Finding a decent stash of fal metric mags used to be as easy as walking into a local gun show with twenty bucks, but those days feel like ancient history now. If you've recently picked up a "Right Arm of the Free World" or you've had one sitting in the back of the safe for years, you know the struggle is real. The surplus market has dried up significantly, and what's left often comes with a price tag that'll make you do a double-take.
Still, the FAL is one of those rifles that just doesn't feel right unless you have a pile of magazines ready to go. Whether you're running an old-school StG-58 or a modern DS Arms carbine, you need feeding devices that actually work. There is nothing more frustrating than a beautiful battle rifle turning into a single-shot bolt action because the feed lips on a cheap magazine decided to give up the ghost.
Why Metric Mags Rule the Market
If you're new to the platform, you might be wondering why everyone is so obsessed with fal metric mags specifically. Basically, the FAL world is split into two camps: Metric and Inch pattern (or L1A1). While the rifles look similar, the magazines aren't exactly interchangeable. You can usually fit a metric mag into an inch-pattern gun, but it'll be wobbly and probably won't feed right. You definitely can't go the other way around.
Metric mags are far more common globally because most of the world—Belgium, Brazil, Argentina, and most of Europe—stuck to the original FN blueprints. They're identified by a small, stamped-out lug on the front of the magazine that hooks into the receiver. The inch mags, by contrast, have a much larger machined lug. Since most of the FALs we see today are built on metric receivers, these magazines are the gold standard for most shooters.
The Search for Surplus Gold
To be honest, if you can find old military surplus magazines in decent shape, grab them. It doesn't matter if they're a bit salty or have some finish wear. The steel used in original Belgian, Austrian, or Brazilian magazines is incredibly tough.
Austrian StG-58 magazines are arguably the best fal metric mags ever produced. You can identify them by the witness holes on the back that let you see how many rounds you have left. They're built with such precision that they usually drop free and feed flawlessly, even after decades of use. If you see these at a reasonable price, don't hesitate.
Then you've got the Belgian ones from FN. These are the "OG" mags. They might not have the fancy witness holes, but the metallurgy is top-notch. South African and Rhodesian mags are also floating around, often with a distinct "baby poop" camo paint or a heavy patina. They've seen some stuff, but they usually still run like a clock. Just keep an eye out for dents in the body; since they're made of steel, a heavy enough "ding" can stop the follower from rising, which is a headache you don't want at the range.
New Production: The Good and the Bad
Since the surplus well is running low, several companies have stepped up to make new fal metric mags. It's been a bit of a bumpy road, though. For a long time, new-production magazines had a reputation for being well, unreliable.
DS Arms (DSA) is the big name here. Their early attempts at magazines were hit or miss, and a lot of guys in the FAL community still have a sour taste in their mouths from those early batches. However, they've really stepped up their game in the last few years. Their current steel magazines are actually quite good. They're made on modern tooling and tend to fit well in most receivers. Plus, they offer different capacities, which is a nice touch if you want a 10-round mag for bench shooting or a 30-round beast for the "cool factor."
Then you have polymer options. Moses Mags were the darlings of the FAL world for a while. They were lightweight, incredibly durable, and they looked great. Unfortunately, they can be hard to find these days as production has been sporadic. Thermold also makes a polymer mag, but they're a bit polarizing. Some people swear by them for casual range use, while others find the plastic feed lips don't hold up as well under the heavy recoil of a .308/7.62 NATO round.
Steel vs. Aluminum: The Weight Debate
Most fal metric mags you'll find are made of steel, and for good reason. The FAL is a heavy rifle, and it likes a sturdy magazine. However, there are also aluminum alloy magazines out there, often called "Paratrooper" mags.
These were designed for soldiers who had to carry their gear over long distances or jump out of planes. They weigh about half as much as the steel ones. If you're planning on hiking with your rifle, these are amazing. The downside? They aren't nearly as durable. If you drop a loaded aluminum mag on concrete, there's a good chance you're going to bend the feed lips or crush the floorplate. They're great for "carrying a lot but shooting a little," but for high-volume range sessions, I'd stick with steel.
How to Spot a Lemon
When you're digging through a bin of used fal metric mags at a gun show, you need to know what to look for. It's not just about the rust.
- The Feed Lips: Look at them from the top. They should be symmetrical and shouldn't look flared out or pinched in. If they're bent, the mag might sit too low or too high, causing the bolt to ride over the round or jam it into the feed ramp.
- The Follower: Take your thumb and push the follower down. It should move smoothly without catching. If it feels gritty, the mag might just be dirty, but if it tilts significantly, the spring or the follower itself might be shot.
- The Front Lug: Check the little hook on the front. If it's rounded off or badly damaged, the mag won't lock into the rifle securely. A wobbly mag is a recipe for malfunctions.
- Dents: Run your fingers along the sides of the magazine body. A small scratch is fine, but a deep dent can trap the follower.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Once you actually get your hands on some decent fal metric mags, take care of them. These aren't like modern AR-15 PMAGs that you can just toss in the trash when they get dirty.
If you buy surplus mags, the first thing you should do is take them apart. Most of them are filled with 50-year-old cosmoline or literal desert sand. Clean the inside of the body with some CLP or a dry film lubricant. I personally prefer dry lube for magazines because it doesn't attract dust and grit like oil does.
Check the springs too. If the spring looks short or weak compared to a new one, replace it. There are several companies that sell replacement springs specifically for FAL mags. It's a cheap way to bring an old, tired magazine back to life and ensure your rifle stays reliable.
Final Thoughts on Building Your Stash
At the end of the day, you can never really have too many fal metric mags. Even if you only have one rifle, magazines are a wear item. They're the "tires" of the firearm world. Eventually, they're going to wear out, or you're going to drop one, or you'll just want the peace of mind of having a dozen loaded and ready to go.
Prices aren't likely to go down anytime soon, so if you see a deal on some surplus steel or even the newer DSA mags, it's probably worth pulling the trigger. The FAL is a legendary platform, and it deserves to be fed with quality equipment. Keep your eyes peeled on the forums and the secondary market—sometimes you can still find a "sleeper" deal from someone who doesn't realize what they have. Happy hunting!