[Stew Man Fu]

I recently picked up some 30 rd. cap. AR15 / M16 mags from an Army surplus dealer in my city. My question is a several parter.
1.) I bought 4 mags . . . 1 has light green follower, 1 has med green follower, 1 has a black one and 1 has a swirled gray, green one. The reason I ask is that it seems to me there was issue with a certain color of the followers and to stay away from it ??? I had them all apart and except for the color can't tell a difference. I plan to change them all to a magpul follower eventually but that is down the road.

2.) I also noticed that there were different names on them Colt, Kay and the other I don't remember right off hand. Is there any certain one any more or less reliable when buying surplus? I noticed that the "keeper tabs were slightly different on the bottom between the Colt and Kay, the one had more surface area to the tab than the other. I believe it was the Kay. I was told they were all made from the same set of dies ???

3.) Can they or should they be painted. If so what should I use and if not . . . Why not ??? Even if the answer is obvious.
Thanks again, I tell all my friends about how helpful this site has been to me . . . Keep up the good work.

[GlockMeister]

For question 1- They should all be fine. If you have any problem, it might be due to the spring since they are used? But if you are concerned, you can buy and replaced the springs and follower for them. I've seen them in 3 packs if I remember correctly? In fact, here you go...

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=1...air_Kit,_3-Pak

For question #2- Obviously the Colt brand will be fine. Never heard of Kay? And since you can't remember the other brad/s, can't really help you there. If they're all made to military specs. they should all be fine? Even though made by different manufacturers, the military specs. are still the same.

As for question #3- I wouldn't paint them personally as the paint might make them stick or hang up or not work well? They might get stuck or not fit properly in the mag well? But, I suppose you could paint them if you really wanted to, but I would ONLY give them a few really light coats, ONLY enough to cover them. And even then, you might have to lightly sand or you might have to remove some paint where it goes into the mag well?

Lastly and again, if you have any concerns, dry run all the mags you have with a full load of 30rds. If they work manually, the odds are they'll work under fire. But again, if you have ANY concerns, just get some new silicone springs and green followers for all. Not all that expensive.

[Stew Man Fu]

I thought about inserting each mag and marking each one and tapeing them off so as not to get any paint on the part that goes into the magwell. Some just look like they were tied to a bumper at a military wedding. The metal all looks fine but britght and shiney scratches all over all but one. That one is O.D. Green.

[big boomer]

you could paint below where they fit in the mag well.

[GlockMeister]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Stew Man Fu

I thought about inserting each mag and marking each one and tapeng them off so as not to get any paint on the part that goes into the magwell. Some just look like they were tied to a bumper at a military wedding. The metal all looks fine but bright and shiny scratches all over all but one. That one is O.D. Green.

That will work. But again, I wouldn't coat them too thick. And if you haven't made sure they do, make sure they function first. No sense painting any that don't. And those that don't, you can try the rebuild/sping and follower kits and then try again. then paint those?