The Century US Palm 7.62x39mm CIA AK-47 30rd Black Detachable – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The AK-47. It’s an icon, a legend, and a rifle synonymous with reliability, even if sometimes that reputation overshadows considerations like refined ergonomics. The Century US Palm 7.62x39mm CIA AK-47 30rd Black Detachable – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin magazine aims to deliver reliable feeding for this legendary platform, and at a price point that’s accessible to almost any AK enthusiast.
My AK-47, a well-loved but somewhat finicky beast, was suffering from magazine-related feeding issues. The old surplus magazines I’d acquired with it were showing their age, resulting in frequent jams and a frustrating range experience. I was looking for magazines that were durable, reliable, and wouldn’t break the bank, leading me to explore polymer options like the Century US Palm.
The initial impression was positive: a lightweight, seemingly robust polymer body with a promise of smooth feeding. Picking one up, the weight was noticeably less than the steel surplus magazines I was used to. The black polymer had a slightly textured feel, suggesting decent grip even with gloved hands. Compared to some other polymer AK magazines I’ve handled, the Century US Palm felt more solid, less prone to flexing.
I’d considered Magpul PMAGs and Bulgarian polymer magazines, both respected options. Ultimately, the Century US Palm won me over with its attractive price point and positive user reviews regarding reliability specifically in the AK platform. My initial excitement was tempered with the cautious optimism of someone who’s been burned by budget-friendly gear before, but I was genuinely hoping these magazines would solve my feeding issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting Century US Palm 7.62x39mm CIA AK-47 30rd Black Detachable – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Century US Palm magazines was a mixed bag. The range was outdoors, and the weather was relatively dry, offering ideal conditions for testing. I loaded up three of the magazines with 7.62x39mm ammo, a mix of steel-cased and brass-cased rounds.
Initially, the magazines performed flawlessly, smoothly feeding rounds into my AK-47. I ran through several magazines with no issues, feeling a surge of relief that my feeding problems might finally be solved. However, as the rifle heated up, I started experiencing a few failures to feed with the steel-cased ammunition. The magazine didn’t seem to seat quite right after several reloads.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Century US Palm magazines, I’ve formed a more concrete opinion. The magazines have held up reasonably well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The polymer body has proven resistant to scratches and impacts, which is reassuring.
Cleaning the magazines is straightforward. Disassembly is easy and allows you to clear out any debris that may accumulate inside. Comparing the Century US Palm to my old surplus magazines, it’s clear that the polymer construction offers a significant advantage in terms of weight and ease of maintenance.
The reliability, however, remains a concern. While the magazines generally function well with brass-cased ammunition, they still exhibit occasional feeding issues with steel-cased rounds, especially after the rifle gets hot. This isn’t ideal for high-volume shooting or tactical scenarios where reliability is paramount.
Breaking Down the Features of Century US Palm 7.62x39mm CIA AK-47 30rd Black Detachable – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Specifications
The Century US Palm 7.62x39mm CIA AK-47 30rd Black Detachable – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin boasts several key specifications:
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm: Designed specifically for the ubiquitous AK-47 round, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AK variants.
- Capacity: 30 Rounds: The standard AK magazine capacity, offering a good balance between firepower and manageability.
- Finish: Black: A non-reflective black finish that blends well with most AK-47 rifles and tactical gear.
- Origin: OEM: Likely manufactured by a third-party OEM for Century Arms.
- Polymer Body: Offers durability and weight reduction.
- Low-Friction Follower: Promotes smooth and reliable feeding of ammunition.
- Self-Cleaning Design: Helps to prevent malfunctions caused by dirt and debris.
- Proprietary Polymer Body and End Cap: Offers impact and chemical resistance.
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the magazine’s compatibility, capacity, durability, and feeding reliability. The 7.62x39mm caliber ensures that it will work with almost any AK-47, while the 30-round capacity offers sufficient firepower for most situations. The polymer construction reduces weight and enhances durability, while the low-friction follower contributes to smooth feeding.
Performance & Functionality
When the Century US Palm magazines work, they work well. Feeding is generally smooth and consistent, especially with brass-cased ammunition. The magazines lock into my AK-47 securely, with no noticeable wobble or play.
However, the occasional feeding issues with steel-cased ammunition are a significant drawback. These malfunctions tend to occur when the rifle is hot or when the magazines are not fully seated. This inconsistency makes it difficult to fully trust the magazines in demanding situations.
The strengths of the Century US Palm magazine lie in its lightweight construction, ease of maintenance, and attractive price point. The main weakness is its inconsistent reliability with certain types of ammunition, which can be a deal-breaker for some users. Ultimately, the Century US Palm magazine only partially meets expectations due to the ammunition sensitivities.
Design & Ergonomics
The Century US Palm magazine features a simple, functional design. The polymer body is lightweight and easy to grip, even with gloves. The magazine fits securely in my AK-47, with no excessive wobble or movement.
The magazines are relatively easy to load, although the polymer lips can be a bit stiff initially. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward, requiring no special tools. Overall, the design is practical and user-friendly, with no major ergonomic issues.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction of the Century US Palm magazine appears to be quite durable. After several weeks of use, the magazines show no signs of cracking or significant wear. The finish is also resistant to scratches and abrasions.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. The self-cleaning design helps to prevent malfunctions caused by contaminants, but regular cleaning is still recommended. With proper care, the Century US Palm magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Century US Palm magazine does not come with any accessories or customization options. The magazine is designed to be a standalone product, with no provisions for adding aftermarket components. However, the magazine is compatible with most standard AK-47 magazine pouches and carriers.
Pros and Cons of Century US Palm 7.62x39mm CIA AK-47 30rd Black Detachable – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Pros
- Lightweight and durable polymer construction.
- Affordable price point, making it accessible to most AK owners.
- Easy to clean and maintain, extending the magazine’s lifespan.
- Generally reliable with brass-cased ammunition.
- Standard 30-round capacity for ample firepower.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding with steel-cased ammunition.
- Potential reliability issues when the rifle is hot.
- No customization options or included accessories.
Who Should Buy Century US Palm 7.62x39mm CIA AK-47 30rd Black Detachable – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin?
The Century US Palm 7.62x39mm CIA AK-47 30rd Black Detachable – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin is perfect for recreational shooters who primarily use brass-cased ammunition and are looking for an affordable and lightweight magazine option. It’s also a decent choice for those who want to expand their magazine collection without breaking the bank.
However, serious shooters, tactical users, or anyone who relies heavily on steel-cased ammunition should skip this product. The potential reliability issues with certain types of ammunition make it unsuitable for demanding applications.
A must-have modification would be thorough testing with your preferred ammunition to ensure reliable feeding in your specific AK-47.
Conclusion on Century US Palm 7.62x39mm CIA AK-47 30rd Black Detachable – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
The Century US Palm 7.62x39mm CIA AK-47 30rd Black Detachable – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin offers a mixed bag of features and performance. While the lightweight construction, durable polymer body, and attractive price point are appealing, the inconsistent feeding with steel-cased ammunition is a significant drawback.
The value proposition is debatable. If you primarily use brass-cased ammunition and are on a tight budget, the Century US Palm magazine may be worth considering. However, if reliability is your top priority, you may be better off investing in a higher-quality magazine.
Personally, I would recommend the Century US Palm magazine with reservations. It’s a decent option for recreational shooting with brass-cased ammunition, but I wouldn’t rely on it in more demanding situations. Before you buy, test the magazine thoroughly with your preferred ammunition to ensure it functions reliably in your AK-47. Make an informed decision and enjoy safe shooting!