The title pretty much says it all. Why was the first AR mag 20 rds? When and why did the 30rd come about? Why is it curved instead of being straight like the larger capacity FAL/M14 30rd mags?
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior Member
The title pretty much says it all. Why was the first AR mag 20 rds? When and why did the 30rd come about? Why is it curved instead of being straight like the larger capacity FAL/M14 30rd mags?
Semper Paratus Certified AR15 Armorer
Senior Member
I'm interested to hear from those who know for sure also, buy my educated guess is this:
The vertical stacking of tapered cartridges produces a natural curve. The curve in the magazine, AFAIK, is to prevent a nosediving of the rounds during feeding, which would cause hangups on the ramps. The effect is probably not so great in 20 round magazines to make a difference, but in 30's the curve seems to be needed.
The more tapered nature of 7.62X39, for example, seems to me to be the reason why AK magazines are more curved than AR magazines, and consequently, why 7.62X39 does not work all that great with the straight magazine well of the AR.
Last edited by a0cake; 03-23-12 at 12:16.
Industry Professional
IIRC the first magazines started entering into service around 1969. There was alot of reluctance because 30 round magazines did not prove as reliable as 20 rounders.
Of ccourse the AK magazines that we were seeing in Vietnam seemed to be working fine. Alot of it had to do with the way the magzines curve. AK magazines are considered "constant curve" and AR magazines are considered an interrupted curve.
I believe that SAR did a write up on this several years back (maybe the Stoner interview).
As for why they came about I would assume it was to increase the firepower available to the grunts on the ground and to reduce the amount of mags that had to be carried.
Owner/Instructor at Semper Paratus Arms
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SemperParatusArms/
Semper Paratus Arms AR15 Armorer Course http://www.semperparatusarms.com/cou...-registration/
M4C Misc. Training and Course Announcements- http://www.m4carbine.net/forumdisplay.php?f=141
Master Armorer/R&D at SIONICS Weapon Systems- http://sionicsweaponsystems.com
Member
I think you just answered the OP's question!! The first 30-round AR magazine came shortly after, a soldier with a 20-round AR magazine encountered an enemy soldier, with a 30-round AK magazine. Especially, if the soldier was being fired upon by said 30-round AK magazine.Originally Posted by Iraqgunz
The soldier came back and said, why can't we have these, too?
Last edited by Lone_Ranger; 03-23-12 at 13:29.
Senior Member
Obviously more ammo in a single mag is a good thing (within reason) but I'm interested in the process of the evolution in design.
Semper Paratus Certified AR15 Armorer
Senior Member
Right.
We couldn't be outdone in ammo capacity by the Commie-Blok community!
Originally Posted by Iraqgunz
This is 2012. The world is going to end this December and people are still trying to debate the merits of piece of shit, cost cutting crap AR's. Really?
Member
At the 42:50 mark, Mr. Stoner confirms what is stated above.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44_V9dOF5tg
Senior Member
That was a great vid, and the one on the M-16 too.
Todd
Colt/BCM
Member
Thank you for posting that video. I had thought of that interview as soon as I saw the title of this thread.
"This magazine was perfectly satisfactory for the US Army until the troops in Vietnam ran into Mr. Kalashnikov's weapon..."
Member
Yep, I think it's that simple.
I was talking to a 3 tour combat vet about two weeks ago.
First thing he said was "They had a better rifle."
Doesn't take too much imagination to get to..."Why can't we have a 30 round mag ?"
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks