Let's talk about the CPD mags. Who has tested them? What did you find?

[owenslee]

Chad,

Based on initial inspection I have no issues with the mag construction. Welds look very good, follower appears good and properly marked, and I too am seeing a 2.305" internal capacity....a big improvement for those of us who reload.

But the finish IS a problem. There appears to be an obvious QC issue. It is a major disappointment after reading that the new finish would be superior to all previous mags. It is NOT. It is substandard in comparison to the earlier CP Black Teflon or Grey Phosphate mags.

The black finish is a dull textured black that is transferring to hands, clothing and even the plastic shipping bags. It does not appear to be durable based on how easily the finish is transferring.

I would suggest holding any further shipments until the finish is improved, and then exchanging or correcting the finish on those mags that have already been purchased.

Since promised "trial mags" were never sent out, it appears all who purchased mags from this initial run have effectively become beta testers... at the buyer's expense.

Based on the improved finish being described for these new mags, I personally made a sizable purchase based on your favorable descriptions. Had I had the opportunity to inspect these mags before purchasing...I would have waited until the finish was improved.

I am very disappointed.

Kerry

[owenslee]

Chad,

I have been working on several of the 25 rd mags to see what can be done to improve the finish.

I tried a soft cloth and using CLP rubbed the oil into the finish vigorously and then let the mags sit for about an hour.

I came back and then wiped off the excess oil with paper towels. The towels were a black and brown mess. Much of the loose black powdery finish came off.

Once the mags were reasonably clean, I then used an old cloth chamois and lightly buffed the finish by hand. They came out much improved...!!

The finish now is slightly darker / slicker and most of the residue transfer is gone.

It appears if a buyer is willing to spend some time oiling, cleaning and prepping the mags...they may be OK. It's just extra clean up work needed that was not required with previous mags.

Just be prepared to make a mess.

Kerry

[HillbillyStyle]

You cant expect to have PRI quality when the price is 1/3 of PRI, I'm not taking up for CPD and i will certainly give my opinion when i get mine, but until then I'll keep quiet and listen to others opinions that have got theirs already.

[owenslee]

According to my Starrett mike the SS sheet metal used on the new mags measures .0202-.0205". The thickness of an older CP mag measures .0210-.0213" in the same locations. So the new mag is .0008"-.0012" thinner. Or one thousandth +- two tenths. That is within manufacturing tolerance for sheet material. So I would say the thickness is nearly identical to any previous CP mag.

Also the welds are decidedly better on the new mags with one added feature. The new and old mags all have six welds front and back. But the new mags have two added "locators" on both front and back. Initially they look like welds but actually appear to be matching punched holes used for alignment during assembly. A very good feature to insure consistent and repeatable assembled dimensions.

Finally, the old CP mag springs were traditional carbon spring steel with 15 coils and a wire diameter of .057". The new mags share the same wire diameter and number of coils, but appear to be made from a non corrosive alloy, possibly 17-4 stainless with the added appearance of being shot-peened.

With the exception of the finish...these new mags are a decided improvement over the old CP mags. And the only problem's I experienced with the last versions of CP mags were a black teflon finish that scratched easily and unmarked followers on the very early gray mags. Otherwise they were very reliable with no feeding issues. But...they would not allow for an optimum COAL. That single limitation has now been resolved using the same material thinkness that was reliable in the last CP mags produced.

I respect what the new company and current management are trying to do.

Kerry

[346CI]

After 20 mintues, a rag, some PB Blaster and a little elbow grease the finish is better. It doesn't come off on my hand near as bad as before. Still dull and there are some spots that are starting to show bare metal. I don't think the finish is going to hold up. That is all for now, more testing another day...

I will side with Hillbilly though, I'm not looking for $40 PRI quality in a $15 mag. I'm more worried about function, if the finish bothers me that much, they will get some duracoat...

Edit:
I need to add I like the "Made in the USA" on the floor plate..

[HillbillyStyle]

Same here, i not to concerned with the finish, I have special plans for mine anyway.

[HTR]

I've been watching this with interest. I don't expect a $15 mag to be "as good" as a PRI, but I have to give CPD credit that they listened on the COAL dimensions. That is critical for me... I load everything long, and I don't want tips rubbing. I don't own any yet, and will probably wait to see if they improve the finish, as I have a good stash of PRI's still and most of them are the Gen 1 with military floor plates. They work perfectly, allow 2.305" and look great.

If CPD can pull this off, then I will definitely buy a number of these. Our new affiliate store location is selling alot of 6.8 stuff and I am sure they will be interested too.

[CPDCHAD]

WYV3RN, I am not upset at your comments, I was not happy at all about the way the Old CP closed down, they hung me out to dry with a lot of customers. That being said, CPD is in no way shape or form owned by anyone who owned any part of the old CP. That is all I will say about the past as I do not want this thread to turn into another discussion about the old company.
Sir, just so you have correct information, that magazine that you say is thin and weak is actually measures a 66-72 on a rockwell hardness scale, and can be driven over with your car and refired with no issues whatsoever. The strength and durability of our Stainless Steel magazines is so far ahead of any aluminum magazine its not even comparable. Now I can say all this but seeing is believing. IM me your information and I will send you one to try.


Chad

[CPDCHAD]

Anyone with coating issues please contact me via IM on here or at chad@cproductsdefense.com and I will take care of it. These magazines come to us from coating with an oil coating, and we wipe them down before assembly. The black coming off is not a normal issue with our coatings and anyone who has any of our .223/5.56 magazines can verify this. I am sorry these got out this way, we were so concerned with making sure they fired properly that we did not do a good enough job evaluating these coming back from coating. This is no excuse and we will get it right.



Chad

[FrankT]

You think we as customers are frustrated I can only imagine the CPD staff and Chad who also has to/chose to respond here to all types of comments. He has been honest and forthcoming, responsive and humble in the responses, I plan on giving them a chance, no matter the issues or comments. Good Luck guys!

Yeah and whoever said above to take your complaints private to a company that you have issues with, I agree. IF after contact and an unresponsive or unacceptable outcome you want to complain that is your right...but to do so without a private conversation with the Company is irresponsible. As a fairly new member here all I see are the Vendors/Sponsors bending over backwards to advise/ help/ resolve issues like no other Companies in a group like this!