Let’s look at high-capacity magazines for the AK-74 rifle.
Here’s some of the models we are going to look at:
AK-74 Magazines – Overview
Several of these magazines are high-capacity. As such, please check with your state regulations for ownership of high capacity magazines. Several states restrict ownership or possession of high capacity mags!
Let’s talk about construction first.
AK mags are made from steel, aluminum, or a polymer material. This is what makes up the body of the magazine.
There are also 3 other parts are used: a spring, a follower and a floor plate.
The spring is long and will conform to the shape of the mag.
The part that rests on top of the spring is the follower.
The follower is the part of the magazine that the bullets actually rest upon.
The spring pushes the follower which moves the bullets upwards toward the mouth of the magazine.
The follower is critical in facilitating feeding rounds into the firearm’s chamber.
The floor plate is what makes up the bottom of the box. Some mags are enclosed and others feature a removable floor plate.
A magazine with a removable floor plate will be easier to clean.
Got mags? Get a dump pouch to keep those empties and check out the best mag pouches so you can carry with ease.
AK-74 Magazine 5.45×39 30rd Polymer Black
This is your basic 30-round mag for the AK-74 – the AK-74 Magazine 5.45×39 30rd Polymer Black from ProMag.
This is a lightweight, reinforced polymer magazine with a self-lubricating polymer follower.
Expect reliable, consistent feeding in your AK-74 pattern 5.45 x 39mm rifle.
The outside of the body includes waffle-pattern ridges on the sides.
There’s also a removable polymer base plate allows full disassembly and cleaning.
AK-74 PMAG GEN M2 MOE Magazine 5.45×39 30rd Polymer Black
The AK-74 PMAG GEN M2 MOE Magazine 5.45×39 30rd Polymer Black from MagPul is a premium magazine.
The PMA® 30 AK74 MOE is an inexpensive, lightweight, high reliability 30-round polymer magazine designed for Kalashnikov pattern rifles in 5.45x39mm (AK74, MPi-AK-74N, PA md. 86, and others.)
With a removable floorplate, Magpul’s constant curve geometry, and a high-reliability/low-friction follower it has all the features you expect in a PMAG.
This is made in U.S.A.
The Flared floorplate aids magazine handling and disassembly yet is slim enough for use with most standard pouches.
It uses the constant-curve body you have seen in other models of the PMAG – this is great for reliability.
AK-74 95rd Drum Magazine 5.45x39mm
The AK-74 95rd Drum Magazine 5.45x39mm from KCI USA redefines high-capacity – it holds 95 rounds of 5.45x39mm ammo.
This is a drum magazine that is constructed of black polymer with a clear polymer front plate.
High-tensile compression springs keep the ammo moving while the sturdy metal followers act ball bearings.
They need to be kept properly lubricated, but they will ensure an absence of misfeeds or (worse) unwanted jams.
This mag uses a dual-drum setup with an alternating feed system that draws one round from one drum, then the next round from the other drum.
This means no weight imbalance that would be caused by emptying one drum completely before starting on the other.
This mag provides a fixed center of gravity during sustained fire.
You’ll also get a polymer speedloader, nylon carrying pouch and graphite lubricant tube for the follower.
AK-74 Magazines – In Summary
There are many mags that will fit your AK-74.
But no matter what style or capacity you go with – make sure to get mags that feed reliably.
You may also be interested in our AK mags buyer’s guide.
Photo Credits
Some product photos on this page are property of the manufacturer.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Affiliate Disclaimer
We are an affiliate of Brownells. If you buy gear after clicking the links in this article, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us to bring you in-depth information and content on this great tactical gear.
