The magazine is arguably a weak (or potentially weak) link in the AR15/M4/M16 system. Reliability needs to be the first priority. If a $50 magazine was the only one I found to be reliable, I would spend the money. However, we currently have a great selection of reliable mags that area reasonably priced; anywhere from about $8 to about $20 each (USGI, Pmag, Lancer, etc.). I do not necessarily consider mags to be disposable, but it makes no sense to retain questionable mags, given the minimal replacement cost. I fail to understand some folks who have $1,500 tied up in a weapon system and they skimp on buying POS mags or clinging to problematic beat to crap mags.