Best AK-47 Magazines

So you got yourself an AK-47 or some derivative of it. No matter, you will need to feed that angry, 7.62x39mm beast, and you will need magazines to do so. So you’re probably asking yourself, what are the best AK-47 magazines?

We are looking out for you and have compiled a list of the best/available magazines at the current moment. We recognize that some of these magazines may not be available when publishing, but check back often as stock comes and goes at these retailers.

Polymer

Advancements since the ‘80s have led to some pretty cool and new materials to manufacture things out of. Polymer is one of those products that have changed the very fabric of our lives.

Everyday objects such as parts of your car to the coffee cup in your hand are made of modern polymers. 

Even frames of guns themselves have been made of polymers since the mid 1980’s, so it should be no surprise that manufacturers would turn to this substance to make magazines.

Much lighter than steel and stronger than most alloys, polymers can take a beating and keep on going.

XTech Tactical MAG47

The XTech Tactical is by far my favorite AK-47 magazine. They combine the weight savings and durability of polymer and metal to create one of the best magazine solutions available at a reasonable price.

XTech’s major selling point is the stainless steel-reinforced feed lips and locking lugs on the magazine. By reinforcing critical wear areas on AK magazines, they give this magazine a rugged feeling.

You can also add a bolt-hold open follower, but I know you don’t want to because you’re an AK-47 purist. In all seriousness, the BHO follower is an awesome feature that would be really fun to play around with and see how it works.

California Compliant AK-47 Magazines

One nice thing about the MAG47 is it is offered in a California compliant 10 round capacity magazine.

The good news on the California front is that Firearms Policy Coalition, a pro-2A organization, has filed a lawsuit against the state of California and the magazine capacity ban. That case is Wiese v. Bonta and is currently making its way through the courts.

When that case is won and California has to stop stripping its citizens of their Second Amendment rights XTech Tactical has already made a “Freedom State Adapter Kit” that will take your 10-round magazine back to standard 30-round capacity.

This kit is also perfect if you are moving from a 10-round capacity state to a free state.

PSA AK-103 Magazine

Brand	Palmetto State Armory
Caliber	7.62×39
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

These PSA AK-103 magazines are reinforced steel from the front and rear of the mag and have steel feed lips and steel locking lugs.

Best of all they are affordable and made in the USA! PSA has really stepped up its AK game and these magazines are as solid as their current lineup of AK’s.

Polish Radom Circle 11

Brand	FB Radom
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

These Polish FB Radom magazines are built like a tank.

Advancements in the polymer world led to the development of these magazines, and FB Radom claims their mags are impact-resistant. 

These magazines also have dual locking lugs to help secure them in the magwell. 

They come with a wire spring and a polymer anti-tilt follower to keep the rounds from binding in the body of the mag. 

FB Radom also provides numbered witness holes in the rear of the mag so you can keep an eye on your round count.

Magpul Gen M3

Brand	Magpul USA
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	10, 20 or 30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

The name Magpul should be synonymous with American Shooters. This company has pioneered advancements in mag technology and broken through with several new products all based on their polymer designs. 

Magpul first made the MOE mag for the Ak rifle, and while this magazine was quality, it had polymer locking lugs that would wear over time after being inserted and removed from the magwell.

Magpul, seeing the opportunity to advance another product, began making the M3 for the AK platform. This new mag would see the insertion of steel lugs into the once polymer locking lugs thus strengthening the design significantly. 

Looking at the Magpul M3 mags you will find their distinct design mirrored from their AR line. 

These mags are squared away and are good to go.

Bulgarian Steel Lined Polymer

Brand	Bulgarian Surplus
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

These magazines from Bulgaria are tough as nails. Bulgaria prides itself on producing the AK and all the accessories to go with it.

As the link above suggests, these Bulgarian mags have a steel liner that helps strengthen the magazine’s body. 

In addition to the locking lugs, there is also steel in the feed lips, helping to secure those 7.62x39mm rounds from coming out the top until they are supposed to.

Bulgaria prides itself on over half a century of AK and magazine construction and claims these are the gold standard for AK mags.

Arsenal Circle 10

Brand	Arsenal Magazines
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

The Arsenal Circle 10 magazines are arguability the cream of the crop of polymer magazines. Arsenal is well known for building high-end AK’s.

So naturally, their magazines are high quality and highly regarded. The magazine features a waffle pattern design for easy grip, a high-tensile steel spring, and a removable floor plate.

