Mako to be offering polymer VZ58 mags in 2016

[RSR]

As seen at shotshow:







Source: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/01/19/shot-2016-plethora-cool-new-things-mako-groupfab-defense/

[DDNC]

Very cool on the mags. I was going to order a bunch of the ploy mags from the CZ rep. as there is word that they would not be allowed here, period. Don't know how much of that is hype and as is, they are pricey. I will definitely wait now for these, hope they also come in OD and are reasonably priced.

[RSR]

I would imagine all 3 of their colors:
-the Mako/FAB ODG, more of a camo green IMO
-the Mako/FAB FDE, more of a desert tan IMO
-and their black which is black...

My main interest here would be if they offered 5, 10 and 20 round versions of the same, since those are so expensive and hard to find from OE mags. 

The only real benefits I see to OE mags are the viewing window, body texturing, and grip base plate.  I highly doubt that they will be any lighter than OE aluminum, and doubtful that they are more durable (unless steel reinforced, which they don't offer w/ their other mags as best I can recall)...  But there might be some improvements to the follower, etc, to improve reliability in adverse conditions (but reliability of the VZ58 OE mag is so far superior to most other mags of the period and contemporary mags [like for ARs] until about the past decade, that any gains there are likely minimal...). 

Based on the ultimag AK mag prices, I would imagine pricepoint on these will be at about $25; and perhaps down to about $20 w/ a good sale...

I will say that FAB/Mako is making these mags is a testament to the VZ58's continued popularity with first-world (and perhaps somewhat second) professional operators as well as civilian gun owners...  I'd think the civilians would take back seat to professionals in Mako's manufacturing decisions, but perhaps not. 
These sure aren't the result of a broad base of VZ gun owners in the US, haha -- over a million United States AK variant owners vs less than 100k VZ58 owners (prob more like 50k...).

[RSR]

Here's the link to their Ultimag AK mag: http://www.fab-defense.com/en/category-magazines-and-accessories/id-1615/ak47-74-7.62x39-30-rounds-polymer-magazine.html

Same info as found there:

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight   166 gr
Width   35 mm
Height   214 mm
Length   81 mm

Well, on weight, this doesn't account for the rib as AKs don't have them, but 166 grams = 5.86 ounces.  Czechpoint lists VZ58 mags at 0.42 lb, which is 6.72 ounces.  So they might come in at about the same weight provided numbers above (not pulling out my own scale to confirm) are in fact accurate.

More from FAB:

The Ultimag AK 30R is a 30 round 7.62x39 polymer magazine for AK47/74 compatible weapons, with rapid visual identification option of remaining rounds.

The Ultimag AK 30R provides a durable and reliable magazine solution using high grade materials and engineering.

Advantages:
-Multi-textured surface for enhanced grip
-Unique floor plate for versatile coupling options
-Disassembled by hand, no tools needed
-Long-lasting cataphoresis-coated spring for ideal corrosion protection
-Unique internal design for smoother, more reliable feeding
-Tilt proof low-friction follower for increased reliability
-Durable, lightweight, impact and crush-resistant reinforced polymer construction
-Long-lasting spring design for extended duration in loaded storage
-Visual indication of remaining rounds from 10 to 30
-Extended  floorplate for improved magazine handling with gloves and gear
-Compatible with double mag pouches
-Over-travel protection, stops on the follower for extended spring operation
-Available in black, olive drab green, or flat dark earth

Compatibility:
7.62x39 AK47/74

[cci24]

You have my attention

[MCinMD]

Zahal lists them at $18.00

[nickndfl]

I could use a couple of 5 round mags instead of modifying my milspec units.  The state of Florida only allows up to a 5 round mag when hunting on state lands.  On private land you can use anything short of a nuclear device.

[CitizenPete]

I could use a couple of 5 round mags instead of modifying my milspec units.  The state of Florida only allows up to a 5 round mag when hunting on state lands.  On private land you can use anything short of a nuclear device.

Yeah whats up with that?  No guns that shoot nuclear devices?  What part of "infringe" don't they get? /sarc 

Can you somehow pin a mag to five limit?

[nickndfl]

Yes you can pin, but it's easier to buy one.

[Garys4598]

Awesome-sauce. 

[RSR]

Yes you can pin, but it's easier to buy one.

Also with pin, if you don't pin exactly right, you can get 6 or 11 rounds in and then that's trouble...  Also extra weight you don't need w/ unused portions of mag... And pins make complete disassembly more difficult if not impossible.

[Rob5157]

I ordered 2 in FDE with my last order. I'm finishing 2 more rifles, another tactical and a truck/woods gun. Should have them soon. Will post reviews when I get the mags in.

[gwvt]

I'm hoping they'll come out with VZ 10R mags like the AK 10R's. I can't bring myself to pay through the nose for the metal 10 rounders.

[RSR]

Zahal (Yoav) emailed this morn to say the mags are shipping next week.  Distructive tests to follow 💀

 Awesome.  Can't wait. 

[Grizzled]

Bought three at the end of January.  They arrived a few weeks ago.  Finally tested them today.  Ran 100rnds through each mag, and they ran without any hiccups.  It's nice to be able to see how many rounds are in the mag.