Who decided that 30 rounds is optimum?
- Thread starter Nelson84
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burnt_servo
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probably something to do with weight and the number of rounds a solider is expected to carry .
Newton.
At some point with most magazine designs, long mags get difficult to fire and change magazines from the prone position.
I'd imagine reliability of spring tension on the follower could be an issue at some point as well.
Need 31?
Change your magazine......
At some point with most magazine designs, long mags get difficult to fire and change magazines from the prone position.
I'd imagine reliability of spring tension on the follower could be an issue at some point as well.
Need 31?
Change your magazine......
both points perfectly valid and historically correct..
In one US State, they can do 30rnds of 223 in a 30cal magazine clip in 1/2 a second.
Weight of the rounds, magazine spring tension, standard ammo packaging ie 3/20 fills 2mags. The sten. Sterling austen used side mounting in part for reliability not having to overcome gravity to feed. Basically why are martinis like a woman's. Breasts , cause one isn't enough, and three is too many
It shoots a glorified pistol round. Not a intermediate rifle round like 223.
gewehr76
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
All US rifles were designed with 20 rds mags in mind. Like BAR, M14, AR15 even M1 Carbine. Then untill in Vietnam soldiers came across AK47 that was equipped with 30 rds mags, since then all assault rifles would be designed as a norm with 30 rds.
There was a lot more variation during WW2: Stens and MP38/MP40s had 32 round magazines, didn't they? BARs and FG42s had 20, Brens had 30, PPSh stick magazines had 35, M1 carbines had 15 round mags, but 30-round mags were introduced with the select-fire M2s. The MP44 had 30, the Thompson had 20 or 30 round magazines.
Not even the 30 round 5.56mm magazines are completely universal. The HK G33/G53 come with 25, 30, or 40 round magazines. The FAMAS F1 used by the French Army has 25 round magazines, and the Steyr AUG has 42 round magazines available. However, the later FAMAS G2 (French Navy/Marines) and HK G41 take STANAG magazines, so typically take the usual 20 or 30 rounders that ARs do.
Not even the 30 round 5.56mm magazines are completely universal. The HK G33/G53 come with 25, 30, or 40 round magazines. The FAMAS F1 used by the French Army has 25 round magazines, and the Steyr AUG has 42 round magazines available. However, the later FAMAS G2 (French Navy/Marines) and HK G41 take STANAG magazines, so typically take the usual 20 or 30 rounders that ARs do.
This is a nice theory but it isn't true. I have a 9mm AR conversion that uses Sten mags in the vertical position and they feed just fine.
Nobody has ever said 30 rounds is optimum for anything. However, it has to do with shooting prone and not having the mag sitting on the ground. (Magazines are not bipods and shouldn't be used as such. Despite what is mentioned on some forums by inexperience shooters.) Weight is an issue as well, but clearing the ground is more important. Unless you're PBI.
The M1 Carbine has/had/used 15(the standard issue) and 30(issued when the M2 came along. Even though the Carbine started out with select fire.) round mags. No 20's.
A BAR isn't a rifle. It's a light MG. A very early SAW.
The M1 Carbine has/had/used 15(the standard issue) and 30(issued when the M2 came along. Even though the Carbine started out with select fire.) round mags. No 20's.
A BAR isn't a rifle. It's a light MG. A very early SAW.
Or a 60rd Surefire.
The Sten wasn't renowned amongst the troops, is was just cheap to make. I've read a number of accounts stating that most of them only loaded 25 rounds in a 32 round magazine to avoid feeding issues. Any more and the increased spring tension turned it into a hit and miss affair.
And two martinis is definitely not enough. Ever watch Total Recall?
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