C-Products Defense (CPD) released the new DURAMAG AR-15 magazine at SHOT Show 2019.
The new DURAMAG magazine is an all-steel AR-15 magazine with several upgrades specifically implemented to compete with the proliferation of polymer magazines. Quite frankly, I’m surprised it has taken so long for a magazine manufacturer to delve deeper into improving metal magazine construction, and this lack of innovation has led many to switch to polymer magazines.
Despite the popularity of polymer magazines, like the extremely successful Magpul magazines, this news should pique interest from die-hard metal magazine users.
A Little History
The original AR-15 (and military M-16) magazines were pressed aluminum magazines, designed to withstand rigorous military standards and conditions.
The originals were made from aluminum since aluminum oxide is immediately formed upon contact with air creating a solid anti-corrosion surface prolonging magazine life.
That original AR-15 magazine design was proven to be durable, but issues with the original cartridge followers without anti-tilt designs caused numerous misfeeds.
Despite a niche of steel magazines for decades, their heavier weight and potential to rust has always been a strong reservation. The new CPD DURAMAG may completely invigorate the metal magazine narrative.
What is a DURAMAG?
The new DURAMAG is manufactured in an ISO 9001-2015 facility with design specifications meeting stringent military requirements. DURAMAG magazines have already been subjected to rigorous testing, and according to CPD, proved to be superior to previous designs. CPD has hedged its marketing strategy on the belief metal magazine bodies are inherently better than polymer.
The debate between metal and polymer magazines still rages on firearm forums. Metal is inherently stronger than polymer in most situations, but polymer is more lightweight, flexible, and impervious rust. Polymer magazines do have a greater potential for breakage, and in extreme conditions can be sensitive to temperature and humidity, but metal magazines can get dented or deformed and fail to perform. CPD is hoping their DURAMAG sways the argument back towards metal magazines.
DURAMAG Features
- Constructed of 410 stainless steel
- Proprietary T-360 corrosion-resistant coatings on all metal surfaces
- Post and Hole construction adds strength, durability, and robotically precise welding
- Advanced Geometry Follower for consistent and balanced feeding
- LipLock technology for stronger and more reliable magazine lips
- EverFlex anti-fatigue magazine spring enhancement
- Available in 5, 10, and 30-round magazines
- MSRP: TBA
The DURAMAG magazines are made with quality 410 stainless steel, providing both superior strength and corrosion resistance. One of the most important features is the T-360 proprietary coating covering all exterior and interior surfaces. This coating secures any concerns about corrosion resistance, from prolonged exposure.
DURAMAG uses advanced geometry design and manufacturing techniques. This includes CBD’s Advanced Geometry Follower (AGF), and enhancement on the anti-tilt follower designs. The new AGF provides proper and level alignment for every round fired, not just the first or last few rounds in the magazine. This advanced feature is combined with CPD’s EverFlex spring technology, giving each DURAMAG spring anti-fatigue and long-lasting reliability.
In addition to the features listed already, CPD has developed a proprietary LipLock design to ensure round retention regardless of round count, or the amount of time the rounds have been stored inside the magazine. The LipLock design forms the curved lips at the top of the magazine to optimize cartridge feeding efficiency.
Final Thoughts
We have had the opportunity to use other C-Products magazines, and have found them constructed very well with complete reliability. We’re glad to see a metal magazine manufacturer finally advance the technology of metal magazine construction.
The advanced features of the DURAMAG are designed to improve the overall functionality of a metal AR-15 magazine, and should be welcome improvements to metal magazine users.
The AR-15 has made a very strong statement as “America’s Rifle.” With over 20 million and growing in the hands of American shooters, there is a strong argument for continued improvements to AR-15 accessories. Polymer magazines have flooded the market, are highly popular, and many have proven to be remarkably reliable.
We’re glad to see C-Products Defense acknowledge those committed to metal magazines, with the introduction of the improved DURAMAG.
Where can you get the DURAMAG?
C-Products DURAMAG magazines can be found at a variety of places. However, I’ve found that Optics Planet offers them at very affordable prices and keeps the full line in stock.