Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, FDE/Tan, Aftermarket Origin Review

First Thoughts on the Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, FDE/Tan, Aftermarket Origin

The Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, FDE/Tan, Aftermarket Origin enters a crowded market of AK magazines. It promises reliable feeding of the venerable 7.62x39mm round in a unique, visually appealing package. As someone who’s run AKs in various capacities for over a decade, from competitive shooting to hog hunting, I’m always on the lookout for magazines that improve upon the classic ComBloc steel.

My journey to this particular magazine started with a simple problem: identifying malfunctions quickly. Solid polymer magazines are durable, but you can’t see what’s happening inside. I was searching for a magazine that offered the ruggedness of polymer with the diagnostic advantage of a transparent body. I had been running some steel magazines and wanted to reduce weight.

My initial hands-on experience with the Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE was a mixed bag. The clear polymer body immediately caught my eye, while the FDE baseplate provided a tactical aesthetic. Compared to a standard steel AK magazine or a Magpul PMAG AK, the Century US Palm felt noticeably lighter, but also perhaps less robust.

I considered alternatives like the Bulgarian Circle 10 magazines or even other clear polymer AK magazines, but the price point and the promise of Century’s reliability swayed me. I was excited by the potential of easy malfunction diagnosis and the weight savings, but I also had reservations about long-term durability compared to battle-proven steel. Time would tell if this magazine could live up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, FDE/Tan, Aftermarket Origin to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the Century US Palm magazine was in relatively mild conditions – sunny and around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I ran it through my Zastava ZPAP92 pistol, known for being fairly forgiving with magazines. It loaded easily, locked into place securely, and fed the first few rounds flawlessly.

After about 60 rounds, I started experiencing some failures to feed. It seemed the magazine wasn’t quite keeping up as the rifle heated up and got dirtier. I hadn’t experienced any issues with other magazines in the same rifle previously.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past few months, I’ve put the Century US Palm through several hundred rounds, including a hog hunt and multiple range sessions. Durability has been a concern. The clear polymer is showing scratches and minor scuffs, though nothing that seems to compromise its structural integrity. Cleaning is relatively easy; a quick wipe-down is usually sufficient.

Compared to my experience with steel magazines, the Century US Palm requires more frequent cleaning to ensure reliable feeding. I’ve found that even small amounts of dirt can cause malfunctions. I still prefer my ComBloc surplus magazines for serious field work, but the weight of carrying multiple is a definite downside. The Century US Palm offers a trade-off: lighter weight for slightly less reliability in adverse conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, FDE/Tan, Aftermarket Origin

Specifications

The Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE is designed specifically for AK-pattern rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm. It features a 30-round capacity, which is standard for AK magazines. The body is constructed from a clear polymer, allowing for easy visual inspection of remaining rounds and malfunction diagnosis.

The baseplate is made from a Flat Dark Earth (FDE)/Tan polymer. This adds a touch of customization and tactical appeal. As an aftermarket offering, it’s not a factory-original magazine, which is important to keep in mind for collectors or those prioritizing authenticity. Understanding these specifications helps contextualize the magazine’s intended use and potential limitations.

Performance & Functionality

When it works, the Century US Palm performs admirably. The 30-round capacity is standard and allows for ample firepower. Its clear body is exceptionally useful for quickly assessing the type of malfunction if you need to clear a stoppage.

However, the reliability isn’t on par with higher-end magazines. The primary weakness appears to be its sensitivity to dirt and heat. While it meets basic expectations for a magazine, it doesn’t exceed them in terms of overall performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Century US Palm is functional, though not revolutionary. The clear polymer is its most distinctive feature. It makes it easy to see how many rounds are remaining. The magazine’s relatively light weight makes it more comfortable to carry for extended periods.

There isn’t a significant learning curve to using it. It functions much like any other AK magazine. However, the polymer construction does feel less robust than steel.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a legitimate concern with the Century US Palm. After several range sessions, the clear polymer shows wear and tear, although it has not yet cracked or failed. Regular cleaning is crucial to maintaining reliable feeding.

Compared to steel magazines that can tolerate a bit more neglect, the Century US Palm demands a more attentive maintenance regime. Repair is not really an option. Any significant damage would likely necessitate replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Century US Palm magazine comes as a standalone unit. There are no included accessories. Customization is limited to potentially painting the baseplate or applying grip tape.

It’s compatible with most standard AK magazine pouches. However, its slightly different dimensions compared to steel magazines might make for a tighter fit in some pouches. Aftermarket followers or springs are available, but I haven’t tested any yet.

Pros and Cons of Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, FDE/Tan, Aftermarket Origin

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Who Should Buy Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, FDE/Tan, Aftermarket Origin?

The Century US Palm magazine is perfect for casual range shooters or those looking to diagnose AK malfunctions. It’s also a good option for those prioritizing weight savings over ultimate durability. Those who desire a more tactical look for their AK will appreciate the FDE baseplate.

This product is not ideal for serious tactical use, competition, or environments with extreme dirt or mud. Those who demand maximum reliability should stick to steel magazines or higher-end polymer options like Magpul PMAGs. A must-have accessory is a good magazine brush for regular cleaning.

Conclusion on Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, FDE/Tan, Aftermarket Origin

The Century US Palm 7.62x39mm AK Platform Mag 30rd Clear w/FDE offers an interesting proposition. The clear polymer body is a unique feature, but it comes at the cost of some durability and reliability compared to traditional steel magazines. The price is certainly justified given the features, but its long-term dependability is questionable.

I would recommend it with reservations. It’s a useful tool for training and diagnosis. However, it’s not a replacement for battle-proven magazines in critical situations. If you’re looking for a range magazine with a cool factor and diagnostic capability, this might be worth a try. Be sure to keep it clean!

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