bigsal 757 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 (edited) After positive reviews from Juggernaut, I decided to pick up two AK30 magazines from US Palm. I will edit this post this weekend when I have some time to field test the two units in the rugged Idaho backwoods. INITIAL IMPRESSIONS: -Despite what I had heard on other boards these units appear to be incredibly solid. -They Are much lighter than the Bulgarian ((10)) magazines, which may or may not be a positive due to the difference in reinforcement. -After holding one upside down and dropping it on my kitchen floor, I can say that the rumors regarding these things breaking on carpet are likely false. -The feedlips are thicker than I thought they would be, but do not appear to be lined with steel. I will cut one in half after field testing it to be sure. The feedlips might be thick enough so that lining will not be an issue. -The lock up areas have a thin sheet of metal over plastic to prevent wear. I will test these as well. -The spring is overly tense. The tension reminds me of some of the first run Korean Glock magazines. This might not be an issue after the magazines are broken in, but again I will test this as well. -As I mentioned in other threads on other forums, the US Palm logo looks really close to the Nazi Afrika Korps symbol. Since members of my family died fighting those Euro-trash pigs, I dont find this similarity funny or cute. HOWEVER, this might be unintentional, so I will not make more of an issue of it than needs to be made. -There are differences between the form factor US Palm is using in their plastic follower and that of the majority of the Comm Block followers I am used to. I will post pictures this weekend of a comparison. Overall, my initial expectations were exceeded by these units. If they can survive the Idaho wilderness I will give it the coveted "BigSal Thumbs Up". If it fails, it will receive the less desirable "Thumbs Down". Edited September 10, 2010 by bigsal 9 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
beefcakeb99 572 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 Pics or it didn't happen 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 Very cool, eager to see the results. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigsal 757 Posted September 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 Pics or it didn't happen Ill post more after the field test, but heres one for ya Beef!!! 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vitamink 90 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I really like my uspalms. They're thick as all hell, which makes for a good solid grip. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
echoside190 127 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I might have to look into a few of these, given they pass the bigsal function tests of doom! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VaiFanatic90 360 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 Yes! I'd love to see some results too. I went to their website, and these mags seem like they're pretty damn good. I'd love to hear from you though Sal. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nalioth 405 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I went to their website, and these mags seem like they're pretty damn good. Gee, d'ya think? 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jimdigriz 580 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 Who has stolen BigSal's account? 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PRISONSHANK 70 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 ...it is gettin close to harvest 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigsal 757 Posted September 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 (edited) Who has stolen BigSal's account? ...it is gettin close to harvest The Tests I would like to perform tomorrow: -Spring Tension tests (I will Depress the spring in the magazine 600 times, and examine the tension between each 100 depressions) -Lock-up Area wear test (I will lock up each magazine 600 times) -K-Var style Drop Test in a WASR or some other inexpensive POS (loaded and unloaded). -20 yard throw -10 foot drop, loaded, feedlips down -Tests will also be performed on new in wrapper current generation Bulgarian ((10)) magazines as well as Ribbed Romanian Steel mags and Chinese Flat Backs. -Unlike other tests, I will use controls in order to achieve even distribution of force. -7 year old test. I will finally give the magazine to my 7 year old and see if he can destroy it with a hammer. After all tests are completed, I will dissect the magazines, cutting them in half. I will also put the feedlips to the torch and see if there is any lining inside. NOTE: I do not have access to Full Auto Rifles, so I cannot do any FA work. HOWEVER, member KMFDM over on theakforum.net has already put the AK30's through significant FA testing. I dont think I could improve on his methodology. Please let me know if there are any other tests you guys want to have me do to these things! -Sal Edited September 10, 2010 by bigsal 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigsal 757 Posted September 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 (edited) One other Note, I have several reasons for testing these magazines: -They have received extremely good reviews on controlled forums (such as ar15.com and Warriortalk.com). However these forums tend to prostitute themselves out to those companies which ether sponsor their site and/or their owners have a financial interest in. -They have received uniformly negative reviews on theakforum.net where several users have conducted what seem to be fair and unbiased tests of the product. -The units have stirred up more than their fair share of controversy here on Saiga Forums due to the lack of any tests what-so-ever being posted here. My intention is to wade through all the bullshit, and find out if these things can pass field testing for use by a typical Idahoan (i.e. me). I will photograph the results so there can be no allegation of bias. Edited September 10, 2010 by bigsal 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RoughRider666 47 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 (edited) I was looking at their website just now, and they do look pretty stout, but then again, i have to agree with Nalioth and agree that the good 'ol steel kommie mags are pretty hard to beat! BTW, what with all the holes in their followers? I thought that was kinda odd; maybe quick drainage incase it got submerged in water or something, who knows... Edited September 10, 2010 by RoughRider666 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GregM1 241 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I was looking at their website just now, and they do look pretty stout, but then again, i have to agree with Nalioth and agree that the good 'ol steel kommie mags are pretty hard to beat! BTW, what with all the holes in their followers? I thought that was kinda odd; maybe quick drainage incase it got submerged in water or something, who knows... they are sold as a solid body magazine which does not require being taken apart for a cleaning. the holes are for easier cleaning. glad to see this in the works bigsal! