PMAGS not dropping free from Lower

[smai-tai]

So i have a bunch of I believe Gen2 PMAGS as well as some Gen3's I believe and none of which will drop free from my New Frontier lowers (polymer and aluminum). I have looked over the internet and this seems to be a common problem with PMAGS and certain lower magwells. I have read about sanding/filing down the magazines so they drop freely, but can't seem to find any detailed info on this. I am assuming it is very self explanatory, but I like to do research before I do things, especially when it comes to my rifles and accessories. Any info or help is much appreciated. Figured it's better to sand/file a magazine versus the magwell in the lower and it's forever. I like the tight fit and understand the reason behind it, but when I take tactical classes I want to be able to drop them freely as needed. All my GI Steel Mags drop just fine, but I don't have nearly as many of those. Thanks in advance

[NorCalRT]

Gen3 should drop fine, they are smaller than gen2. I would double check what you have.

[smai-tai]

Gen3 should drop fine, they are smaller than gen2. I would double check what you have.

I will double check when I get home later. Pretty sure most are Gen2 so let's just go with that for now. Is there some sanding/file method that can be done to make them drop free that you know of or have heard about? Thanks

[CK_32]

Can't remember the reason why, but Pmags have had reports of this since their beginning. I think because the polymer bends easier than the GI or metal counter parts.

All my 5.56 Gen 1, 2 and 3 drop free. My LR308 Gen3 do not. But some people say theirs don't. I think it is probably the lowers. I'd start by either steel wool it or very light sand paper the mag well or just watch tv and insert and drop your mags till it wears off some of the finish (but that could be exhausting).

Then modify the mags, I've seen a ton of mags scrapped because guys have bad dremel skills lol

[NorCalRT]

Use oil to check where the rub is, take a thick layer of oil to the inside of the magwell, insert mag and remove. It'll tell you were the rub is and what needs to be sanded.

[NorCalRT]

Can't remember the reason why, but Pmags have had reports of this since their beginning. I think because the polymer bends easier than the GI or metal counter parts.

All my 5.56 Gen 1, 2 and 3 drop free. My LR308 Gen3 do not. But some people say theirs don't. I think it is probably the lowers. I'd start by either steel wool it or very light sand paper the mag well or just watch tv and insert and drop your mags till it wears off some of the finish (but that could be exhausting).

Then modify the mags, I've seen a ton of mags scrapped because guys have bad dremel skills lol

The issue is European guns have a tighter mag well tolerance, which lots of companies who produce lowers adopted. This is my magpul made the Emag, and eventually adopted the sizing in the gen3 pmag.

[laurelpark]

What I've found with PMAGS is that when they get fully loaded, they bulge at the top and then permanently deform. Depending on when it was made, sometimes you can't even get a fully loaded PMAG to seat correctly without smashing it in place.

What other people have said is what you'll probably have to do. Load them up fully, insert a few times, look for the rub spot and lightly sand/polish the material. I've also found that putting a layer of powdered graphite on them works wonders. It can be a little messy at first, but once that layer of graphite embeds itself into the polymer, it makes a world of difference. If you can't find powdered graphite, rubbing with a standard No. 2 pencil will also work just fine.

[smai-tai]

OK thanks everyone for the info. I think I know how to find the spot and "fix" the "issue". I just figure modifying the PMAG is the way to go versus the lower, as I can replace a magazine fairly easy and at a very low cost.