article, the end result is a good functional magazine. The quality of this work varies, but in general, if they start with the original U.S.G.I.
Refinished magazines: As the supply of M14 magazines on the civilian market has dried up since the September 1994 ban, many dealers have turned to re-phosphating any worn-looking magazines to keep up their inventories.
WINCHESTER M14 MAGAZINE VALUE CODE
If you've seen any other code marks on M14 magazines, or the location of any of the factories, please let me know, even if you don't know who the maker was. SA made by Springfield Armory (The original government arsenal, not the commercial firm that now uses the name.) These magazines are very scarce and command premium prices.OM made by Winchester (Back when it was part of Olin-Matheson.).M made by ? Possibly mis-marked magazines made by Winchester (inverted M?).KMT (A stylized logo with large K and the "M" and T" tucked in around the "K") made by Kileen Machine and Tool Company.According to Clint McKee of Fulton Armory, the quality of these magazines was not quite as good as from earlier contracts. Navy for M14 deck rifles used during the Gulf War. (Circa 1990/1991.) This contract was reportedly done for the U.S. Note: CMI was the last known military contract maker. made by Check Mate Industries of Long Island, New York Here are the makers code marks that I've seen or heard of: This mark is stamped of the rear of the magazine, approximately 3/4-inch up from the baseplate. magazines by their dark gray (almost black) phosphate finish, and the presence of a maker's code mark. ( As of this posting, 31 August 1999, the CMP has discontinued M14 magazine sales and has no idea when, if ever, they might resume - Editor) Even the DCM-CMP has raised their prices, and now limits DCM shooters to purchasing a small quantity each year. There is currently a shortage of M14 magazines on the U.S. contract 20 round magazines still in their original gray-black Parkerized finish are currently worth $25 to $50, depending on condition. (Henceforth it can be found at the rec.guns web site: This will probably be the last time that I post this FAQ.
Thanks for everyone's recent input/corrections. It lists the different varieties, identifying markings, type of finish, and approximate values (as of April, 1999). In response to repeated requests from rec.guns readers, I'm posting a list of the various magazines available on the civilian market for M14s and M1As. Fulton Armory FAQ: The Lowdown on M14/M1A Magazines The Lowdown on M14/M1A Magazines by James Wesley, Rawles