With the introduction of Classic Army's new SA58 (FN FAL variant), it is interesting to speculate whether a standardized FN magazine - to match King Arms already released FN FAL and the forthcoming STAR L1A1 - is on the cards (to make our lives easier). Unfortunately, the short answer is a resounding - 'Non!'

M4/Armalite airsofters seem to take it as somewhat for granted these days that AEG manufacturers will at least try to make their M16 type magazines fit some standardized format. In fact, any AEG that used the M16 type mag - whether that be a L85, G36 or whatever - would usually expect most M16 mags to fit his/her AEG.

So when Classic Army, King Arms and STAR all announced they were producing variants of the venerable FN FAL rifle I was overjoyed - but rather naively figured there would be some sort of dimensional commonality to some of the parts. In particular, I was hoping for - as with most airsoft M16 mags - that the FN type magazine would be interchangeable among these manufactures.

Left: The FAL mags compared. The Classic Army SA58 mag (left) and the King Arms FAL mag (right). Well, they 'look' similar, don't they? 

Earlier this week I put this theory to the test when I ordered a King Arms 90 round capacity FN FAL magazine. I was hoping there might be a slim chance it would fit my new Classic Army SA58 (itself a FN FAL clone). This would have been handy, not only because King Arms is a noted accessories manufacturer of quality products, but because - as yet - Classic Army has only released a Hi-Cap version of it's SA58 magazine.

Today the KA magazine arrived, and sad to say the result of this experiment was a dismal failure.

Both in the way that CA & KA have chosen to attach the magazines, and in their interpretation of the dimensions of the FAL magazine, the two components are in no way interchangeable with each other.

Above: The Classic Army SA58 magazine, showing it's 'crimped' attaching notch

Above: The King Arms 90 round FAL magazine, with it's plastic 'lug' attaching notch

The King Arms magazine seems to be slightly larger than it's CA counterpart, flatly refusing to fit into the SA58's mag-well. Additionally, close examination of the BB feed on top of either magazine shows a critical difference in the location of the feed-port, making interchangeability impossible.

The King Arms BB port seems to be of a 'male' configuration, while the Classic Army version is a 'female' type. Both ports also appear to be in slightly different position on the top of the magazine (see photo below).

I can only speculate as to whether, as a prolific accessories manufacturer, King Arms will actually go to the bother of producing a compatible magazine for the CA SA58. Though, it seems unlikely as their FN FAL Tactical Carbine is a direct competitor in the AEG marketplace to CA's SA58.

One can only wonder what format of magazine that the STAR L1A1 (itself a FN FAL variation) will come with. But, I shouldn't be at all surprised if we were to see a third type of FAL magazine - incompatible with the KA and CA versions!

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The King Arms 90 round FN FAL magazine was procured from Fire Support (UK) at £18 (plus P&P) - SA58 hi-cap magazines are, as far as I can tell, only available in the UK from Airsoft Armoury at £22.99 (plus P&P). 

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