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hexus535 14 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 Hrmmm... These look pretty damn cool. Sturdy, too! I hope at some point they'll expand their product line to include 7.62 / 5.45 / 5.56. Perhaps some shotty mags too, based on their success.... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SAIGA-Genesis 171 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I will photograph the results so there can be no allegation of bias. Oh, don't worry. I'll find a way to allege bias just because you said that. :V Eager to see the results. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Juggernaut 11,054 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I know I have been very pleased with mine... but then again, I "Ride for the Brand" so to speak.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VaiFanatic90 360 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I went to their website, and these mags seem like they're pretty damn good. Gee, d'ya think? Gee, love the fucking sarcasm, never gets old 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Juggernaut 11,054 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I went to their website, and these mags seem like they're pretty damn good. Gee, d'ya think? Gee, love the fucking sarcasm, never gets old Stick around for a bit.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
VaiFanatic90 360 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 I went to their website, and these mags seem like they're pretty damn good. Gee, d'ya think? Gee, love the fucking sarcasm, never gets old Stick around for a bit.... Haha, I was being sarcastic too. Our buddy Nalioth always has sarcastic replies, but each to their own, right? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vitamink 90 Posted September 10, 2010 Report Share Posted September 10, 2010 hey drew that rifle is sahweeeeet 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigsal 757 Posted September 11, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2010 (edited) NOTE: Tests have been moved to Sunday (I could not find a doner WASR to use until then...) Oh, don't worry. I'll find a way to allege bias just because you said that. :V Eager to see the results. SG:> The sad thing is, if the review turns out poorly for the mags, I have no doubt my name and methodology will be dragged through the mud by the company and their gaggle of sycophants and partners. I am however no stranger to controversy. I know I have been very pleased with mine... but then again, I "Ride for the Brand" so to speak.... Juggernaut:> this is why a review needs to be done by an objective third party. I am however suprised by how tough these little fuckers are. I will have a more justified opinion on Sunday evening. Edited September 11, 2010 by bigsal 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PRISONSHANK 70 Posted September 12, 2010 Report Share Posted September 12, 2010 Hey Sal, you have any of those polish radom mags to toss in the test as well? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigsal 757 Posted September 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2010 Hey Sal, you have any of those polish radom mags to toss in the test as well? Actually yes! However I plan on using the ACTUAL Polish military grade mags (not the units which lacked steel in the front lock-up area). I have two that I am running in tomorrows tests. Tonight I am conducting the spring tests, so if everyone checks this thread around 9:30PM Pacific Time I should have something up for everyone to look at until tomorrow evening. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Juggernaut 11,054 Posted September 12, 2010 Report Share Posted September 12, 2010 Juggernaut:> this is why a review needs to be done by an objective third party. I am however suprised by how tough these little fuckers are. I will have a more justified opinion on Sunday evening. I hope that the results I have shared with you at least show my intentions of integrity.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Juggernaut 11,054 Posted September 12, 2010 Report Share Posted September 12, 2010 hey drew that rifle is sahweeeeet Thanks Jeff... that is my Bulgarian kit!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigsal 757 Posted September 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2010 (edited) Juggernaut:> this is why a review needs to be done by an objective third party. I am however suprised by how tough these little fuckers are. I will have a more justified opinion on Sunday evening. I hope that the results I have shared with you at least show my intentions of integrity.... I believe that you are an honest guy Juggernaut, I mean you're a regular Charley-Church for gods sake! The issue is perception and conflict of interest. No one can question that I am not involved in any way with US Palm. Also, I have a more complete collection of New, Mint and Obscure magazines for testing purposes than a number of others who have run tests on the AK30 on other forums. Thus the heavy burden falls on me... Also I need an excuse to throw around some mags and get outa the house and into the beautiful Idaho wilderness tomorrow!!! Edited September 13, 2010 by bigsal Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigsal 757 Posted September 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2010 The Contenders Two New in Wrapper US Palm AK30 magazines, Two Bulgarian ((10)) magazines still in the "wrapper" as sent to me by Sportsmans Guide Inc. One Polish Slabside. Metal reinforcements in the two front lock up areas. Plastic body. Plastic follower. Out of original package, but never used. One Chinese "flatback" magazine. Metal body, metal follower. Purchased from AIM Surplus, never used. One Russian Ribbed magazine. Heavyly used and abused. Three arsenal stamps on it, so its been around. Weights measurements and spring tests to occur in the next hour... stay tuned! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigsal 757 Posted September 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2010 (edited) PRE-TEST A: After purchasing new member Sonny Puzikas's DVD, I realized AK magazines can be used as bottle openers. Before I weigh and measure these fuckers, I wanted to get in some drinking, THUS THE BIGSAL BEER-TEST IS BORN! METHODOLOGY: Feedlips strength is tested on beer bottle caps. AK30 and ((10)) are used. RESULTS: Both magazines can be used as bottle openers with success. I will repeat the process 12 times tonight in order to make sure the results were not an anomaly. Edited September 12, 2010 by bigsal 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393 Posted September 12, 2010 Report Share Posted September 12, 2010 Do you need an assistant to double check the results of the 12 bottle opening tests tonight? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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