Tech Note

October 2, 2000

TECHNICAL NOTE 19: MODIFICATION OF M-14 RIFLE MAGAZINES FOR USE IN ARMALITE AR-10B SERIES RIFLES

The AR-10B magazine is based on the proven magazine of the M-14/MlA Rifle.   It is limited to 10 round capacity due to the 1994 Crime Bill.  A good quality metal 20 round M-14/MlA magazine can be modified to function perfectly in the AR-10B.   U.S. G.I. and recently imported Chinese magazines are acceptable. Commercial metal magazines with pressed latch plates and
fiberglass magazines are not usable.  The AR-10B magazine, and modified M-14 magazines, will not work in either AR-10 or AR-10A rifles, or in the SR-25 rifle.   Magazines for those rifles will not work in AR-10B series rifles.

ArmaLite will provide a Modified, refinished, and gaged 20 round magazine in exchange for two 20 round G.I. or Chinese magazines, or for one 20 round magazine and a fee of $30.00. Rusty, dented, or pitted magazines are not acceptable for this program.

New 10 round magazines are available from ArmaLite for $30.00 each. "Post-ban" 20 round magazines are available to government and export purchasers.

Many M14 magazines, including G.I. magazines, were produced oversize.  Before forwarding magazines for exchange, customers must verify that they will fit the AR-10B magazine well. A $10.00 per magazine charge will be added for unpacking and depreserving magazines coated with greased interiors or exteriors.

Because of limitations of the 1994 Crime Bill, the AR-10 magazine follower is produced to prevent more than 10 rounds from fitting in the AR-10B magazine.  This results in a tight fit.  Some converted 20 round magazines will accept only 19 shots after conversion.

Customers who wish to modify and retain their own magazines may do so with the Magazine Conversion Kit available from ArmaLite for $30.00.  We strongly recommend that customers retain their old magazine shells to prove that their magazine is legal.   Doing so makes the conversion reversible, allowing the customer to return their magazine to M14/M1A configuration.

ArmaLite does not recommend that customers attempt to machine their M-14 magazines to convert them to AR-10 magazines due to the critical nature of the task.

Copyright © 1998 ArmaLite, Inc.