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I have some maritime mags from HK for my AR. Hardest frikken metal to saw, but it's still easy to bend feed lips. Was just wondering why the Bulgarian stuff was better than the other magazines.
Assuming the question is referring to Type 1-3 Bulgarian European steel mags, the answer will vary slightly on specific type but just to keep it simple and generalize. The Bulgarians began producing the AK-47 at their Factory 10 under Russian license in 1958, so these mags very closely resemble the early Russian mags and are of similar quality. The early European “ribbed” magazines are known to have a stronger design…thicker spring, better reinforcing, stronger floorplate and better made follower than other countries. The quality of the parts and machine work is top notch and the markings are nice and crisp. Others countries, China for example produced very good quality mags at Factory 626 (/66\) beginning in the late 1950s with notable differences in features compared to the European’s, such as a blued stepped-follower. But if we’re splitting hairs, IMO the “early” European mags are slightly better overall compared to other countries that produced good mags…China being one of them. Just my opinion, others may disagree. The specific differences are detailed in many good AK books...I just generalized. Here is the quick way to ID the three early types of Bulgarian steel "ribbed" mags in case anyone is interested:
European Type I - were the earliest Bulgarian steel magazines produced (late 1950s). They are stamped with either a ((10)) or an ((E)) on the spine indicating the factory code. The ((E)) mags weren’t produced until approximately 1964. These mags are top quality...very nice blued finish and the follower has a unique large pill shaped bulge with a hole in the lower corner.
Bulgarian European Type II - has three raised vertical reinforcing ribs on each side and seven horizontal reinforcing ridges on the bottom. The sides were folded to overlap and then welded; this technique eliminated the reinforcing ridge down the spine. These mags have either the earlier Type I follower or a new follower that has an elongated bulge without a hole in it. All the marked ones have the ((E)) stamp on the spine and have a phosphate finish vice blued.
Bulgarian Type III - has a 45 degree angled back rib. The early mags have a phosphate finish while the majority of the later mags have a black enamel finish. Most of the late Bulgarian steel mags are unmarked, but a few stamped ((E)) or ((25)) on the rear spine have been observed.