Today reader Ian McKee, whose blog handle is 45Bravo, tells us about a few CARM magazines.
If you’d like to write a guest post for this blog, please email me at blogger@pyramydair.com.
Take it away, Ian
Introducing CARM magazines
by Ian McKee
This report covers:
- CARM contacts me
- Who are they?
- Features
- Introducing
- Single-shot adaptors
- Quality
A friend reached out to me, asking if I would be interested in testing some new magazines. He gave my contact info to CARM who make magazines for many types of airguns. I had heard of them and know many airgunners who own them. They are very well received within the airgun community.
CARM contacts me
CARM contacted me, asking what airguns I owned so they could send magazines to test. About a week later a package arrived that contained magazines and single shot loaders for many of my rifles. Including the Air Venturi Avenger family of airguns, JTS Standard and Max and the Benjamin Marauder (the magazines that fit the Air Venturi, and JTS guns also fit the Marauder rifles.) I was also surprised to find a magazine and single-shot loader for the Umarex Zelos in the box as well.
They also included a few magazines and a single-shot loader for my Daystate Wolverine. A factory Daystate magazine for my Wolverine is about $125 USD. Luckily a few years ago I found one on a for-sale forum for a third that price and bought it before someone beat me to it. I simply cannot justify paying that kind of money for a magazine. Until then I was using a simple 3D-printed single-shot tray I designed for the Wolverine. CARM magazines for those guns are very reasonably priced.
Mags for assorted calibers and guns.
Who are they?
CARM is a small manufacturer that is based out of Croatia, but they sell mags and accessories to airgunners all around the world. As of this writing they have 20 3D printers. They print as the orders come in.
Features
Some of the magazines can be ordered with right-side loading if you have a sidewheel on your rifle scope, or just prefer right-side loading. Or they can be printed with left-side load for left-hand operation.
The closed mags also have index marks that coincide with a printed indicator on the pellet shuttle letting you count down the last three shots. The swing-top magazines are open on the rear so you can easily see the number of rounds remaining.
Most of the magazines load by rotating the shuttle to the first hole, then put a pellet in the hole, and move to the next hole. None of this rotating the cover one direction, then putting a pellet in from the back of the magazine with the skirt first, then rotating the cover backwards while inserting pellets in their places!
The magazines that have a flip open lid are held closed with rare earth magnets. Loading is done by opening the cover, rotating the shuttle, putting the first pellet in place then just dropping the remaining pellets in their compartments.
Single-shot adaptors
We probably have all used single-shot trays in some repeating guns, but the openings in the receiver of rifles are just not user-friendly for some of us that have big fingers. Couple that with an optic that is mounted low and it completely prevents us from single loading without resorting to tweezers.
I prefer his single shot swing-out loaders. They load like a magazine, but have a manually operated gate. You open the gate, insert a pellet, close the gate then aim and fire.
Much easier to use than a single-shot tray.
The pellets are retained in the loading gate by an internal o-ring, so the pellet doesn’t fall out inadvertently. And there is no mechanical part damaging the pellet skirt accidentally. Most of the magazines also use an o-ring for pellet retention as it is easier on the pellet skirts.
Quality
Yes they are 3D-printed, but they are very well made with premium PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol) material. PETG is also used in food and beverage containers as it is non toxic and odorless.
I have many rounds through them. So far I have over not had any issues with the mags either mechanically or feeding problems.
This is a general overview as I will be testing them individually in future blogs and B.B. has some of them to test in his airguns.
Shoot safe, and have FUN!
Ian
Ian
Do you think there’s a chance for AEA magazines? After a quick look at the site I saw just one type, for the 45 Challenger.
It would depend on the model AEA Airgun you have.
I would reach out to him to discuss that.
The mag in the center of the group photo just below the CARM decal is for the AEA SF series of Airguns, IN THE SINGLE SHOT MODE,
I emphasize that because you can learn from my mistakes.
