The AR-15 remains a top choice in the U.S. firearms market, and with that popularity comes a booming demand for accessories—especially magazines. With so many options available, it can be tough to know which magazines are worth your time. That’s where I come in to help with my AR-15 Magazine Royale Blog Review.

I’m an 8-year Army veteran, having served as an Airborne Infantryman, and I’ve spent the last three years teaching firearms instruction. My experience, combined with a deep passion for shooting, has led me to test a wide variety of AR-15 magazines. After countless rounds, I’ve formed solid opinions on which mags deliver consistent performance.

For this post, I’ll focus on two main types of AR-15 magazines: metal and polymer. We’ll only be looking at 30-round mags here since extended mags and drum options can be a bit overwhelming for this overview. Whether you prefer windowed or non-windowed, I’ll cover some of the best options without getting into the small details that might not matter to every shooter.

Top AR-15 Magazine Picks:

• Magpul PMAG Gen M3
• Lancer L5 AWM
• Hexmag Series 2
• Duramag SS 5.56
• Surefeed E2

Magpul PMAG Gen M3

Overview: Magpul’s PMAG series is one of the most popular and trusted names in AR-15 magazines. The PMAG Gen M3 builds on the strengths of its predecessors while offering improved durability and performance.
Key Features:

• Material: Advanced impact-resistant polymer
• Capacity: Standard 30-round capacity (also available in lower capacities)
• Compatibility: Compatible with AR-15 and M4 platforms, including most 5.56x45mm NATO, .223 Remington, and .300 Blackout cartridges
• Enhanced Durability: Reinforced locking lug and an anti-tilt follower to ensure smoother feeding
• Dust Cover: Comes with a removable dust cover to protect rounds from debris and prevent damage during storage
• Window Option: Available in a windowed version to allow easy round counting

Pros:

• Highly reliable and tested in military and civilian environments
• Lightweight and corrosion-resistant
• Affordable pricing for the performance
• Self-lubricating follower for smooth feeding

Cons:

• Polymer construction, while durable, may not appeal to those who prefer metal magazines

Lancer L5 Advanced Warfighter Magazine (AWM)

Overview: The Lancer L5 AWM offers the best of both worlds by combining polymer with metal reinforcements. It’s known for its strength and reliability, even in harsh environments.
Key Features:

• Material: Polymer body with steel feed lips
• Capacity: 30 rounds
• Durability: Steel-reinforced feed lips prevent cracking and deformation over time
• Translucent Option: Available in a translucent version to easily see the remaining rounds
• Anti-Tilt Follower: Reduces the likelihood of feeding issues

Pros:

• Reinforced steel feed lips provide extra durability
• Lightweight yet robust design
• Translucent model allows for easy visual round check
• One of the most durable hybrid designs on the market

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than some fully polymer options
• Some users report the steel lips can cause slight wear on the magwell over time

Hexmag Series 2

Overview: Hexmag has made a name for itself by offering magazines with a distinctive hex-pattern grip. The Series 2 improves on the original with enhanced feed reliability and durability.
Key Features:

• Material: Polymer body
• Capacity: 30 rounds
• HexID System: Color-coded followers and base plates make it easy to identify different calibers
• Enhanced Grip: The signature hex-pattern provides excellent grip, even with gloves
• Tool-Free Disassembly: Can be disassembled without tools for cleaning and maintenance

Pros:

• Unique color-coded system for fast caliber recognition
• Improved follower design for more reliable feeding
• Excellent grip, even in adverse weather conditions
• Competitive pricing

Cons:

• The polymer construction isn’t as durable as steel-reinforced options
• Some shooters report feed lip wear over extensive use

Duramag SS 5.56

Overview: Duramag magazines are gaining popularity for their reliability and innovative design. The Duramag SS 5.56 is crafted for optimal performance, particularly in competitive and tactical scenarios.
Key Features:

• Material: Stainless steel body with a black nitride finish for corrosion resistance
• Capacity: 30 rounds
• Durability: The stainless steel construction provides excellent resistance to wear and environmental factors
• Enhanced Feed Design: Features an anti-tilt follower and precision-engineered feed lips for smooth feeding
• Compatibility: Works with most AR-15 platforms and is designed to handle a wide variety of ammunition types

Pros:

• Exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion
• Reliable feeding in various conditions
• Excellent balance of weight and strength
• Affordable compared to other stainless steel magazines

Cons:

• Heavier than polymer options, which might be a consideration for some users
• Initial pricing can be higher than entry-level magazines, but durability may offset this

SureFeed E2 Magazine

Overview: SureFeed magazines, formerly known as Okay Industries magazines, are another staple in the AR-15 world, offering consistent reliability and quality control. The E2 variant is an upgrade that focuses on improved handling and feeding.
Key Features:

• Material: Aluminum body with a new anti-tilt follower
• Capacity: 30 rounds
• Textured Body: The E2 model features a textured surface for a more secure grip
• Mil-Spec: Trusted by military and law enforcement for decades
• Dry Film Lubricant: Provides smoother feeding and resistance to fouling

Pros:

• Time-tested reliability with a military pedigree
• Textured surface offers enhanced handling in slippery conditions
• Tough, corrosion-resistant construction
• Made in the USA with rigorous quality control

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to standard metal mags
• Lacks the lightweight advantage of polymer designs

Conclusion AR-15 Magazine Royale

Choosing the right magazine for your AR-15 largely depends on your shooting style, environment, and preferences. Magpul PMAGs remain a top choice for their versatility and durability at an affordable price, while Lancer L5 AWMs are excellent for shooters seeking a hybrid of polymer and steel construction. The Duramag SS 5.56 stands out for its stainless steel durability and reliable performance, ideal for competitive and tactical use. If you prefer a classic metal feel, SureFeed magazines provide robust, reliable options. Meanwhile, Hexmag’s unique features, such as the HexID system and superior grip, make it a compelling choice for those who value customization and ergonomics.

Ultimately, testing a few of these options will help you determine which magazine best suits your needs, but any of these five will serve you well in both casual and high-stakes scenarios.