In response to repeated requests from rec.guns readers, I'm posting a list of the various magazines available on the civilian market for the AK. It lists the different varieties, identifying markings, type's of finish, and approximate values in the U.S. (as of February 2000).  Most AK magazines are imported from China, Russia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Germany, most of which consist of steel and or polymer (bakelite).  Each magazine is typically stamped with a marking corresponding to its country of origin.

Polymer Magazines (Bakelite)

Most polymer magazines are made to function in the AK-74 and newer AK variants.  However some countries did produce a polymer magazine to fit the AK-47 and AK-74M1A1 such as: Bulgaria, China, Germany and Russia.  The Russian and Bulgarian Bakelite magazines tend to sell for higher prices, since only a small lot entered the country.  The East German AK-74 magazines tend to sell for around $10.00 each. The East German Bakelite magazines can also be modified to feed 31 rounds of .223, which is a possible solution to the high prices on .223 magazines.  All Bakelite magazines are very strong and built to take great punishment.  Bakelite magazines have both the feed lip section and the lower base plate mounting area reinforced inside the bakelite by metal inserts. These types of magazines usually display black ink stamps or raised stamps and the base plates are normally ribbed.

Steel Magazines

Most steel magazines are made to function in the AK-47 using the caliber 7.62x39.  Some countries have modified the design to be used in .223 caliber AK's and 5.45x39 AK's.  However most countries have gone away from using steel magazines due to corrosion.  While steel is very strong, it is also extremely prone to rust in the field.  The first steel AK magazines were blued and were made out of sheet metal, with straight sides.  Later the design was modified to include ribbed sheet metal to increase strength.  The magazines were also coated in a black (parkerized/paint) finish to help prevent rust.  Steel magazines typically sell for lower prices since they have been heavily imported.    

Bulgarian AK-47 30rd Waffle Pattern, 7.62x39 caliber, synthetic bakelite, $15.00 to $35.00  View

Bulgarian AK-47 40rd Waffle Pattern, 7.62x39 caliber, synthetic bakelite, $25.00 to $45.00  View

Bulgarian AK-47 30rd Colored Waffle Pattern, 7.62x39 caliber, synthetic bakelite, $85.00 to $150.00  View

Bulgarian AK-47 30rd, 7.62x39 caliber, steel, $25.00 to $110.00

Bulgarian AK-74 30rd, 5.45x39 caliber, synthetic bakelite,  $55.00 to $100.00  View

Bulgarian AK-74 5.45x39 30rd mags and pouch w/BFA, synthetic bakelite.  View

Bulgarian AK-74 30rd OpticoElectron, Inc factory marking, 5.45x39 caliber, synthetic bakelite,  $55.00 to $100.00  View

Chinese AK-47 5rd, 7.62x39 caliber, ribbed steel, common $2.95 to $8.00  View

Chinese AK-47 20rd, 7.62x39 caliber, ribbed steel, common $8.50 to $17.50  View

Chinese AK-47 20rd, 7.62x39 caliber, ribbed steel, STAR Mag rare, $25.00 to $40.00  View

Chinese AK-47 30rd, 7.62x39 caliber, ribbed steel, common $9.95 to $18.00  View

Chinese AK-47 40rd, 7.62x39 caliber, ribbed steel, common  $18.00 to $35.00  View

Chinese Norinco AK-47 30rd, 7.62x39 caliber, red phenolic mags,  less common  $60.00 to $120.00  View

Chinese Norinco AK-47 75rd drum, 7.62x39 caliber, steel,  less common  $90.00 to $120.00  View

Chinese Norinco AK-47 100rd drum, 7.62x39 caliber, steel,  less common   $120.00 to $150.00  View

East German AK-47 30rd, 7.62x39 caliber, ribbed steel, common $9.95 to $29.00  View

East German AK-74 30rd,  5.45x39 caliber, synthetic bakelite, $9.50 to $15.00  View

East German AK-47 40rd, 7.62x39 caliber, ribbed steel, less common  $18.00 to $40.00  View

Hungarian AK-47 20rd, 7.62x39 caliber, ribbed steel, less common  $18.00 to $30.00 View

Hungarian AK-47 30rd, 7.62x39 caliber, ribbed steel, less common  $20.00 to $35.00 View

Polish Tantal AK-74 30rd, 5.45x39 caliber, ribbed steel, rare, $35.00 to $55.00 View

Soviet AK-47 30rd IZHEVSK Factory Marking, 7.62x39 caliber, bakelite,  rare,  $70.00 to $120.00 View

Soviet AK-47 30rd Tula Factory Marking, 7.62x39 caliber, bakelite,  rare,  $70.00 to $120.00 View

Soviet AKM 30rd Magazine 7.62x39 caliber, Aluminum,  rare,  $70.00 to $120.00 View

Soviet AK-47 75rd Drum 7.62x39 caliber, steel,  less common,  $120.00 to $150.00 View

Russian AK-47 30rd, 7.62x39 caliber, bakelite, common, $15.00 to $25.00 View

Russian AK-47 30rd, 7.62x39 caliber, side slab, rare, $45.00 to $75.00 View

Russian AK-74 30rd, 5.45x39 and .223 caliber, side slab, rare, $45.00 to $75.00 View

Russian AK-74 30rd IZHEVSK Factory Marking, 5.45x39 caliber, bakelite, rare, $45.00 to $100.00 View

Russian AK-74 30rd Tula Factory Marking, 5.45x39 caliber, plum polymer, ribbed, rare, $90.00 to $120.00 View

Russian AK-74 45rd Tula Factory Marking, 5.45x39 caliber, bakelite, rare, $120.00 to $185.00 View

Russian AK-74 45rd Star Factory Marking, 5.45x39 caliber, plum polymer, ribbed, rare, $199.00 to $350.00 View

Russian RPK AK-74 45rd, 5.45x39 caliber, bakelite, rare, $175.00 to $250.00 View