Magazines for AK

An AK magazine should meet your requirements based on several factors: capacity, loading method, construction material, appearance (which reflects the specific type/caliber of AK — not all AKs are the same), and of course, price. Based on these criteria, you can decide which type of magazine suits you best.

Magazine types by capacity, use, and playstyle

Push-type magazines - Mid-cap

Want to stay quiet and tactical while still having enough BBs to eliminate dozens of enemies? Push-type mid-cap magazines are your go-to for everyday airsoft action. Some can hold up to 200 BBs and don’t rattle, but their maintenance is slightly more demanding.

Speedloader:
A speedloader is a simple device used to fill push-type magazines. They come in various models and capacities, but the core function is the same — using a plunger/button or crank to push BBs through the same opening they exit from. Magazines can be filled in seconds.

Push-type Low-cap/Real-cap

Are you a MilSim player who values realism? Grab 30-round magazines and show your teammates it’s possible to play without wasting plastic. These low-capacity mags use the same spring-fed system as mid-caps — a highly reliable feeding method.

Our tip:

Always empty all push-type magazines after gameplay. Storing them full over time reduces the life of the feed spring, which is essential for proper feeding.
With winding mags, it's also a good idea to unload BBs to prolong the life of the internal winding mechanism.

Winding magazines - High capacity - Hi-cap

If you love to lay down continuous fire and don’t mind the rattling of BBs inside your mag, grab a hi-cap winding magazine. You won’t need many of them, as their capacity for AKs is usually around 500–600 BBs.
Winding mags contain a small mechanism made up of gears and multiple springs. This mechanism must be wound from the bottom using a gear wheel or pull cord — hence the term “winding mag.”

Note:

Winding mags must be rewound occasionally during use. Without this, the mag won’t feed properly. On average, a single wind can feed around 40–50 BBs depending on the model, brand, and condition of the mag.

What is MID-CAP syndrome

In push-type magazines, issues can arise if the internal spring is too strong or if the replica’s nozzle isn’t properly tuned. The BBs might press against the nozzle from below, causing it to not fully open or close the entrance to the hop-up chamber, resulting in air leaks between the gearbox and hop-up unit.

In practice, this means that with a fully loaded mag, the gun might initially shoot BBs only a few meters or with very low power. As BBs are used and spring pressure decreases, the power gradually increases to normal levels.

This phenomenon is called “mid-cap syndrome.” It's usually resolved by servicing the gun or replacing the magazine (assuming the replica is properly tuned).

Material 

AK magazine materials are usually based on the real-steel counterpart. Classic AK mags are steel; there are also replicas of bakelite mags — in airsoft, these are made from ABS plastic instead of resin.
Other types include modern polymer mags, popular for their lightweight design. Today’s polymers are very durable, so don’t hesitate to buy based on personal preference — metal or plastic. We personally recommend plastic for its lower weight.
   

Magazine Types by Caliber

If you want to stay true to real-life designs and not mix calibers between mag and rifle, first identify which AK model you own.
That said, airsoft AKs generally don’t differentiate magazine calibers — they can usually accept multiple types, depending on brand compatibility.

AK74, AK105 - 5.45x39

If you have a 5.45x39 model (AK-74, AK-105...), we recommend using mags styled after 5.45x39. These often mimic bakelite or modern Magpul PMAG designs. Steel variants also exist, but most steel AK mags in airsoft are 7.62x39.

AKM, AK-103, AK-104 - 7.62x39

If you run a 7.62x39 AK (AKM, AK-103, AK-104, AMD-65...), these usually take steel “banana” mags or modern plastic PMAGs. The 7.62 mag has a more pronounced curve compared to 5.45 types.

AK-101, AK-102, AK-19  - 5.56x45 

If you have a 5.56x45 AK (AK-101, AK-102, AK-19...), these mags are typically straighter than 5.45 models.
Note: Some AK 5.56 magazines may not be compatible with the Galil.

Brand / Quality

Each brand offers different quality levels.
Budget-friendly yet reliable options include Specna Arms, which perform well even with higher-rate-of-fire setups.
If you need a high-performance mag capable of supporting DSG builds, go with PTS — though these come at a higher price.
Our general recommendation includes Specna Arms, CYMA, and Arcturus mags — known for their reliability, quality, and price.

Our tip:

If your replica has been upgraded, it’s wise to ask your tech for magazine recommendations. Some mags can affect feeding, while others can influence air seal by shifting alignment between the gearbox and hop-up chamber.

Magazine Compatibility by Manufacturer

AK platform compatibility is notoriously tricky. For example:
CYMA mags work well in LCT replicas
Arcturus mags fit E&L replicas
CYMA and LCT mags usually don’t fit E&L guns
Compatibility may vary due to the lack of standardization in airsoft, and the fact that platforms and molds are constantly evolving.

Magazine Maintenance

Maintaining your AK magazine is simple. If it used to feed properly but no longer does, it’s likely dirty inside or has a worn-out feed spring (in the case of push-type mags).
Disassemble the mag following a guide or the manufacturer’s instructions, clean it with a cloth, and reassemble. If problems persist, consider replacing the spring or buying a new mag — it’s often cheaper than paid servicing.