Rock and Lock Magazines, not the inherent drawback some would have you believe.

S

Steve Janes

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There has been some discussion lately as to the efficiency of rock and lock (AK style) magazines. Personally I have always found them very easy to operate. When Locking a Swiss Arms magazine in place, it’s either latched or not. Some other rifles such as the VZ/CZ platform, and AK-47 are a little more crude and slightly less refined, but still, if done properly, can be very quick and effective. The AK-47 after all, and it’s rock and lock magazines, are in use by more in-experienced war fighters world wide than any other platform that comes to mind, and are arguably much simpler to operate than an AR as well. Often, seating a full capacity AR magazine on a closed bolt can be an issue, especially while under stress, or when newer shooters are concerned. Some courses teach shooters to down load their magazines to make seating on a closed bolt easier. This is not an issue with rock and lock magazines. By running standard AK drill, one can turn what may appear awkward to traditional AR guys, into quick, smooth, and functional drill. If you grew up on an AR this can seem un-natural to you, but with patience and practice it can become second nature. To reach the charging handle, a quick cant of the rifle and a left hand reach underneath is all it takes to work the bolt during malfunction drills. This makes it very easy to keep the pistol grip hand in place where it should be, and also helps to keep the sights on target during magazine changes and malfunctions.

With a bit of practice and dedication, the rock and lock style magazines can be just as fast as any other design out there.

 
TDC said:
Any experience or video of paired magazines being run? Curious if they are as fast as say a redi mag on an AR.

TDC
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1:06 in this video. I was impressed by the speed of this participants mag changes using paired mags with his CQB.
[Youtube]UuDo5B7zu3Y[/Youtube]

Edit:
misanthropist said:
They're definitely nowhere near the tactical disadvantage of failing to wear complete suits of multicam at all times, that's for sure.
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Bwahahahaha! :D
 
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Fast for sure.

Rock and lock is quite a bit harder to do quickly with sharply curved mags and/or when you're moving or in an awkward position however.
 
870P said:
Fast for sure.

Rock and lock is quite a bit harder to do quickly with sharply curved mags and/or when you're moving or in an awkward position however.
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Strongly disagree.....It is no different when moving or from awkward positions than any other mag change, for me at least. But keep in mind I specifically practice changing magazines in various different awkward positions, and while on the move.
 
Steve Janes said:
Strongly disagree.....It is no different when moving or from awkward positions than any other mag change, for me at least. But keep in mind I specifically practice changing magazines in various different awkward positions, and while on the move.
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If it were as easily done, you wouldn't have to so emphasize it in practice. I've seen Spetsnaz guys bobble their AK reloads on tape.

That said, what I like about rock-and-lock is that once its in there, its Stuck like Chuck. None of that not-quite-fully-seated mag hanging in there by friction and then falling out like you sometimes see with the AR and probably a few other magwell guns.
 
870P said:
If it were as easily done, you wouldn't have to so emphasize it in practice.
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Everything is emphasized in training, whether easy or difficult. Aim for perfection down to the smallest detail, and then critique each other to point out area's where improvement is needed. No one is perfect, and there is and will always be more to learn.
 
One thing I would like to see for the CZ/Vz rifles is a magwell flange, small pieces of metal that sit on the side of the magwell to help guide the front of the magazine in. I've seen them on AKs, and they definitely help to keep fumbles to a minimum

looks kinda like this:
RearSightRail.jpg
 
Paladin308 said:
One thing I would like to see for the CZ/Vz rifles is a magwell flange, small pieces of metal that sit on the side of the magwell to help guide the front of the magazine in. I've seen them on AKs, and they definitely help to keep fumbles to a minimum

looks kinda like this:
RearSightRail.jpg
Click to expand...

I've not heard of this or seen it until now, but I like the idea.
 
Does anyone know if there is a place to look up when and where carbine courses are being held in your province? Or is it up to the individual range and organization holding the course to advertise for it?
I'd like to get into 3 gun some day and think a carbine course or two would be a great way to get started.

Those are some pretty speedy reloads Steve, all your practicing is paying off :)
Great video

I have a Fakepoint T-1 and judging by how good it is I'm sure the real ones are X10 at least so I'm sure you would be happy with one.
 
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