I am relatively late to the AR-10 game (2022 to be precise). Don’t ask me why (read: proud user of SCAR 17). I bought a DD5V3 on sale in May 2022. ZERO issues, love the rifle.
So what am I perseverating over? Magpul vs other AR-10 magazines, that’s what. My gun likes the new 20 round gen 3 Magpul magazines, and I bought a truck load of them. I have had zero issues feeding everything between M80 147 grain ball and 175 grain SMKs. I keep my rifle clean and lubed (clean after each range trip). I always clean my magazines with a cleaning cloth as well.
So what, if any, advantage is there to buying Lancer magazines or Larue AR-10 magazines over the M3 Magpul AR-10 magazines? I use the magazine cover on the Magpul magazines when keeping 1-2 mags loaded, so I guess long term storage is an issue as the feed lips in theory can pull apart. However, they are lighter and seem to be easier to grab out of a pouch and load. The Lancers are bulkier, don’t seem any more sturdy than the Magpul. I just tried two Larue magazines that were on sale. They are built like tanks, but heavy. I have yet to see any KAC AR-10 magazines for sale, but I am not sure if they are worth > $100 a magazine, especially when they are not for a Sako TRG or AI rifle.
Seriously though, what am I missing out not using steel magazines? I am just shooting IMI and S&B 175 grain SMKs. I’ve had no issues with defense loads either. I am not planning on shooting 180 grain+ Bergers out of my DD rifle, as I have zero time to reload.
Thanks