Tikka: AICS or CTR mags?

commissar_lubi

commissar_lubi

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Is there a serious difference in cycling smoothness? I've heard that the CTR mags are much smoother to use compared to AICS-pattern ones.

Considering that CTR mags are so much more expensive (upwards of 200$), is the double stacked design, longer OAL, and the supposed extra smoothness worth the price tag versus the ubiquity of (much cheaper) AICS mags (e.g. MDT's polymer mag which is only $40)?
 
This:
I agree the CTR mags are much smoother, but the cost is why when I went to a KRG chassis I strictly went to MDT magazines.
I have a polymer MDT mag that fits and feeds really well. Still not as smooth as the factory CTR mag, but really I have zero complaints.



SJAR said:
https://www.brownells.com/magazines...308-win-6-5-creedmoor-260-rem-prod120019.aspx

I've never met an AICS mag that didn't need some tuning to run and all of my CTR mags run smooth as glass from the package. Only disadvantage i see with the ctr mags is you can't extend them if you want 12 or 14 round capacity. But I also like the compact double stack design so extensions dont interest me anyways.
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SJAR said:
https://www.brownells.com/magazines...308-win-6-5-creedmoor-260-rem-prod120019.aspx

I've never met an AICS mag that didn't need some tuning to run and all of my CTR mags run smooth as glass from the package. Only disadvantage i see with the ctr mags is you can't extend them if you want 12 or 14 round capacity. But I also like the compact double stack design so extensions dont interest me anyways.
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huh, I didn't know we could just order from Brownells directly like that without an importer, thanks for the tip
 
I use both aics and CTR type on T3's and don't notice a difference. The MDT plastic mags are a bit short so am trying the 10 shot steel MDT no verdict yet. The original aics 5 shot steel is fantastic smooth and reliable feeding. I only have one, it gets swopped around on my Sako308, Mauser308, Remmy 6.5cm and Tikka308/6.5cm for hunting.

edi
 
My MDT AICS metal and polymer mags run flawlessly in my ESS chassis.

My buddy bought a TacA1 in 223, and at least one of his 2 mags would have feed issues when the mag has 1-3 rounds left. He thinks the second one hung up on him but has to investigate more/ Stoeger is replacing the one mag so not the end of the world. And in fairness, the 223 version of the CTR mags has an insert to allow it to hold the smaller rounds, so it's possible the 308/6.5 version doesn't share the same issue. But searching it on google, it seems common to have issues with the CTR mags. On the other hand, the CTR mags are shorter than comparable AICS mags, and some AICS mags need tweaking.
 
SJAR said:
https://www.brownells.com/magazines...308-win-6-5-creedmoor-260-rem-prod120019.aspx

I've never met an AICS mag that didn't need some tuning to run and all of my CTR mags run smooth as glass from the package. Only disadvantage i see with the ctr mags is you can't extend them if you want 12 or 14 round capacity. But I also like the compact double stack design so extensions dont interest me anyways.
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anyone else feel sick to the stomach at the price difference? ya I get hidden costs...86.99USD - XE.com exchange = $118.15. Add on shipping (which won't hurt as much when you break it over more mags) and taxes (which you're gonna pay regardless) and we pay anywhere from 189.00-219.00 per mag up here plus taxes. I don't care how its explained, its just wrong.

Boltgun
 
The price of CTR mags just became completely crazy, they used to be like 100 in Canada no??

Boltgun said:
anyone else feel sick to the stomach at the price difference? ya I get hidden costs...86.99USD - XE.com exchange = $118.15. Add on shipping (which won't hurt as much when you break it over more mags) and taxes (which you're gonna pay regardless) and we pay anywhere from 189.00-219.00 per mag up here plus taxes. I don't care how its explained, its just wrong.

Boltgun
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I went with an mdt chassis for my ctr just to get away from the crappy mags, best decision ever. A little bit of dust or lint or just for the hell of it would foul them up and cause all manner of issues. The mdt mags without the binder plate are excellent. I jammed the 12rd mag springs in the 10rd mags for a bit of extra insurance. Would be nice if everything took sr 25/ar 10 mags, anti tilt folowers and coil springs are best for reliability in my mind.
 
Opposite experience here.
CTR mags have been phenomenally reliable, regardless of conditions, and feed noticeably smoother than the AICS mags I've used. And the 2.95" coal they allow is longer than most AICS mags, which may or may not be important for some.
That being said, I've never had an issue with AICS mags, in any rifle (including Tikka). They just don't feed quite as effortlessly.
If you ever plan on putting your CTR in a chassis you have nearly infinitely more options if you change to AICS. And if you already have AICS mags, or plan on buying/building another rifle someday that takes them, it makes a lot of sense to go AICS for the cross compatibility. Especially since they're generally less than half the price. My $0.02.
 
I'm actually thinking of going CTR + KRG Bravo with CTR mag compatibility which would be a very nice solution I think

Unholysavage said:
Opposite experience here.
CTR mags have been phenomenally reliable, regardless of conditions, and feed noticeably smoother than the AICS mags I've used. And the 2.95" coal they allow is longer than most AICS mags, which may or may not be important for some.
That being said, I've never had an issue with AICS mags, in any rifle (including Tikka). They just don't feed quite as effortlessly.
If you ever plan on putting your CTR in a chassis you have nearly infinitely more options if you change to AICS. And if you already have AICS mags, or plan on buying/building another rifle someday that takes them, it makes a lot of sense to go AICS for the cross compatibility. Especially since they're generally less than half the price. My $0.02.
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My thoughts were for the price of a few extra mags I was most of the way there on a mdt chassis. The no binder plate mags let you load as long as Tikka mags.
 
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