Magpul G2 Window Mag. Vs. Gen 3

[Abraham]

I've found a place where I can buy the Magpul Gen 2 mags for a very reasonable sum, but I don't know if the difference between the 2 generations is enough for me to be swayed into thinking, "hey, gotta have the gen 3 and nuttin else" when if fact the gen 2 will give great service.

Or, deep breath, am I wrong and the gen 3's are far superior and really worth the extra moola?

Thoughts!

P.S. I can get the gen 2's for $8.95 each...

[Superman]

I've found a place where I can buy the Magpul Gen 2 mags for a very reasonable sum,...

P.S. I can get the gen 2's for $8.95 each...

Um...link?

And I only own Gen 2, so I can't answer, but I can't imagine that there's that huge of a difference...I bet it's more evolution than revolution.

[C-dub]

Seems like there are a whole list of things they changed. I found this.

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/91823-PMAG ... Gen3/page2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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.

[Abraham]

C-dub,

Thanks for the info.

It's very impressive, but I do wonder if a lot of that info is simply good marketing or if the technical improvements are so profound as to make it reasonable to pass up the much lower cost gen 2? (in this instance anyway) Especially, given the gen 2, as far as I know, were, if not the best on the market, awfully close...

And thanks again, I hope I don't sound argumentative. I plan to buy tomorrow, so I'm trying to find out what I can before purchasing.

[C-dub]

I have not bought any of the Gen 3's and am not unhappy with any of the ones I do have. I'm sure I will eventually get one or two Gen 3's, so I may find out what I'm missing or not missing some day.

[el_chupo_]

I like these mag threads!

I have/had all 3 generations of Pmags, both new and used. I can look at them and tell a difference (at least 2 vs 3), and I believe Magpul did make the improvements listed.

I have yet to notice a functional difference, or a reason to retire any gen 1 or 2 mags for the newer ones. If/when they fail, they will be retired. Until then, the new ones will stay in package, and I will use what I have open and in use.

If I were buying to store (mags probably will never be cheaper, and as protection against a future ban, or future panic run when some are needed...), I would probably spend an extra buck or 3 for the newer mags, for the better polymer, or keep an eye out for NMHTG or DH metal mags.

If I were planning on getting a few to go to the range, I would buy the cheapest Pmags that I know would drop free from my lower, and not worry about the generation.

[LTUME1978]

one reason the cost is lower on the gen 2 mags is that they have stopped including the magazine cover with the mag. When you add in the cost of that, the price gap narrows. I don't own any gen 3 mags but have been very happy with my gen 2 mags.

[Abraham]

I neglected to mention these $8.95 Pmags are: Only available in O.D. green if color makes a difference. (not for me, as I care more about function than fashion...)

I bought 10 of them this morning from Gun Mag Warehouse - no tax, as they're located in Florida.

However, I paid $14.99 shipping, so that drives the price up per each to $10.45, still a great price.

[Superman]

I neglected to mention these $8.95 Pmags are: Only available in O.D. green if color makes a difference. (not for me, as I care more about function than fashion...)

I bought 10 of them this morning from Gun Mag Warehouse - no tax, as they're located in Florida.

However, I paid $14.99 shipping, so that drives the price up per each to $10.45, still a great price.

Sweet deal! I just did the same. Thanks for the heads up!

[Abraham]

Superman,

I should've posted it yesterday, but yesterday (much like today) is rushathon, with a bit of time between projects, like now...

Quick question: If Superman and Mighty Mouse got into a fight - who would win?

[TNacp99]

Dropping freely from the magazine well: This is the critical difference that I have noticed between my Gen2 vs Gen3 30 round Pmags. For example, I have two LWRC rifles (M6A2 SPR and IC), one Tavor, one POF p415 rifle.
The Gen 2 30 round Pmags will NOT drop freely during reloads on both of my LWRCs and my Tavor. It will drop freely from the POF p415 but this lower receiver has a larger mag well.
In contrast, the Gen 3 Pmags will consistently drop freely from all the rifles. I have since relegated all my Gen2 mags for the range.
My favorite magazine, however, is the Lancer L5AWM with the steel feed lips.

[Excaliber]

That's a great deal.

Here's the link for Gun Mag Warehouse:

[gigag04]

Gen 2 Pmags have held rounds that have killed many terrorists. They're good to go.

[karder]

I have yet to notice a functional difference, or a reason to retire any gen 1 or 2 mags for the newer ones. If/when they fail, they will be retired.

If you can get a good price on the Gen 2, take it. I have both Gen 2 and Gen 3. Gen 3 have some improvements, but nothing at all wrong with the Gen 2.

[Abraham]

Superman,

O.K. I'll supply the answer to the riddle: Superman would win a battle with Mighty Mouse, cuz everyone knows Mighty Mouse isn't real...