I have a SOCOM 16 and the SOCOM II (as well as a new SA M1A and a old TRW M1A built for me when in the service) and they are great ! The downside of the SOCOM II is the rail system that is super sharp. Too sharp......it alone is a great CQB tool if the person carrying the thing is wearing gloves. I have decided to leave the SOCOM 16 w/o optics. Stone cold stock with exception of a sling.
BTW what is your brand of mags ....I have bought nothing but SA factory mags since retirement. I have about 30 of the GI issue mags of unknown manufacturer. All flawless thus far.
Anything mag wise cheaper and more or as reliable ?
The Fulton Armory has a page with everything you'd want to know about M14 magazines. It even gives manufacturing codes for the GI magazines.
The bottom line a decent magazine will cost you $30 and up. But at least you can avoid the chicom crap.
I think I saw a few M14 magazines in a deep, dark corner of the basement a few years ago. I hope I can find them again, now that I have a use for them.