When and why did the 30rd mag come about?

[Dano5326]

I'm pretty sure the 30 came out after feeling slighted by the Teams with HK33's and 40rd mags... Ha.

I actually have no idea. These things all happened before I was born.

A while ago, I do remember seeing some Stoner 63's, before they were sent back and presumably chopped up, and believe they had a constant curvature 30rd mag with HK like stops. Not sure if the 63 predates the M16 30rdrs.

[Heavy Metal]

A while ago, I do remember seeing some Stoner 63's, before they were sent back and presumably chopped up, and believe they had a constant curvature 30rd mag with HK like stops. Not sure if the 63 predates the M16 30rdrs.

I believe the 63 always had a 30 as it's baseline mag and predated the M-16 30 by several years.

My info is the 16 30 was initially put into service in 1969 and was not a common issue item till near the very end of the war.

[Jefe73]

I remember something about us matching what the commies had- 30 rd AK.

I have read that the 30rd AR mag was problematical at first. I think that Iraqguns explained it well in one of the first posts.

I think about 1969 for a beginning of issue date for 30rd AR mags. But, thinking hard, I dont remember ever using 30rd mags until the late 70's or early 80's?

[kmrtnsn]

I attended USMC Basic in 1981. 30 rounders were all I ever saw, be it in Basic Training or in the FMF.