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How to Refinish USGI Magazines

USGI Mag Refinish - thearmsguide.com

July 2, 2016 by Nate Schultz (nsz85) 17 Comments

I am sure that some of you may recall that the process of refinishing USGI magazines was quite popular during the Clinton AWB/Magazine ban in the 1990’s. Even if it is not as popular now, it is still a fun and easy project to do on a day off from work.

When I refinished my magazines, I also upgraded each of them with Magpul anti-tilt followersamazon and Magpul Ranger floor platesamazon. For me, this allows for better functionality and also gives my magazines more of a modern appearance.

Please keep in mind that there are many different ways to refinish your own USGI magazines, and this guide explains how I chose to refinish mine. I elected to use the mil-spec coating known as Perma Slik G. It is not paint, but actually a dry-film lubricant and is the same coating that the magazines would have had coming out of the factory as new. With that said, let’s get started.

Items needed

– USGI magazines
– Water
– Cleaner/degreaser (I used Simple Greenamazon)
– Tooth brush and steel woolamazon– A way to hang the magazines while spraying them (I used wire coat hangers)
– A bullet tip, or other small tool to help with removal of the magazine floor plate
– Perma Slik G dry film lubricant

Disassembly and cleaning

You will need to disassemble your USGI magazines by sliding off the floor plate and removing the spring and follower. Using a bullet tip or other small tool, slightly pry up the floor plate until the indent clears the edge of the magazine. Once that’s done, the floor plate will slide right off. This will allow you to fully clean and degrease the entire magazine inside and out.

Most importantly, as with any paint or coating application, surface preparation is the key to a successful refinish. You will need to remove all the dirt, grime, and oils from the magazines. This is the only way to effectively get your new coating to adhere properly.

USGI Magazine Cleaning - thearmsguide.com
Proper cleaning and degreasing is important when refinishing these magazines.

I chose to take a large plastic container, fill it with hot water, and pour in some Simple Green. Make note that Simple Green is known to affect aluminum differently than other metals and materials, but as long as you do not soak them for an extended period of time (more than 10 minutes), and thoroughly rinse them in clean water, you will not have any issues.

For the most part, I used a toothbrush to scrub the inside of the magazines and then used the steel wool to scrub the outside. I found this to be the quickest and easiest way of removing all of the dirt from the magazines. I spent roughly 3 minutes scrubbing each magazine.

After you have finished scrubbing them, rinse them off in clean water and set them on a paper towel to dry. If you are impatient like me, feel free to wrap the magazines in a paper towel and throw them in the oven for 30-40 minutes on the low setting. This will make sure they are nice and dry for the next step.

A fresh new coat

This is my favorite part of the whole process since it brings the magazines back to life. I also recommend going outdoors for this step as the fumes can be hazardous if there is not enough proper ventilation.

USGI Magazine Refinishing - thearmsguide.com
I hung the magazines up by wire coat hangers so I could spray them with their new coat of Perma Slik G.

I freely hung my magazines from wire coat hangers on a saw horse type structure. Make sure to keep some space in between each magazine so that they do not touch each other. Using Perma Slik G, I sprayed each magazine evenly from approximately 12 inches away. This assisted with making sure I did not apply thick coats. I ended up spraying a total of 2 coats on my magazines while waiting an hour in between coats.

I elected to follow the directions on the Perma Slik G can and allowed all of my magazines to air dry for a few hours. Per the directions on the can: “items can be handled after 1 to 6 hours and will be completely cured in 24 hours.” I would say it took about 3 hours until mine felt dry enough to handle.

After I brought them inside and installed the Magpul anti tilt followers, springs, and Magpul Ranger floor plates, I let them sit overnight.

Ready for the range

To assure proper function, go through and insert each unloaded magazine into your rifle and make sure that the magazine seats correctly. Then, operate the magazine release button and confirm that each magazine falls freely. Now you are ready to load them up and head to the range.

Refinished USGI Magazine - thearmsguide.com
A freshly refinished USGI magazine.

Have you ever refinished any USGI magazines? If you have, share your experience with me.

Filed Under: How To Tagged With: DIY, firearms, gunsmithing, high cap magazine, how to, magazine, refinish, rifle, standard capacity, USGI

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About the Author

Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)

Nate Schultz (nsz85) Nate Schultz is employed within the field of Law Enforcement, is an avid shooter, firearms enthusiast and hobbiest gunsmith. When he is not writing for The Arms Guide, he is producing content for his YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/nsz85

See All Nate Schultz (nsz85) Articles

Comments

  1. Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)CK5150 says

    June 15, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    I like the Magpul uprades.  May have to invest in a few for my GI mags.  Thanks

    Reply
    • Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)Nate Schultz says

      June 15, 2013 at 8:47 pm

      CK5150 You are very welcome. If you end up refinish or upgrading your USGI mags, let me know how they turn out.

      Reply
  2. Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)ristin59 says

    June 15, 2013 at 6:52 pm

    Excellent article.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)Nate Schultz says

      June 15, 2013 at 8:47 pm

      ristin59 Thank you, I appreciate that!

      Reply
  3. Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)JunkfoodZombie says

    June 15, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    The Magpul anti-tilt followers (or self-levelung followers as the package calls them) are the single best upgrade for the USGI magazines. At six bucks for three, it’s almost stupid NOT to get them! Does that Perma-silk stuff (sounds like a womens’ shaving cream!) come in other colors like tan and green, or just the grey? Thanks for a good article.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)JunkfoodZombie says

      June 15, 2013 at 7:32 pm

      Leveling….not levelung! :0

      Reply
    • Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)Nate Schultz says

      June 15, 2013 at 8:48 pm

      JunkfoodZombie Perma Slik G is only available in the flat grey color. It is what the original coating on the magazines would have looked like coming out of the factory. I also agree with you on the self-leveling followers. They are a HUGE upgrade for a small cost.

      Reply
  4. Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)Brc says

    June 15, 2013 at 7:54 pm

    Well I know what Ill be doing with those neglected GI mags.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)Nate Schultz says

      June 15, 2013 at 8:48 pm

      Brc Awesome! Please get back to me and let me know how they turn out!

      Reply
      • Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)Brc says

        July 4, 2013 at 2:12 pm

        Nate Schultz Brc My mags just finished drying and the look great with a new finish and with magpul followers and springs they should run great to. Looks as though they may find there way back into my kit.

        Reply
  5. Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)peter3101 says

    June 16, 2013 at 7:29 am

    Great stuff, unfortunately I’ve been dragged back to NJ, so unless you do a piece on refurb of a stick or stone I’m SOL. Any advice on dealing with my soup dragon mother-in-law would also be welcome. If the advice is not legal then at least tell me how to get away with it. ;o)

    Reply
    • Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)Nate Schultz says

      June 16, 2013 at 10:34 pm

      peter3101 I always prefer the kill ’em with kindness routine 🙂

      Reply
  6. Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)peter3101 says

    June 16, 2013 at 7:29 am

    Great stuff, unfortunately I’ve been dragged back to NJ, so unless you do a piece on refurb of a stick or stone I’m SOL. Any advice on dealing with my soup dragon mother-in-law would also be welcome. If the advice is not legal then at least tell me how to get away with it. ;o)

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)JohnnyWalker1 says

    June 16, 2013 at 11:18 am

    Great look!  Can Perma Slik G be applied over Teflon finishes?  Or would the Teflon have to be removed first?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)Nate Schultz says

      June 16, 2013 at 10:34 pm

      JohnnyWalker1 I honestly do not know. My gut would tell me that the teflon should be removed.

      Reply
    • Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)Nate Schultz says

      June 17, 2013 at 6:20 pm

      JohnnyWalker1 I actually have no idea, but my gut tells me the Teflon would have to be removed first.

      Reply
  8. Avatar for Nate Schultz (nsz85)g box says

    July 11, 2016 at 8:44 am

    What is up one this site, articles say they were published 5 days ago but the comments on the articles have dates from years ago?

    Reply

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