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M1 Carbine mags. Refinishing mags.

Nwcid
Ok so I have 16 M1 Carbine mags that are in different states of finish from say about 40% to 90% with most being around 70%. I am going to use them for shooter so I decided to refinish them. I have 2 questions first being am I going to mess up any historical mags?


DSC04371.jpg

Here is what I have from Left to Right:

2) IA, one in white and one not

3) AI, first one not white, second 2 are white with lines over and under

2) U, one white one not

2) IS

1) LI

1) looks like II with a circle around it, in white

1) UN in white

1) KSG in white

2) K.I.

1) BW


Now for question 2. What is the best way to refinish them? I was thinking about using Lauer DuraBake Firearm Finish Matte Black Aerosol. Has anyone used this? Any thoughts or ideas would be great.
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • 1FMJ
    I would leave them as they are.<1FMJ>
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  • Nwcid
    quote:Originally posted by 1FMJ
    I would leave them as they are.<1FMJ>


    Most of them are pretty beat up an scratched on the sides and front. These are not mint mags but at the same time I don't want to destroy anything that may be semi rare/historical. I would like the all to have a decent finish on them to keep from getting more damaged or rusting.
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  • steeltoe1978
    quote:Originally posted by 1FMJ
    I would leave them as they are.<1FMJ>


    +1000, and if it means anything... I haven't refinished ANY of my WWII and earlier Thompson mags... just keep them lightly oiled and stored in a safe with a small dehumidifier.
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  • BHAVIN
    Good question. I had a few that I figured were common ones (with a U if I recall) that I had a buddy parkerize for me and they came out nice. I do have a few that I deceided not to do becasue I did not know if they were rare or not. Maybe I can learn something from this post as well. Thanks.
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  • MVP
    I also would leave them they way they are.
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  • Nwcid
    Man you guys are not very helpful [:D].

    So your saying even if they are beat up (some are starting to rust in the big scratches) just clean them up and use them? If they were all 90% or better I would not be asking as I would just clean them up.

    I ask since I ground all my Thompson mags prior to finding out you could change mag latches on the gun [B)].
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  • steeltoe1978
    Ok, here goes... As you already know, I personally would leave them alone (aside from cleaning) as long as they feed/function properly. However, IF I were to refinish any of them, I'd start off by checking out all the marks on each one in order to find out which ones are "rare" and which ones are more common. After all, many mags were made my many manufacturers during the war. The ones that are less "rare" that I have the most of, I would consider refinishing, but then again, why ruin a piece of history when they're fairly cheap to pick up new? Hope this helps more. [:)] Oh, and one last thought... if the stamping is too light to see, use a piece of chalk or chalk dust on it, lightly rub away the excess, and it should bring out the mark better.

    http://www.nextag.com/m1-carbine-mags/search-html?nxtg=8ab0a240507-D36F1A6D4A6FB482
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