Without thinking ahead, I inserted the mag in the gun in semi auto mode.
When the last round was fired, the bolt closed with all the force it uses to cycle the gun, and load a pellet. The pellet probe pierced the last round bolt hold open part of the shuttle.
The mag still functions, there is just a 2mm hole in the center of that bolt stop lobe of the shuttle.
That can be a testament to how tough a 3D printed mag can be.
Ian.
Ian,
It would be great if they could make a less pellet-fussy version of the Diana Stormrider magazine.
The stock mag (in .177 at least) feeds certain pellets flawlessly, but jams all the time with others, which is my only gripe about that wonderful little air rifle.
With the popularity of the storm rider he may have something in the works.
Reach out to him.
Ian
Ian,
I always believed that one of the advantages of a shot tray was that pellets were loaded “better” that way?
That they are better centered in the bore of the rifle. I would think that a single loader magazine would not have this advantage? Maybe this is all poppy-cock?
Have a wonderful weekend everybody!!
-Yogi
While I have not tested it for accuracy yet, That design has been floating around for a few years.
Where this is aligned with the bore when closed. It does not have the pressure of a spring trying to turn the shuttle as the pellet is transferring from the loader to the bore.
So it seems to me there is less chance of deforming the pellet skirt.
But the advantage of the ease of loading in a confined space is a clear winner in that category.
Ian.
Ian,
I have looked at CARM before, but as I have but one air rifle that uses magazines, I have not ordered something from them. I may have to talk to them concerning a nice single shot tray for my BSA R10 SE though.
Once upon a time I had a magazine feed for my Maximus. It would also fit my 2240 pistol. I should probably find it and send it on to FM to try out. Maybe we can even talk him into writing a guest blog about it.
Are these the ones you are talking about? There is also another, larger one from Airgun Parts Co. UK which has a clamp to attach it to the airgun. Confess FM has not used any of them so far as his smaller hands and fingers generally do not get in the way of loading pellets.
FM,
You did end up with them. My personal experience is they do work, but I could learn to work without them. I was not really impressed with them.
Well, I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.
It seems that some of Uncle Xi’s cohorts have decided to cause a bit of confusion as to where one of their airguns comes from. Apparently there is an airgun on the market that is built by Snowpeak in Chinaland that is being marketed as an AirForce airgun.
Would you Care to elaborate more on that?
Ian
Ian,
Looking up CARM started me going. If you have a look see around you will see a Snowpeak pistol rig labeled as an AirForce airgun. I do not think it is yet available in the USA unless Sleazy Joe was to allow Uncle Xi to ship it here before the Trump takes power.
RidgeRunner, this wouldn’t be the first time a foreign knockoff of an American product has been sold overseas.
It’s also strange to think of AirForce being the cheapest actually American-made airgun on the market! Well, maybe some of the Daisys and Crosmans will still be assembled here. Or at least we’ll have Americans rebuilding them into something better. Ordered an Airgun Revisions 3622, so I’ll see how it goes, then maybe 1 of their .20 Maraders.
OP,
A steel breech for the 3622 would be a worthy upgrade. I did such to my 2240. You can then mount scopes, red dots, et cetera. I would like to have a 3622 here at RRHFWA. I am also hoping they will bring out a .177 caliber version.
At the NC Airgun Show I picked up a .20 AirForce Condor. I have not shot it as of yet. We will be talking about it soon.
RidgeRunner, the marketing guy for Benjamin said over at HAM forum the 3677 is going to be released. Didn’t give an exact date, but said pretty soon.
OP,
Now I am excited. A .177 PCP is most definitely “needed” here at RidgeRunner’s Home For Wayward Airguns. A steel breech is “needed” with it also. A 2000 PSI fill pressure for such is a BIG positive. A 1000 PSI fill pressure would be better, but we will take what we can get.
