AR-15 20RD WAFFLE MAGAZINE STEEL Reviews & Ratings

AR-15 2ORD WAFFLE MAGAZINE STEEL

The Brownells Retro Waffle steel 20-round M16 magazine is a close replica of the original military M16 magazines issued in the late 1950s and early ’60s. With the distinctive waffle pattern stamped into its steel (NOT aluminum!) body, just like the originals, our Waffle 20-round M16 magazine gives the final touch of period accuracy to your "retro" reproduction rifle. Most of the original USGI waffle mags were destroyed by the Department of Defense and so are extremely rare and hard to come by - and the few that survived are collector’s items too valuable to shoot. Our mags give you the period-correct appearance at a fraction of the cost, with 100% up-to-date and reliable innards for dependable function in ANY AR-15 - new, old, or reproduction.

Magazine body & floorplate made exclusively for Brownells by Nodak Spud
Floorplate & spring are from the Brownells USGI 20rd aluminum magazines
Fully heat-treated (for strength) carbon steel magazine body
Waffle pattern crisply stamped into the sheet metal
Matte black Parkerized finish

With a Brownells Retro Waffle steel 20-round M16 magazine, you give your retro AR-15 build that vintage military look. The waffle texture gives any AR-15 shooter extra "purchase" to aid in fast mag changes in non-retro rifles, too.

See all of our AR15s and AR15 parts here.

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2 Stars

Reviews Summary

Customers appreciate the nostalgic design and improved functionality of the AR-15 Waffle Magazine but express concerns over its price, follower materials, and occasional quality control issues. While many find them visually appealing and reliable, some experienced problems with fit, finish, and durability, particularly compared to original mags.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Design & Aesthetics

70%

Reviewers frequently highlight the nostalgic appeal of the waffle design, making it an attractive option for retro rifle builds. The magazine's look is often referred to as visually appealing, especially to those who appreciate vintage styles.

Functionality & Reliability

60%

Many users report 100% functionality, with several stating they experienced no failures during use. The overall performance of the magazine is generally praised and is considered reliable for various types of shooting experiences.

Pricing Concerns

55%

A recurring theme in reviews is the perception of high pricing. Many customers feel that while the quality is solid, the cost is a bit steep compared to alternatives, which affects their overall satisfaction.

Quality Control Issues

45%

Some reviews mention issues with fit and finish, including concerns about the magazine's polymer follower and the finish rubbing off easily. While satisfaction with the product is high overall, these issues were notable for several reviewers.

Customer Experience

40%

Comments regarding shipping and customer service were mixed. While some received their products promptly, others faced issues with customer service responses. Packaging quality was also mentioned positively, with several noting good arrival conditions.

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Cool looking but BEWARE

Great looking retro mag…but that’s all the further I got. They have old school followers in them. I went to switch it out before I got the chance to shoot with it and 2 of the 4 little tabs that hold the floor plate broke off. If you are going to buy then may even don’t replace the follower.

by AL on May 19, 2024

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Waffle Magazine

This is a nice product., quality made for certain. A Retro fan should be pleased with its function and eye appeal. The color is just a bit to dark however for the purists.

Haven't used yet.

Though i haven't used them yet. The construction these magazines seam to be pretty close to the original magazines. The only con is the price. They're a bit to expensive for replicas in my opinion.

Looks Right!

I bought this after someone took my three original, REAL, Armalite waffle mags during some range time at work. I was really soured by this as I had bought them for a replica 601 I had built, and they were beautiful! I bought one of these mags to have a "correct" mag for my 601 again and I'm quite happy with it.

Looks correct, but isn't

Item arrived quickly and was well packaged. Externally it looks like the originals, but internally not so much. The follower is polymer and the spring is different. Haven't checked the function yet, but for the price I think they could have used the same materials as the originals.

Nice quality reproduction

Would have given 5 stars if the floor plate markings were more authentic and or it was readily interchangeable with original magazines. Seems the catch slot is a bit smaller than the original preventing an easy swap out. Also an option for an authentic aluminum follower would be nice. Lastly IMO a bit on the pricey side. Other than that it is a very well made magazine, no complaints about that. Thanks Brownells for bringing the classics back to life.

Have you priced an original one?

Thumbs up for Brownells teaming up with NoDak Spud to offer a hard to find reproduction waffle magazine. Yes it's pricey but the originals are too and I can use this one with out worrying about damaging it. I ran 100 rounds thru mine in a Colt Commando with no issues at all. It's a little harder to insert on a closed bolt (when comparing to a Colt or Magpul mag) but it locks up tight and drops freely. As other reviews have noted, it comes oily and when you clean it some of the finish comes off. The finish on mine is a little blotchy and some of it came off on the feed lips but not that bad. After some hard use it will appear more like an original. Besides the finish the overall construction is excellent. I have recommended this to other. One thing to note is that there is no date code on it, so those that can only use pre-ban mags could use them.