A bit pricey, but as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for.

US Palm AK-47 30 Round

Brand	US Palm
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Polymer

Much like Magpul, US Palm has made several accessories for firearms throughout the years. 

Their line of magazines and grips is extremely popular in the American AK world. 

My personal PSA AKP currently sports one of their grips, and I love it. 

US Palm also makes a “range” mag that uses a total polymer construction but also offers these mags with the steel-reinforced upper construction. 

You can find US Palm mags in many different colors, and they even offer one that is painted up like a banana!

Metal

First, we will take a look at metal magazines. 

Metal magazines are generally viewed as tougher, and stronger than other types. These qualities come with a price, however. 

Metal mags can be both more expensive, and weigh more than their polymer counterparts. 

Like most AK’s it is important to note that some fitment of metal mags may be required as the platform itself is not manufactured to the exacting standards that the AR is in the USA. If you have to break out a Dremel or a metal file to get a mag to work in your AK, well that’s A-OK. 

Don’t be afraid to make adjustments to the magazines to get them to fit. We would, however, advise against modifying your rifle for reasons that shouldn’t need to be stated.

Bulgarian AK-47 30-Round Steel Magazine

Brand	Bulgarian Surplus
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Steel

These Bulgarian AK-47 magazines are constructed out of blued steel.

They are a military surplus item, so you know that they are higher quality and should work in most AK-47’s. 

The steel has ridges going down the length of the mag to add rigidity to the body.

The Bulgarian steel mags have high tensile strength springs and precision machined feed lips to aid in feeding rounds into your AK.

These mags also come with a polymer follower which will help keep the spring from binding inside the body of the mag.

Zastava AK-47 Bolt Hold Open

Brand	Zastava Arms
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Steel

These cool mags from Zastava Arms have a neat trick. They use a modified follower to hold the AK bolt open after the last round.

This witchcraft in the AK world is almost unheard of. Even though when you remove the magazine from the magwell, the bolt will fall on an empty chamber, it does provide a unique tactile and audible feedback that you’ve shot the last shot in the gun.

This can aid in reload speed and general awareness. Being aware and making quicker mag changes is always a good thing.

These steel mags sport the same style ridges as the Bulgarian ones, so they are also durable. 

Note: The manufacturer states that the bolt hold open will only work with certain styles of AK rifles, so if you are looking to take advantage of this feature, make sure it is compatible with your rifle. 

If not, you will still be left with a quality AK mag that just works.

Russian AK-47 Waffle Mag

Brand	Molot
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Aluminum

Russia originated the AK-47, thus most magazines coming out of Russia are the real deal. That is the case here.

These magazines are made in the country of Russia, and they are aluminum. This may seem out of place with the steel construction of the AK itself, and the material that we’ve seen used in magazines so far.

The Russians started to experiment with different materials to construct their magazines. Some of these materials we will discuss a little later in another section, but here they opted to go with aluminum for its weight-saving capability.

Is that trade-off of weight to strength worth it? Hundreds of thousands of aluminum mags are used in AR’s to no negative effect as long as you keep care of your gear and there is no reason that shouldn’t be the truth here as well.

As with the care and upkeep of any platform, you should inspect your mags for wear and tear, and should you find anything to cause concern, simply replace them.

KCI AK-47 Magazine

Brand	KCI Magazines
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Steel

KCI is a Korean aftermarket manufacturer for AK-47 magazines among other things.

When you think of AK’s Korea might not be the first place that pops into your head, but if you look in a history book you’d quickly find out that it should. 

The Korean war was fought from 1950-1953. This was right after the mass adoption of the AK-47 and as the opponent to the USA, North Korea was backed by the then Soviet Union. This means that Soviet Russia was sending support to the North Vietnamese.

It doesn’t take a genius to see the connection to the AK, so the Koreans have a long history with the AK-47 and its platform. 

While not a military supplier, KCI makes a classic-style AK magazine. They have good-quality construction and are finished in a high-gloss black bluing. 

While you may not want to rely on these KCI mags to go to war, they fill in the space in a range bag such as one of our Tactical Rifle Cases or maybe even The Bronx if you prefer to keep things on the down-low. Either way, these are really nice for their low cost.

Croatian AK-47 Magazine

Brand	Armamentos Inc.
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Steel

These Croatian-made AK-47 magazines also have the coveted bolt hold open follower.

Unlike their Serbian counterparts, the bolt hold open should work with a wider variety of AK’s on the market.