Thanks for the well-done report. Those devices look nice! It might just be me, but the second video gives me a message to sign in to prove I am not a bot. Click on the learn more link and the video disappears from the page. I am seeing this same type of message on embedded videos a lot recently. It irks me so much that I would never “sign in” to see a video. If this is going to be normal for embedded videos I would like to register a complaint. Please let us know.
Elmer,
I just looked at the second video. I was not asked to sign in. Could your search history be causing a problem.
BB
Thanks for the response Tom. Here is a screenshot of what appears when I try to play the second video. It also happened yesterday and has been happening a lot lately. You may be right about the browser’s search history. It seems to work properly on the chrome browser but the safari browser is where it appears to be an issue. I will try clearing some of safari’s caches and see if that helps. Thanks again!
Elmer,
I didn’t doubt you but thanks for the pic anyway.
BB
You might have encountered a scam attempt. Google the phrase “prove you”re not a robot scam” for more information and tips to avoid getting caught.
Thanks Roger, I think you are probably right. I will check it out as you suggested.
I cleared the safari history cache and it now seems to be letting me see the video. Thanks again!
I frequently get the same thing, I just tried clear the history and still no dice. If I really want to watch a particularly video I will turn off my vpn that usually works. But I don’t like doing that, sometimes I look for the video via Google and then the same video works just fine, other times turning off the VPN is the only way it will work.
I am beginning to hate YouTube.
Mike
It is really sad that scammers find ways to get away with what should be considered crimes.
I have been a big fan of CARM for a couple of years now and have recommended the mags they make to just about everyone. They are so much better than what come with most guns. I need to buy some for my Eagle Claw now that I think about it.
BoB
BoB,
Now we are talking. I would really like to hear/see/read a whole bunch more about your Eagle Claw.
Well, I hope you are proud of yourself Ian – before we had BB as the Great Enabler, and now you are doing it.
After reading your well written and informative blog I just had to place an order for magazines for my Notos carbine. The factory mags barely work for me – they feel flimsy – so a replacement is welcome but it was the single shot tray what caught my attention. The factory tray – even with my medium sized fingers – is not user friendly. The replacement seems much better designed.
I will comment when I receive them.
Best,
Henry
B.B. and Readership,
OFF TOPIC
Many of you are probably using the silent (less noisy) rubber mulch trap made with a cardboard
(Corrugated) box. The downside is that damp or wet weather is bad for the trap if left outside. I have been searching for simple and effective ways of making my trap weatherproof. I think i have found a key component: https://www.liquiguard.com/architectural-coatings/architectural-specialty/corrucote.html
I have built a stand for them but i think i’m going to swap that out and replace it with plastic/metal saw horses: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-32-in-Polypropylene-Folding-Sawhorse-with-Adjustable-Heavy-Duty-Metal-Legs-3000-lbs-Capacity-and-Under-Storage-Space-230710/302917754
I may make a cardboard (or metal/poly roofing panel) overhanging and pitched roof to further protect the box (target face) from snow and heavier rain.
I’m using bird netting and garden fabric for the opening i cut in the face to allow the projectiles to enter the trap without destroying the box and to keep the rubber mulch contained.
I’m still thinking about a system to hold corrugated target backer boards as well as paper targets that allow for easily swapping them out.
Suggested upgrades or modifications welcomed…since i’m just starting on this project.
shootski
shootski, as you might recall, I’m a big proponent of the rubber mulch trap. How far away do you set up the trap? Is there a reason you don’t want to simply bring the trap in when the shooting is over? You have to go and collect the last target sheet, anyway, right?
OK, enough of that. My indoor trap is made from a plastic bin with a locking lid. I cut a rectangular hole in the lid just a little smaller than a regular sized sheet of paper. I put a couple of layers of cardboard as a target backer between the rubber mulch and the lid. I stand the the thing on its side and shoot at the “top.” I think with a few small mods it could easily be an outdoor trap.
