Price check: Orlite 30 rnd AR mags

C

Coronach

New member
Also, pros and cons of Orlite...my first AR is about to arrive.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/...-790&mscssid=UV8HJ5W57PUL9N5H9GUT1QJMC8UJ9DC7

"Non-Factory 30 round Magazine fits the AR15 or M16 Rifle. Used excellent condition. Issued by Isreali Army because it is light weight and stronger than plastic or metal. Will work in all AR15 or M16 rifles except for BushMaster Versions. Won't dent, fits and feeds great. Black fiberglass resign .223 cal, This is a surplus Israeli military magazine in excellent condition."

$14.97

Thanks,
Mike
 
That is a pretty good/average price for the Orlites but I have had pretty mixed results with them. I would be careful not to load them to capacity and leave out 3 or 4 rounds. I have 5 Orlites and 2 of them developed cracks at the base of the feed lips. I believe this was caused by the stress of a full magazine.

My preference would be USGI's, Thermolds and then Orlites. I have never had a problem with a USGI or Thermold. Definitely stay away from USA Brand magazines. I and many others have had bad experiences with those.

BTW, there is an Orlite version that will work in a Bushmaster. I do not remeber the code or serial # series but they will work. The Orlites I bought were for my Bushy A3 Shorty and I also use them in my LEGP #9 from AR15.com.

Congrats on the AR15! Was it the LEGP?
 
Coronach,

I have two used Orlites for my Bushmaster and haven't had any problems, but I also haven't used them a lot yet. I prefere the smooth sided ones smooth rather then the ones with those circular indentations on the sides.

Check with Tennessee Guns before you buy from Cheaper. I think they had 10 for $80 recently. Not sure how the condition would compare.

http://www.tennesseeguns.com/
(download the sales flyer)
 
yes, it is the LEGP :D

Thanks for the replies. Do Thermolds have the same problems as Orlite when it comes to feed lips cracking?

Mike
 
I have never seen nor heard of a Thermold having cracked feed lips - unless you were intentionally trying to break it. The Canadian Thermolds have a reputation for melting (Thermelts) but I believe that is only from full auto fire. The Thermolds that are made in the U.S. are of a thicker/different material and do not have that problem. Only other downside to the "plastic" magazines are that they do not always drop free - unlike USGI's.

Bottom line, I have never had a feed jam with a Thermold but I have had them with the Orlites because of the feed lip problem. When you look/feel the 2 types, side by side, you can tell that the Orlites seem to be more brittle.

Regards,
MilesTeg
 
I have a bunch of the Orlites, some Thermolds, and a lot of USGI 20 & 30 round magazines. When I head out with one of the AR's, I usually take 20 round GI, since they more convenient shooting. If I want 30's, I'll take some of the GI 30's. None of the plastic magazines drop free for me in all guns, and I still have questions about their longivity. I haven't had significant problems with feeding from the plastic mags, but I haven't had any problems with the USGI ones either. I probably should list my plastic magazines for sale and make more room for the USGI ones. :D
 
JohnWill,
If you do offer your plastic mags for sale, please lwt me know, as I'd like to get a few.:cool:

P.S. Looking for Thermolds.
 
I too prefer the aluminum mags

Mike,
I've got both Orlites and some Canadian military Thermolds in my storage cabinet. The Orlites don't drop free in all my rifles (a mixture of Colts and Bushmaster). The Thermolds have some very strong springs in them. Drop a loaded one and it will unload itself all over the floor. Now this may just be from the mags I've got, but I've heard of others having this problem too.

I prefer USGI 20 round magazines. You can get in a lower prone position and weapon manipulation (presentation from African and American carry) is easier.

The only USGI aluminum mags to stay away from are Coopers. Back in about 1986 there was a batch of Cooper mags recalled. They had 3 spot welds instead of the milspec 5 on the back. The mag bodies would expand when fully loaded and cause malfunctions.

Around here you can buy used USGI preban mags for about the same money as Orlites. Unless you're very picky about the finish there are some good deals out there yet.

HTH

Jeff
 
Just my opinion but I would save the possible headaches and get USGI. I have found 30's anywhere from $11-17.00, 20's ar $18 and up in good used condition. Recently i picked up 5 20's and an 30 for $65.00.
Check the for sale forums on a few of the board, you have the time....do some bargain hunting and you will be happy.

Karsten
 
Personally for me I only like the Colt factory mags or GI Mags. They are the most reliable and user friendly that I have used.
 
That price is about right, but I also prefer the Thermold's to the Orlite's. And I actually prefer both of those to the aluminum mags.
 
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