Yugoslavian BHO (Bolt Hold Open) magazines for the AK-47 used to be fairly widely available at reasonable prices. They have become harder to find lately and the prices have risen accordingly. Now it is appears there is a new option on the market for those who like the BHO functionality of these magazines.
Apex Gun Parts is selling a new Croatian BHO magazine and it appears to a great value. These blued steel magazines modeled after the Yugoslavian BHO magazines and come in rust inhibiting packaging (not heavy cosmoline). At $10.95 each, they are more affordable than any Yugo mags I have seen recently, if they can even be found.
Check out the Croatian BHO AK-47 Magazines at Apex Gun Parts.
Does the bolt remain open during mag change-out?
No. It slams shut as soon as the mag is removed. The draw to these mags is that, since the AK has a ton of moving mass in the bolt, the bolt stopping on the follower is VERY noticeable. It basically allows you to tell when it is time to reload rather than waiting until you get the “click” on an empty chamber.
So there would be recoil spring pressure on the mag when the bolt is locked back, no? How does this effect mag removal?
I used Yugo BHO mags for years. It is a complete non-issue. I noticed no change in mag removal.
Cheers!
Would you be able to transfer the follwer to a different mag for the BHO perhaps? If not, U.S. Palm and Magpul, take note you should look into this for your AK mags. Just a thought from a paying customer.
It wouldn’t work. There are nubs inside most AK mags that prevent the follower from traveling high enough. However, there is a follower that will work on the market. Stay tuned.