You picked up a few corrugated plastic political signs after the election a few weeks ago right? No? Well home depot will sell you a few blank ones or some that say “for rent”. You can add it to your plastic saw horse order. Use one of those boards instead of a cardboard backer and use another to fasion a roof over the box. Why mess around trying to keep a cardboard box dry? Use a plastic box.
To keep the mulch in, I just change the layers of cardboard backer fairly often. I also have a shallow box, like the kind a case of beer or pop (soda) cans come in and put that out in front of the trap.
Another thing. If the trap will live outside, who cares if a litte rainwater gets into the box? After all, it is filled with shredded tires. Simply poke a couple of drain holes at the lowest point, and now you don’t need the roof.
Roamin Greco,
Yup much of what you say is very true…but…
I have a cardboard box that is 18″x18″x24″ deep filled with rubber mulch and a removable metal catch tray on the floor of the trap = heavy; especially once it starts filling with Lead (Pb) from shooting. I’m using a wall of 2″x4″ on their sides as a secondary backstop, a 6″x6″x5′ tall wood retaining wall with 3′ depth of dirt as my tertiary backstop. I can not afford to have a round get into a neighbors yard. I will be shooting up to .30 caliber into my trap and don’t want to setup and breakdown everyday or more often. I also like to shoot any number of times per day/night on occasion; even if it is snowing or raining!
I will probably build something more permanent if the waterproof corrugated box doesn’t prove to be up to the job.
I need a pair of saw horses regardless for working on my kayak hulls and the ones from RIGID look like a good match for cutting my own shaped and padded hull yokes.
I’m also trying to blend it into the yard with an evergreen paint job.
I’m still in the prototype stage…i will be thinking about your comments and mulling them over.
shootski
For pictures, go here:
https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2021/09/think-inside-the-box/#comment-480736
45Bravo
Sorry, just now catching up on my missed blogs. This 3D printer stuff sounds like a game changer as far as being able to produce magazines. Some magazines are hard to get or just too darn expensive. I wonder if they (or someone) could produce firearm magazines too. I have backed away from some firearms because of no luck finding a spare magazine or the magazine price was over half the cost a the gun (old stuff).
That said, I have a question about 3D printing. Could it be possible to 3D print a set of open sights?
Doc
The short answer is yes that is possible.
Longer answer is, it would depend upon the complexity of the sight and the skills of the person re-creating that part using a CAD program (Computer Aided Design).
That being said, once, the design is finalized and found to be completely functional and fits the gun, it can easily be replicated in 3-D printing.
Or the print file can be sent to a company that can reproduce the part in metal instead of plastic.
I have used 3-D printing to re-create front sight inserts for Diana target guns, and rear sites for vintage Crosman guns.
And my skills with the CAD modeling program are not the greatest.
Ian.
Ian have you ever 3D printed a rear sight for a Crosman Model 70?
I am not to familiar with the Corpsman model 70.
But I looked at some photos.
Ok, looks like a sight like on many centerfire rifles from the latter quarter of the 20’th century.
How about one with a ghost ring?
This sight has a peep hole, but the hole can be enlarged to a ghost ring.
Or I can modify it to a semi buckhorn.
I do not know how the Model 70 sight mounts.
If it is a dovetail, then it’s already done.
If it attaches to the receiver with screws through the sight into threaded holes in the receiver, that is an easily done modification.
And once the part is finalized as in fitted and tested, anyone can print them.
Ian
the printing is easy, the designing is a little more difficult.
I will have too look into this a bit more. The rear sight may be too far away for a peep to be effective, and I think it has a plastic barrel cover to make it look thicker without the extra weight. I’m not sure how it is attached. I will research this and share what I find. Thank you, much, for checking into it.
Making a standard open leaf sight is easy, but I made the peep as it is easier to design than the leaf sight.
I can stitch the leaf in place of the peep very easily.
Or if a larger hole is desired, they are called a “ghost ring”.
This is just a proof.
The next stage is actually finding how the factory sight mounts to the gun.
Ian.
Thank You Sir. That really opens up possibilities