20 rd mag only holds 18

[sabrefan]

New to AR's and I'm learning something everyday. I currently have 6 mags. 2 30's, 2 20's and 2 10's for hunting. My 20's being my favorite, 30's seem to get in the way. Except my 20's are only 18's, best I can tell. I might could force, and I mean really force, another round but that's it. They feed fine. Would the fact that the mags are short indicate a problem that could lead to failure?

[jdodd]

General rule of thumb is metal mags get downloaded by two.

30 = 28
20 = 18

You can fit 30 & 20 respectively if you try hard enough. Though you will have issues trying to insert the magazine with a closed bolt and/or feeding issues.

PMAGS are designed to accommodate full capacity. As a warning though you can fit +1 or +2 extra rounds on accident. Be sure to load carefully.

-J

[sabrefan]

The 30's load 30 fairly easily, I usually load 28 if I'm counting. 10's hold 10 easily. 20's will just not hold 20. I'm fine with it, just didn't know if I had a problem with the follower or something not letting them load.

As for the 10's. It is pretty easy to load 11. Game laws here state "no rifle capable of holding more than 10 rounds" can be used to hunt deer. I'm damn sure of I get an asshole for a game warden that I'll get busted for that. Also, one in the chamber and 10 in magazine would be "capable of holding more than 10 rounds" don't you think?

[Robb Jensen]

Originally Posted by sabrefan

New to AR's and I'm learning something everyday. I currently have 6 mags. 2 30's, 2 20's and 2 10's for hunting. My 20's being my favorite, 30's seem to get in the way. Except my 20's are only 18's, best I can tell. I might could force, and I mean really force, another round but that's it. They feed fine. Would the fact that the mags are short indicate a problem that could lead to failure?

Did you put a Magpul 30 round follower in a 20 round mag? That's been known to drop the capacity.

[masakari]

My one Colt 20 rounder holds 20 rounds just fine.

[Oscar 319]

Originally Posted by sabrefan

The 30's load 30 fairly easily, I usually load 28 if I'm counting. 10's hold 10 easily. 20's will just not hold 20. I'm fine with it, just didn't know if I had a problem with the follower or something not letting them load.

What kind of 20's?

You should have no problem loading 20, or seating a fully loaded standard USGI/Colt 20 round mag.

[sabrefan]

Originally Posted by Robb Jensen

Did you put a Magpul 30 round follower in a 20 round mag? That's been known to drop the capacity.

I didn't. They are just as they came from the factory. I didn't think anti-tilt followers were installed on straight 20 rounders. I haven't taken them apart to see. But, I kinda thought that might be the problem

[sabrefan]

Originally Posted by Oscar 319

What kind of 20's?

You should have no problem loading 20, or seating a fully loaded standard USGI/Colt 20 round mag.

Well, I don't think I should say what kind. I haven't contacted the manufacturer and I got scolded slightly for that a couple of days ago. Rules, ya know. Just say they make a large number of stainless and aluminum mags at value prices. Mine are stainless

[AngeredKabar]

Maybe the spring got installed the wrong way?

[sabrefan]

I guess I need to take it apart and see what's going on. I don't know that I would know by looking if the springs backwards or upside down or whatever. Both 20 rounders are loading only 18. I guess both might have springs installed wrong.

[TOrrock]

Get rid of your C-Products and get some standard NHTMG or Brownells 20 rd. aluminum GI magazines and you won't have any issues.

[sabrefan]

I thinks I'll keep'em. They feed fine. Unless you want them. I'll give you a great buy! I'll probably try Brownells next.