These steel magazines also feature a ribbed design, adding strength and rigidity.

Many countries make magazines for the AK-47, and Croatia seems to know what they are doing and has added that little bit of flair to take it to the next level.

Bakelite

Bakelite is a intresting materal. 

Essentially Bakelite is a hard-infused and resistant plastic invented in 1907.

This material would be used to make a lot of things that would eventually be made of more modern polymers. 

Bakelite furniture is highly sought after in the AK world and brings a premium price along with it. As such, it is often hard to find. If you see a Bakelite magazine listing and have the itch, snap it up.

Buyer beware, because of its scant availability and high demand, some people will take a polymer magazine and disguise it to resemble Bakelite and sell it to unsuspecting buyers. We advise you to only purchase these types of mags from reputable dealers, either online or in person.

Russian Bakelite AK-47 30 Round

Brand	Russian Surplus
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	30 Rounds
Construction	Bakelite

As stated above, Bakelite is pretty cool. If you have the retro bug, this is one of the few things that can really scratch that itch. 

While there are many imitations, some advertised as such and some not, it’s really difficult to look past the OG Bakelite. 

These mags were made in Russia during the height of the USSR and screamed old-school cool. 

While not as durable as modern-day polymer, they can’t be beaten for that cool factor alone. I think every AK owner should at least own one Bakelite mag.

AK-47 Drum/Hi-Cap

Just like mags in America, the AK crew has to have a few Hi-Cap selections too.

Who would say “no” to a 75 round drum mag slung under their Polish folder, or a 40 round RPK mag under their Russian Tula AK kit build?  

More rounds equal more fun, but also more weight. Is the trade-off worth it? I think so.

Russian Bakelite RPK 40 Round

Brand	Russian Surplus
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	40 Rounds
Construction	Bakelite

The Russian Bakelite mags make another appearance on our list here in the Hi-cap section. This time they are from the Russian machine gun, the RPK. 

These mags hold 40 rounds of 7.62x39mm awesomeness. 

By being able to hold those additional ten rounds, you end up adding length to the overall magazine. 

The Bakelite factor applies here, and even more so because of the added rarity of the RPK mag.

If you really want to stand out, one of these Russian Bakelite RPK mags is a must!

Century Arms 75 Round Drum

Brand	Century Arms
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	75 Rounds
Construction	Steel

This solid Romanian-built AK drum holds the standard 75 rounds found in most AK drums. 

The Century Arms drum is quite hefty as it is made of steel, but once you get it packed full of 7.62x39mm rounds, it’s truly heavy.

Using the drum design saves on the length of the magazine, but at the expense of overall weight, and width.

If you have an underfolder, you will have to remove the magazine to open or close your stock.

This may be an annoyance, but for the trade-off of 75 rounds vs 30 I think it won’t matter that much!

KCI 75 Round Drum

Brand	KCI
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	75 Rounds
Construction	Steel

Another solid contender for a drum magazine is the entry from KCI. This is the same company that we listed in our metal magazine section.

The same quality can be expected in their drum mag entry as well. This Korean company has proven itself to be a quality manufacturer and produces reasonably priced products that are a good overall value to their customers.

Their drum mag also sports 75 rounds of 7.62x39mm goodness in as small a package as possible.

AC Unity 60 Round Quad Stack

Brand	AC Unity
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Capacity	60 Round
Construction	Polymer

The entry into Hi-Cap territory by AC Unity is a wild card. 

AC Unity decided to think outside the box (or drum as it were) and bring a higher capacity to a more traditionally styled box magazine. 

Through what seems like witchcraft or some sort of black magic KC Unity has packed 60 rounds into a footprint that at a distance could be mistaken for a standard 30 round detachable box magazine. 

To do this, they have multiplied the stacks from a double stack configuration to a quadruple stack. 

This keeps the magazine length manageable, while also staying with the traditional lines of the AK and its iconic magazine, but adds just a little width. 

This added width shouldn’t be much more than the width of the receiver, though, so it will not look too odd or out of place.

KC Unity would win the creativity award if we were handing one out.

Best AK-47 Magazines Conclusion

While this list is large, it is by no means complete. There are lots of different options for the best AK-47 magazines out there. 

Our goal was to compile a list of the best AK-47 magazines that were mostly available (and obtainable) in the current market. 

If you think we missed a quality magazine or have a favorite you’d like to see added, comment below and let us know!