Tech Note

May 18, 2000

TECHNICAL NOTE 36: ARMALITE FACTORY CONVERSION OF COMMERCIAL M14 MAGAZINES TO AR-10B MAGAZINES

USA and other brands of commercial M-14 magazines are ordinarily of such low quality that they’re difficult to convert to AR-10 magazines by machining. Conversion almost always requires replacement of the magazine shell and, often, extensive rework of the magazine spring.

Commercial magazines are normally detectable by their poor quality forming and spot welding, blued finish, and frequently by the lack of spot welded latch plates (the protrusion at the rear of the magazine that engages the M-14 magazine catch).

ArmaLite has continually received these brands of poor quality magazines from customers wishing to have them converted to AR-10 magazines. Many were told at the time of purchase that they were buying GI M-14 rifle magazines. ArmaLite has repeatedly returned such magazines to their owners without service. This is naturally quite disappointing to the customers.

ArmaLite now performs conversions of these commercial magazines. The cost of conversion is $30.00 plus shipping.

Owners may send their magazines to ArmaLite for conversion. In every case, the magazine shell will be replaced. The magazine spring and follower will be used during the conversion and returned to the original owner. In accordance with BATF guidance, the magazines remain useable in M1A or M-14 rifles.

Given the variations and spotty quality of the commercial magazines available, their modification isn’t as easy as it sounds. The magazine spring, in particular, requires extensive bending, and may in fact not be useable at all. ArmaLite will convert the magazines, but is not responsible for the suitability of the owner’s original spring or the function of the magazine. Since the original floorplates are often deformed or scratched when the commercial magazines were first assembled, the converted magazine will show the same marks.

Some owner experimenting might be needed to get the magazine working well. Shoot the rifle to test the magazine. ArmaLite cannot provide replacement springs, and is not responsible for the quality of the commercial magazine parts or final conversion success. DO NOT MANUALLY CYCLE LIVE AMMUNITION THROUGH THE RIFLE TO TEST THE MAGAZINE. IT IS A DANGEROUS PRACTICE AND DOESN’T GIVE A GOOD INDICATION OF FUNCTION.

WARNING: ASSEMBLY OF A HIGH CAPACITY MAGAZINE WITHOUT USING PARTS REMOVED FROM A PROPER "PRE-BAN" M-14 MAGAZINE IS A VIOLATION OF LAW.

 

Copyright © 2000 ArmaLite, Inc.