Steel Ammo Boxes

[DirectDrive]

I don't like plastic, I like genuine USGI M2A1 or M2A2
Since genuine USGI boxes command such a high price, I'd like to be able to just buy new and know that I am getting the same USGI box.
I haven't been able to definitively discern who makes what.
I don't want Chinese made....I don't care how well they are made.

Here's what I know :
I can get genuine USGI, but with shipping it always seems to be about $20 for a M2A1 box.

Harbor Fright is Chinese and the metal is thinner than genuine.
And the giant label doesn't come off easily.

Sportsman's Warehouse Eagle branded ($20) looks genuine, but I am not sure.

Bimart Blackhawk branded ($20) looks genuine, but I am not sure.

Bimart 3 pack currently on sale (embossed "BIMART") is Chinese.

Cabela's 50 cal (embossed "Cabela's") is on my "not a fan" list and is of unknown country of origin.

Any intel to add ?

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[Knobgoblin]

Real surplus was always easiest to buy cheap close to the base(s). This situation may not continue in recent years . Jblm has provided me with plenty over the years.

I haven't messed with any " brand new" cans other than the ones Costco gets sometimes.
Bought a few in green and a couple in black on different occasions. The only problem I had is the lids slide off the hinges easily.

 

[Knobgoblin]

BTW, even if you don't like plastic, the Mtm trays sized for .30 cal cans are very handy.

 

[DirectDrive]

BTW, even if you don't like plastic, the Mtm trays sized for .30 cal cans are very handy.

View attachment 1129848

If those boxes are full that is a 4 pack that I don't want to lift.
I can load a single FAT 50 to what is uncomfortable to lift.
Those trays are probably good for stacking purposes, though.

 

[Knobgoblin]

It prevents metal to metal and definitely creates a more stable stacking platform .

My personal favorite milsurp ammo cans are the linked 40mm ( mk19) cans. They hold loaded ak mags perfectly.

 

[aasbra]

While I am not certain, I would be surprised if any of the metal boxes you can purchase currently at the retailers you identified are US made. I have purchased metal ammo cans at Costco and they have been OK for me. I also have purchased some used metal cans from a local military surplus supplier (no shipping) and they have been fine for me as well.

 

[Knobgoblin]

Conco inc. In Louisville KY still looks legit.

 

[JackFrost]

This order was placed in December of 2021. I'm sure shipping has increased but at the time I thought this was a pretty decent deal. Cleanammocans.com

 

[The Heretic]

I have no idea if these are made in China or not because I don't care, but BiMart has a three pack of a 30 inside a 50 inside a fat 50 for $30. They are not genuine GI surplus, but they are sturdy.

I agree, the plastic, even the MTM, and especially the Plano, are not good for ammo - the Plano lids lift off the body when loaded with ammo, so won't maintain a seal, and I doubt even the MTM would be as sturdy as the metal cans.

 

[Flounder]

Army surplus store (Glenwood OR which is between Eugene and Springfield) has genuine USGI issued 30 or 50 cal metal boxes for $10 or $11ea. They have other various sizes but I don't know those prices.

 

[K-22]

I don't like plastic, I like genuine USGI M2A1 or M2A2
Since genuine USGI boxes command such a high price, I'd like to be able to just buy new and know that I am getting the same USGI box.
I haven't been able to definitively discern who makes what.
I don't want Chinese made....I don't care how well they are made.

Here's what I know :
I can get genuine USGI, but with shipping it always seems to be about $20 for a M2A1 box.

Harbor Fright is Chinese and the metal is thinner than genuine.
And the giant label doesn't come off easily.

Sportsman's Warehouse Eagle branded ($20) looks genuine, but I am not sure.

Bimart Blackhawk branded ($20) looks genuine, but I am not sure.

Bimart 3 pack currently on sale (embossed "BIMART") is Chinese.

Cabela's 50 cal (embossed "Cabela's") is on my "not a fan" list and is of unknown country of origin.

Any intel to add ?

He doesn' ship, but if you have occasion to be around Beatty Nevada, there is a fellow that has a roadside operation, sells ammo cans and containers.
The real deal.
Best,
Gary

 

[ma96782]

For USED cans. There are plenty of GI surplus ammo boxes at......

Sgt Gator's Post Exchange

★★★★☆
503-663-0862
12255 S.E. 282nd Ave.
Boring, OR 97009

But what did you really expect to see since your location is stated as.......

"Pacific Northwest"

Aloha, Mark

 

[Heyjoe]

Pacific steel recycling near me usually has a couple pallets worth. Brand new, usgi, inexpensive. Check your local scrap yard.

 

[41mag]

around Beatty Nevada, there is a fellow that has a roadside operation, sells ammo cans and containers.

I was there a few years back. Amazing variety and most pleasant prices. Next time I head that way, if ever, will be inclusive of a stop again.

 

[GWS]

In Vancouver we have Park Rose Hardware and once or twice a year they get a bunch of used GI ammo cans-- 50 cal, fat 50 cal and 30 cal. Some are beat up but others are in great shape. If you're near a PR, give them a look.
ps They didn't have any in house as of this past Tuesday