Some rifles come with sticker shock—not from the gun itself, but from the cost of its magazines. You’d think you were buying another handgun with the price some of these mags carry. Whether it’s a proprietary design, low supply, or imported parts, these rifles demand a lot just to stay loaded. If you like to carry more than one mag, you’d better be ready to open your wallet. Here are ten rifles known for great performance—and surprisingly painful magazine prices.
FN SCAR 17S
The FN SCAR 17S is a powerful rifle with military roots and serious accuracy. But if you want extra mags, you’re looking at $40–$60 each. They’re tough and reliable, sure, but definitely not cheap.
That price alone keeps most users from running more than a couple spares. There are aftermarket options now, but even those will cost you more than standard AR mags.
HK MR762A1
The HK MR762A1 shoots smooth and holds a great reputation, but its magazines don’t come easy. You’ll regularly see them run close to $80–$100 apiece.
They’re heavy-duty, steel-made, and dead reliable—but they hurt at checkout. You’re paying premium for the HK name, and that includes the mags.
Steyr AUG
The Steyr AUG is iconic and well-balanced, but the proprietary magazines cost around $50 or more each. If you want to stay true to the platform, you’ll need to pay.
There’s a NATO stock version that takes AR mags, but most folks with original AUGs stick with the factory mags—pricey as they are.
Desert Tech MDRX
The Desert Tech MDRX is a modular bullpup rifle with serious versatility. But depending on your caliber and setup, magazines can run over $70 each.
Some configurations require less common mags that aren’t always in stock. You’re getting performance—but at a price that keeps adding up.
IWI Tavor 7
The Tavor 7 runs SR-25 pattern .308 mags, and while they’re easier to find, the good ones like Lancer or KAC often cost $50 or more.
You can use cheaper alternatives, but many shooters stick with the higher-end mags to avoid malfunctions. The rifle’s solid—just not light on your wallet.
Barrett REC10
Barrett’s REC10 is a quality .308 rifle that delivers. But feeding it properly means buying SR-25 style mags that usually cost $50–$75 each.
If you’re serious about reliability, you’ll need a few of the good ones—and that’ll add up faster than you think.
FN FS2000
The FS2000 is a rare and futuristic bullpup that technically takes STANAG mags—but not all of them. It prefers specific types that run about $60.
You might find cheaper mags that sort of work, but feeding issues are common. The real cost comes from trial and error.
SIG MCX SPEAR (.308)
The newer SIG MCX SPEAR in .308 uses some proprietary magazine designs. While SR-25 mags may fit, the factory options often go for $60–$80.
Given the rifle’s cost, some expect more affordable accessories—but that’s not how this one plays. If you want the full setup, it’s pricey.
HK SL8
The civilian version of the G36, the HK SL8, doesn’t take standard mags. Factory options can easily hit $70 or more if you can even find them.
There are conversion kits available, but those aren’t cheap either. It’s a cool rifle, but you’ll pay to keep it running.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
