Capacities, weights and what fits.A side by side test of common AK magazines from June 2005.
1Capacity and Weight
All weights are loaded with 7.62×39, as measured for the original AK-47.us test.
| Setup | Rounds | Loaded Weight | Folding Stocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 round magazine | 5 | – | Side and under folders |
| 10 round magazine | 10 | 5.8 oz (rounds only) | Side and under folders |
| 20 round magazine | 20 | 1 lb 5.9 oz | Side and under folders |
| 30 round magazine | 30 | 1 lb 13.6 oz | Side and under folders |
| 40 round RPK magazine | 40 | 2 lb 5.2 oz | Side folders only |
| 50 round magazine | 50 | 2 lb 13.9 oz | Most side folders |
| Two 30s clamped | 60 | 3 lb 13.4 oz | Many side folders |
| Romanian 75 round drum | 75 | 4 lb 15.7 oz | Not most folders |
| Chinese 75 round drum | 75 | 4 lb 14.1 oz | Not most folders |
| Two 40s clamped | 80 | 4 lb 13.1 oz | Many side folders |
| Three 40s clamped | 120 | 7 lb 4.9 oz | Some side folders |
2The Magazines
5 and 10 Round
Short magazines the same size, made for hunting and states with limits.
20 Round
Shipped with many imported rifles.
30 Round
The standard steel AK magazine.
40 Round
Made for the RPK. Clears side folders but not underfolders.
50 Round
Never issued. Most were made by welding two magazines together, more novelty than tool.
75 Round Drums
Romanian and Chinese drums for the RPK, heavy and too big for most folders.
3Collecting Magazines
Every country made its own AK magazines, and collectors look for the factory mark, the material and the color. Steel slab side and ribbed magazines came first, then the light alloy waffle magazine, then Bakelite and polymer in orange, plum and black. Magazine pouches, drum manuals and loading tools are collectible too.
Factory Marks on Magazines
Arrow in a triangle for Izhevsk, a star for Tula, 10 in a double circle for Bulgaria.
AK47 Markings