Arsenal 7.62x39mm 30rd to 10rd Magazine Conversion Kit Review

The Arsenal 7.62x39mm 30rd to 10rd Magazine Conversion Kit Made a Bold First Impression

The Arsenal 7.62x39mm 30rd to 10rd Magazine Conversion Kit promises to be a straightforward solution to a frustrating problem: restrictive magazine capacity laws. For those of us residing in states where standard-capacity magazines are a no-go, this kit offered a glimmer of hope, a chance to retain the familiar ergonomics of our AK platforms without sacrificing responsible compliance. It’s manufactured by Arsenal, a name usually associated with quality AK variants and accessories.

Living in a state with magazine capacity restrictions, I’ve always struggled with the compromises required to maintain my AK collection legally. The limited availability and questionable reliability of some aftermarket 10-round magazines led me to search for a better solution. This conversion kit seemed like a smart way to utilize existing, trusted 30-round magazines by modifying them to meet legal requirements.

Upon unboxing, the kit presented itself as a collection of precisely machined parts. The components felt robust, reassuring me that they weren’t cheap, fragile substitutes. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; the materials seemed high quality, but the proof would be in the installation and subsequent performance.

I considered other options, including purchasing pre-made 10-round magazines from various manufacturers. However, the mixed reviews concerning their reliability and the higher cost per magazine pushed me towards this conversion kit. I also investigated some DIY methods using rivets and blocks, but I preferred the professional look and assumed reliability of a dedicated kit from a reputable company like Arsenal.

My initial reaction was cautiously excited. The promise of converting my existing high-quality magazines without significant compromise was enticing. Whether it would live up to the hype remained to be seen, but the build quality of the kit definitely piqued my curiosity.

2. Real-World Testing: Putting **Arsenal 7.62x39mm 30rd to 10rd Magazine Conversion Kit** to the Test

   First Use Experience

The testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range, a familiar environment where I regularly practice with my AK pattern rifles. The weather was dry and sunny, ideal conditions for a thorough range session. I wanted to ensure the converted magazines functioned flawlessly before trusting them for anything beyond recreational shooting.

The conversion process itself took about 15 minutes per magazine, using basic tools like a punch and a small hammer. Functionality was relatively straightforward, though the provided instructions could benefit from clearer illustrations. I noticed immediately that the reduced capacity felt…different.

The first few rounds fired flawlessly, bolstering my initial confidence. However, by the third magazine, I experienced a failure to feed. This was surprising, and I initially suspected an issue with the installation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, involving approximately 500 rounds through three converted magazines, the performance remained generally positive, but not perfect. The initial failure to feed persisted intermittently, occurring about once every 50-75 rounds. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it was a noticeable and concerning issue.

The Arsenal kit components themselves have held up well, showing no visible signs of wear or damage. The limiting block and modified follower seem durable and are made from robust materials. The magazine bodies, being standard AK mags, proved reliable as expected, so the issues seem concentrated on the converted components.

Maintenance involves simply disassembling the magazine for cleaning, similar to a standard AK magazine. There are no special procedures required. I’ve tried different cleaning solvents and lubricants, hoping to alleviate the failure-to-feed issue, but the problem persists, indicating a design flaw or slight incompatibility.

Compared to using other low-capacity magazines, the Arsenal conversion kit offers a significant advantage in terms of feel and handling. The modified magazines retain the dimensions and weight of a standard 30-round magazine, which is more ergonomic than the smaller, stubbier 10-round alternatives. However, the intermittent feeding issues are a definite disappointment, making the converted magazines less reliable than standard-capacity versions (if legal) or even some higher-quality aftermarket 10-round mags.

3. Breaking Down the Features of **Arsenal 7.62x39mm 30rd to 10rd Magazine Conversion Kit**

   Specifications

• Caliber: 7.62x39mm. This kit is specifically designed for this cartridge, making it incompatible with other calibers.
• Magazine Capacity: Converts 30-round magazines to 10-round capacity. Compliance is the key feature.
• Material: Components are made from a combination of steel and polymer. Durability is a critical aspect.
• Compatibility: Designed for standard AK-47/AKM pattern 30-round magazines. Fit is not guaranteed for all magazine variants.
• Included Parts: Limiter block, modified follower, and baseplate locking plate. Completeness is essential for the conversion.

These specifications are critical because they dictate the kit’s functionality and applicability. The correct caliber ensures proper feeding and function. The 10-round capacity ensures legal compliance in restricted states. The material quality determines the kit’s lifespan and reliability, and the compatibility factor is crucial for ensuring the kit can be used with existing magazines.

Performance & Functionality

The Arsenal 7.62x39mm 30rd to 10rd Magazine Conversion Kit aims to limit magazine capacity while maintaining the feel of a standard AK magazine. In theory, it fulfills this purpose, but the intermittent feeding issues detract from its overall functionality. While it provides a legally compliant option, the reliability is not on par with standard, unrestricted magazines.

The main strength is the retention of standard magazine dimensions and ergonomics. The weakness is the occasional failure to feed, compromising reliability. It meets the basic expectation of limiting capacity, but it doesn’t exceed expectations due to the reliability issues.

Design & Ergonomics

The Arsenal kit is designed to be a drop-in replacement, requiring minimal modification to the original magazine body. The materials feel robust, contributing to a sense of durability. The weight remains similar to a standard 30-round magazine, maintaining a familiar feel.

The kit is relatively user-friendly, with a simple installation process. A basic understanding of magazine disassembly is helpful, but no specialized tools are required. Clearer instructions would improve the experience for first-time users.

Durability & Maintenance

The components appear to be durable and capable of withstanding regular use. No significant wear or damage was observed after several range sessions. Regular cleaning and lubrication are recommended, similar to standard AK magazines.

Maintenance is straightforward, involving disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly. The components are easily accessible, making maintenance simple.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit itself doesn’t offer any additional accessories or customization options. It is a self-contained conversion kit designed to modify existing magazines. However, because it uses standard AK magazines, users can still utilize aftermarket baseplates or magazine pouches designed for AK magazines.

The kit is compatible with any standard AK magazine pouch or loading device. It does not alter the external dimensions of the magazine, so compatibility with existing accessories is maintained.

4. Pros and Cons of **Arsenal 7.62x39mm 30rd to 10rd Magazine Conversion Kit**