izzay 0 Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 Given that the production at FBMG has temporarily ceased, I've been looking at the Surefire magazines that have been available. I've found both a 25rd and 20rd for around the same price ~$40. My magazine choice is not so much based on the most rounds I can fit, but moreso being cognizant of the fact that usually more rounds equates to more feeding issues, at least from my experience, and the ability to comfortably fit the mag in the gun so it is not protruding and interfering with shooting the gun. Essentially, I want to be able to fire the gun without using the magazine as the front rest. Given these requirements, which is a better choice? 25rd or 20rd? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zakmatthews 14 Posted November 3, 2008 Report Share Posted November 3, 2008 From what I hear, the 25rd mags feed less reliably, and are more likely to bulge when loaded up. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Floyd9 30 Posted November 4, 2008 Report Share Posted November 4, 2008 Yea, my 25-rounder wouldn't feed for shit when fully loaded, even with FMJ. I chopped it down to a 20-rounder, havn't been out to shoot it with the cut magazine, but I'm sure this will help. I would like it to be 100%, even with soft-points. Its easy to cut down, so you can go with the 25-rounder, and if it gives you troubles, you can always cut it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
badkharma2five 2 Posted November 4, 2008 Report Share Posted November 4, 2008 My 25Rnd Surefires have worked fine so far....But I seldom fill mags to their full capacity, like putting 25-27 rounds in a 30 rnd AK mag, for example. I think it puts to much stress on the spring, or at least you might lose spring tension prematurely. That's why I opted for 25's over 20's in the first place...You get, say, 20 rounds in the mag(which is comparable to most other .308's), but still don't have to top the mag out. Works for me anyway. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
izzay 0 Posted November 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 So how might a 20rd full loaded perform? Or would it be similar to the 25rd, and you'd have to load it a few rounds under capacity? The price difference is small, but I'd rather buy a 20rd that I know works, than buy a 25rd that functions as an effective 20rd. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Burboy 0 Posted November 16, 2008 Report Share Posted November 16, 2008 If you look at the .308 battle rifles of the 20th century you'll see that they all experimented with 25 round or larger mags but couldn't make them run reliably so they stuck with a 20 round mag for general issue. An exception is the Galil and I don't think they ever used the .308 militarily, only sold it commercially. I had one for a while and had an occasional problem with the 25 rounders myself. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gpqueen 545 Posted November 16, 2008 Report Share Posted November 16, 2008 I have used the 20 rd Surefire mags for a year. All 10 of my personal mags worked 100% loaded to full capacity everytime. I just started selling the 25rd mags and plan on testing them this week. I will have 20 round Surefire's in stock again later this week. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
izzay 0 Posted November 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2008 I have used the 20 rd Surefire mags for a year. All 10 of my personal mags worked 100% loaded to full capacity everytime. I just started selling the 25rd mags and plan on testing them this week. I will have 20 round Surefire's in stock again later this week. I was actually just on your site debating between the two (since you're the cheapest I've seen so far). I'd be happy to give you my business once I decide. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cma g21 3 Posted November 26, 2008 Report Share Posted November 26, 2008 I had a few feeding problems with the one 25 rounder I had. Since cutting it down to a 20, it's been perfect. All the others I have are 20's, and they feed perfectly. FWIW, it's also a lot easier to get mag pouches that fit the 20 rounder. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tazman2 0 Posted November 29, 2008 Report Share Posted November 29, 2008 Any tips/instructions on cutting down the 25s to 20? I just bought some without realizing that there might be reliability problems! =/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
macross40k 0 Posted November 29, 2008 Report Share Posted November 29, 2008 I've only used the Surefire 15 and 25 rounders with my 308 and have had issues with neither. I must have got some good ones because even when loaded to capacity the 25 has never jammed once Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lollygagger 1 Posted November 30, 2008 Report Share Posted November 30, 2008 Some of the early 25 rounders had a follower that was too long... This caused full loading, lock up and feed issues. The answer for these is easy enough -remove 1/4" off the follower bottom and the problem will go away. I heard the later production is supposed to not need this. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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