About those extruded mags

[Craig]

Why is the term "extruded mag" used?

An aluminum sailboat mast is made by the extrusion process but these mags in question, the fxo's and 122 codes are steel and look more like they're stamped, milled and ground.

[G.T.]

Hi Craig, I think you're exactly correct, I believe that the code 122 and the fxo type mags were stamped, milled, formed, welded, and ground or re-machined....I have looked into this at great length, and still have not arrived at a definite conclusion as to the exact operations needed to make a mag. of this type. I know one thing for certain, it is not cost effective now, and it probably wasn't cost effective then! There are quite a few primary operations, and no shortage of secondary operations, along with assembly! They (the Germans) went through a lot of work for something that was ment to be desposable at the time.....another aspect of the extruded mag. riddle is that it has been refered to as this for so long, and by so many authors, and experts, that it has become known as an extruded mag. even if is has nothing to do with the extrusion process. I am still in the hunt on the exact process, but for now, your discription (stamped, milled and ground) is as good as anyone elses!! If you have any theories I would certainly like to hear them, Good question Craig, maybe some of the other members have some ideas...till...later....G.T.

[Don]

A question from a "beginning Luger collector" : What are FXO and 122 mags? I realize that FXO's are Nazi era, but all I know is that I picked up an FXO at a gunshow this weekend ($65) and it's the best shooter that I have found for my 1915 artillery (which did not come with an original mag tube),inculding the Mec Gar after market mags. Thanks, guys

[G.T.]

Hi Don, fxo & 122 are the code markings on German military magazines fabricated by the Haneal firm during WW2, they were used in Mauser military P.08's from 1939 through 1942, at which time, saw the end of P.08 production. The mag's of this type incorporate a number of improvements over the folded sheet steel mag. that was used prior to the Haneal mag's devolopement. The main improvement of the Haneal type mag. over the folded mag. is a robust one piece tube, rather then the two sheet metal halves joined with a folded seam....also a formed spring was used instead of a coil spring, which gave added support to the follower, these 122 & fxo mag's are high quality mag's and it is no surprise that they functioned well in your Luger...$65 dollars for one is also a bargain......They can still be found in excellent condition, and are coveted by the shooter and collector alike......you can also find them with a black plastic bottom instead of aluminum, but they are far more fragile and should not be used if the bottom is in good shape! Hope this helps! Till...later...G.T.

Don, Glad to hear that the mag works well in your LPO8. These Hugo Schmeisser designed military mags were built by the Haenal/Menz firm in Suhl, whose original Nazi manufacturers code was "122" (seen on PO8 mags from late 1939-early 194l, when their code changed to "fxo" (seen on mag and their other parts, until the end of the war).

[G.T.]

[Craig]