. It was one of those blow out deals that Centerfire Systems was offering for $350 shipped! BTW, it is featured as the first article in the new Guns & Ammo Complete Book of the AK.

The Nodak NDS-2 seems to be good quality albeit no frills. The other 922r parts it has the Tapco G2 FCG, Century pistol grip, and Tapco stock.

I can't tell if Century's handguard that looks like a polymer version of Yugo handguards is U.S. or not. If it was I would change out the stock for a Polish wire folder today, but it looks like I'll have to wait on a U.S. handguard for that.

It did come with surplus Circle 21 and Circle Ten mags.

The gas piston is very clean but not U.S. marked. The brake seems to be original with zig zag cuts and side ports on it (IIRC most U.S. 74 brakes don't have those details). The crown is clean under the brake as well. It os a parts gun without matching serial numbers. Overall for a second string, first time 5.45x39 rifle it should be a great purchase pending a round at the range.

As long as it shoots ok I should be very happy with the purchase. It is much nicer than my WASR10/63, which I'm selling to offset the cost of this rifle. BTW, the WASR had version 2 of that horrid paint job in the banner of this site that looked only marginally better (it was my first Krylon job). My MAK90 now has a pretty good OD base with black furniture that looks much better. But since I'm looking to sell the WASR the paint job must go. One reason A lot of people recommend Krylon over Duracoat etc. since it can "easily" be removed. I would say that yes, a lot of the paint comes off easily but there are a lot of places I've had to go at with a toothbrush to remove and it's NOT easy or quick. I'll only be painting my "keeper" rifles from now on.