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M-1 Carbine 15 and 30 rd. mags?

seamusseamus Member Posts: 96 ✭✭
edited July 2002 in Ask the Experts
In my post of a few days ago concerning Ruger Mini 14 magazines, I asked for opinions on the advantages, if any, of mags with 20 round capacity over those with the capacity to hold 30 rounds. The replies reflected some well considered thought (thanks) with respect to issues of weight, bulk, shooting profile (when lying prone), cost and reliability. The advantages mentioned may arguably apply to the Mini 14, as well as other rifles in .223 caliber or larger. But when reflecting on those considerations with respect to M-1 Carbine, I got to wondering why the military contracted to have both 15 and 30 round mags manufactured for that particular weapon. Most, if not all, of the arguements favoring the 20 round mags for the Mini 14 would not apply to the M-1 Carbine. Okay, I know that the 15 round mag fits into a stock mounted pouched, but I doubt that feature alone is the reason for producing the smaller capacity mags. I don't know if this question is of interest to anyone else, but I shure would like to know more about the military reasoning behind the designes for the two sizes of magazines.
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Comments

  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,887 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well, the 15 round mag was developed along with the rifle at Winchester at the beginning of WWII; various pouches were made to fill the need for different ways to carry the mags.

    The M2 carbine was developed during the middle of WWII, and larger capacity mags were needed to take advantage of its full-auto capability. Because of the increased weight and leverage of the mags, an extra retaining lug was needed, and a revised mag latch was also designed. The 30 round capacity was a good choice, since it could be filled using 3 10-round stripper clips. Several new pouches were developed to hold the larger mags and stripper clips.

    Neal
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  • seamusseamus Member Posts: 96 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Most informative. Thanks nmyers. From what you say, it appears there may have been no perceived reason for, or advantage to, the 15 round mag, and that it simply came about at the beginning of the weapon's design evolution.
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    www.rguns.net is selling used surplus military 15 and 30rder's very very cheap. 15rd's for $5 ea and 30rd for $10 ea....


    If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

    The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    www.rguns.net is selling used surplus military 15 and 30rder's very very cheap. 15rd's for $5 ea and 30rd for $10 ea....


    If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

    The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !
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  • seamusseamus Member Posts: 96 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks Lee Blackman. The prices for USGI M1 Carbine and Colt AR 15/M16 mags are quite good. Unfortunately, at present the M1 mags are back order only. No prob, I ordered 10 @ $9.00, and some used Colt mags @ $17.00. Not bad. Its posts like yours that make this site so great.
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,887 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Be sure to check every used Colt mag as soon as you get the shipment; I got a bunch from another dealer, and I think that someone had fished them out of a trash can----most wouldn't function properly.

    Neal
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  • seamusseamus Member Posts: 96 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    They're advertised as "used,in very good condition." Well, I'll see. Thanks.
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