When it comes to AK-style rifles, the magazine is just as critical as the rifle itself. Without a well-functioning magazine, even the most finely tuned Yugo-pattern AK can become a glorified club. That’s why choosing the right magazine is a decision you don’t want to take lightly. Enter the Scout AK Yugo Pattern Magazine—a product that’s been making waves among AK enthusiasts for its build quality, reliability, and compatibility with the unique specs of Yugo-pattern rifles like the Zastava M70 series.
Whether you’re a range shooter, a prepper, or someone who just enjoys the feel of a classic AK, your magazine can make or break the experience. In this review, we’ll dig deep into what makes the Scout AK Yugo Pattern Magazine tick. We’ll explore how it stacks up in terms of fit, function, and durability, and we’ll compare it with other mags in the same category. So let’s get into the nuts and bolts of this rugged piece of kit.
Scout AK Yugo Pattern Magazine Specifications
To start things off, let’s look at the specs and features that define the Scout Yugo Pattern Magazine. Here’s a breakdown of the technical details and what they mean in practice:
Feature | Description |
Compatibility | Designed specifically for Yugo-pattern AKs (e.g., M70) |
Capacity | 30 rounds |
Material | Polymer or steel-reinforced polymer, depending on model |
Follower | Anti-tilt follower for smooth feeding |
Baseplate | Removable, flat-style baseplate for easy maintenance |
Color Options | Typically available in black, OD green, and plum |
Weight | Around 7 to 10 ounces, depending on configuration |
Reinforcements | Steel reinforcements at feed lips and locking lugs |
Country of Origin | Made in the USA |
Compliance | 922r compliant when used with U.S.-made parts |
What stands out immediately is the deliberate focus on compatibility with Yugo-pattern AKs. If you’ve ever tried jamming a standard AK mag into a Yugo rifle, you already know how finicky it can be. The Scout mag eliminates that frustration.
What Makes This Magazine Stand Out?
Let’s break down the real-world pros and cons. This isn’t just a list of specs—you’ll want to know how this magazine performs where it matters: at the range, in storage, or during extended use.
Key Strengths of the Scout AK Yugo Pattern Magazine
- Perfect Yugo Fit
One of the most important things to know about Yugo-pattern AKs is that they differ from standard AKM platforms, particularly in the magazine well geometry. The Scout magazine nails this fit. It seats securely with minimal wobble—no more shimming or fiddling to get a proper lock-in. - Solid Construction
Scout offers polymer options, but these aren’t your average brittle plastics. We’re talking high-impact, fiber-reinforced polymer that can handle drops, kicks, and aggressive reloads. If you opt for the steel-reinforced versions, you get added longevity at stress points like the feed lips and locking lugs. - Smooth Feeding
Thanks to the anti-tilt follower and well-engineered feed angles, malfunctions like double feeds or nose dives are rare. Whether you’re feeding steel-case or brass rounds, the Scout mag keeps the rhythm steady. - Easy Maintenance
The removable baseplate is a small but significant feature. You can pop it off and clean the internals without a hassle. That’s a big plus for anyone who runs their gear hard and likes to keep things in peak condition. - 922r Compliance
For those building or modifying a rifle with 922r regulations in mind, having a U.S.-made magazine can help you meet your compliance parts count. That’s peace of mind built into your purchase.
Where It Might Fall Short
- Polymer Flex (Non-Steel Models)
The standard polymer version, while durable, can exhibit a bit of flex under heavy load or stress. It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it may not inspire the same confidence as a full steel mag if you’re used to battlefield toughness. - Limited Availability
Depending on demand and production cycles, the Scout Yugo mags can sometimes be tough to find in stock, especially in preferred colors or reinforced models. - Price Point
You might find that Scout mags cost a few bucks more than some generic imports. For some, that extra cost is justified by the fit and function, but it could be a consideration if you’re stocking up in bulk.
How It Compares to Other AK Magazines
Not all AK magazines are created equal—especially when you’re dealing with Yugo-pattern rifles. Let’s stack up the Scout Yugo Pattern Magazine against a few well-known contenders.
Magazine Brand | Yugo-Compatible | Reinforced Feed Lips | Polymer/Steel Options | Notable Strength |
Scout | Yes | Yes | Yes | Precision fit |
Magpul PMAG AK MOE | No (tight fit) | No | Polymer only | Lightweight |
Zastava Factory Mag | Yes | Yes | Steel only | Military grade |
Tapco Intrafuse | Yes (inconsistently) | No | Polymer only | Budget friendly |
Bulgarian Circle 10 | No | Yes | Polymer with steel | Durability |
The Scout mag strikes a solid balance. It’s more affordable than factory steel mags from Zastava and more reliable (especially in Yugo rifles) than something like the Magpul PMAG. For Yugo-pattern rifles, that sweet spot of function and affordability is hard to beat.
FAQs
Will this magazine work in a standard AKM or WASR-10?
Technically, it might fit with some effort, but it’s not ideal. These magazines are molded specifically for Yugo-pattern rifles, which have a different trunnion and mag well design. Stick to your platform for best results.
Can it handle steel-case ammo reliably?
Yes. The feed angles and anti-tilt follower are designed to accommodate both brass and steel cases. You shouldn’t run into issues, even with cheaper surplus rounds.
How does it handle long-term storage with a full load?
The Scout mag does well under spring tension. Like any mag, it’s wise to rotate them occasionally, but no accelerated wear or spring compression has been widely reported.
Are these mags compatible with Zastava’s M70 ZPAP rifles?
Absolutely. In fact, this is one of the best pairings for the Scout mag. The fit is snug, the feeding is consistent, and you won’t need to modify anything.
Does the magazine come with a warranty or guarantee?
Most Scout magazines are sold with a limited manufacturer’s warranty, but this can depend on the retailer. It’s always worth checking before you buy.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the Scout AK Yugo Pattern Magazine delivers what it promises: reliable feeding, durable construction, and perfect compatibility with Yugo-style rifles. If you’ve ever been frustrated by sloppy fit or poor feeding from generic AK mags in your M70 or other Yugo platform, this magazine will feel like a breath of fresh air.
It’s not the cheapest option on the market, and it’s not the most rugged in terms of brute-force durability (at least in its non-reinforced version). But it strikes a balance that’s hard to ignore. For shooters who value a mag that just works—without needing to slam, shim, or sand—Scout hits the mark.
Whether you’re setting up a home defense rifle, heading to the range, or building your collection of 922r-compliant parts, the Scout Yugo mag is a worthwhile investment. It holds its own in a crowded market by focusing on what matters most: consistent performance and purpose-built design.