[Vorticity the Monkey]

Hey guys...long time lurker, first time poster. I'm waiting to see if I won my online auction for a Mini-14 RR, and was pondering the magazine question. A few threads back, someone mentioned a 'do-it-all' magazine that worked in both the AR-15 and mini-14. As would be expected, this after-market magazine was a pile-of-you-know-what, but it got me thinking - how hard would it be to convert AR-15 mags to fit the mini-14 magwell? Would it be something simple like grinding down the side-latch on the AR-15 mag and adding a plate on the back so the mini could latch on to it?

Anybody ever try this? Like the title says, it's just a theoretical question - I'm okay with buying a few PMI/Thermolds and calling it good, but how hard would it really be to modify the AR-15 mag to function in a mini-14?

 

[Dennis]

I've never heard of someone SUCCESSFULLY modifying AR15 mags to work in a Mini-14. They won't even fit in the magwell without tweaking.

They are made of soft aluminum. It could be done but is it worth it?

I've got some of those Ramline combo mags and most of them work ok in both rifles.

I've got one that isn't glued together to well. Their quality slipped in the months before the ban just like everyone elses.

Dennis Jenkins

Originally posted by Vorticity the Monkey
Hey guys...long time lurker, first time poster. I'm waiting to see if I won my online auction for a Mini-14 RR, and was pondering the magazine question. A few threads back, someone mentioned a 'do-it-all' magazine that worked in both the AR-15 and mini-14. As would be expected, this after-market magazine was a pile-of-you-know-what, but it got me thinking - how hard would it be to convert AR-15 mags to fit the mini-14 magwell? Would it be something simple like grinding down the side-latch on the AR-15 mag and adding a plate on the back so the mini could latch on to it?

Anybody ever try this? Like the title says, it's just a theoretical question - I'm okay with buying a few PMI/Thermolds and calling it good, but how hard would it really be to modify the AR-15 mag to function in a mini-14?

 

[cajungeo]

Welcome to the forum Vorticity. I believe the AR mags are a different shape. Check out this thread. http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/showthr...+mags+to+mini14

 

[Flak 2]

I think you'd have to remove to much material from the front of the Mini 14 reciever for the AR magazine to fit. With that much material removed up where the bolt locks I think you'd be looking at reciever failure because there won't be enough material left to support the bolt when it locked. The Ramline combo mags your talking about that fit the AR15,AR18,and Mini14 are narrow in front like a Mini 14 magazine.

 

[Vorticity the Monkey]

Originally posted by cajungeo
Welcome to the forum Vorticity. I believe the AR mags are a different shape. Check out this thread. http://www.perfectunion.com/forums/showthr...+mags+to+mini14

Hey cajungeo and all...thanks for the replies. Sorry about the duplicate thread! My original search was for AR-15 and mini-14 _conversion_, and I guess I forgot the 'mag' part. Thanks for the info...like I said, I don't plan on doing this, because it looks like it's just not worth it.

Thanks again!

 

[Geno]

Probably not worth it. There are good hi caps still available for the mini14. Better idea would be converting them for the mini 30 as good quality hi caps for it are very rare.

 

[davey]

Just one legal issue to remember... if you construct a new magazine, then it is illegal under federal law. If you modify it so it works in a Mini-14, and it still functions in an M-16 as originally designed, then it should be ok. There is an interesting article in the Shotgun News, Feb 3, 2003 (V57 I3) which talks specifically about magazine conversion and the BATF's opinion on the issue (page 30). Before you make any mod's, you might want to check it out.

-davey

 

[Vorticity the Monkey]

Good point, Davey - of course, any modification to a magazine is attempted at the peril of the modifier, as even legal modifications can get the feds interested in you. Given my lack of tools/workspace and the wide availability of preban mags, I agree that the modification just isn't worth it, especially since you'd have to keep the mag functional in an AR-15 to be legal. The gist of the question was more of a query of how the magazines lock up in the different rifles - I asked because I don't own an AR-15 (or any AR-15 type magazines) so I can't compare myself, and thought maybe some board members would know.

Thanks for the good replies - it looks like converting mags is a lot more trouble than it's worth. Saving $20/magazine isn't worth going to jail for, no-siree.