20 vs 30 rnd mags

[sootstorm]

just getting my first semi auto going which mags do you guys prefer and why?

do 30's get in the way hanging too low?

when is 20 not enough?

I was going to get in on the P mag GB and wanted some advice before ordering.

or get an assortment and call it good?

Thanks

 

[gshack]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

If you are shooting from a prone position, 30 rd mags are a little long and get in the way. In just about any other circumstance, I prefer 30 rd mags. I would keep some of each.

 

[krw]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

Start with 20rd P-Mags, then branch out from there.

 

[ORD]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

If you are going to be shooting from the bench or prone, the 20rnd mags are the way to go (or even lower cap/shorter mags depending on the conditions you are shooting in) because the 30s will be too long as gshack said. If you are going to be shooting from the standing/kneeling position, training/running any drills, competing in something like 3-gun, etc., then the 30rnd mags are obviously a better option.

As for placing an order...I would recommend that you get a couple of each and figure out which you personally prefer or which better meet your needs. You won't have any difficulty re-selling them if you decide that you want to part with whichever ones you don't like/won't use.

 

[notquiteright]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

I never saw the need for more than 19 rounds per magazine in a semiauto rifle. Back when I was a young jitterbug we carried the then shiny new 30's if you were the AR man.

But I lack that selector switch so 19 works just fine. I used to sneer at the new plastic mags, but once i saw the wieght difference I changed my mind. While I dont drop them out of Hueys nor run them over with 113s they seem rugged enough for range and hunting.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

I like the 20 rounders. Never load them full anyway. Normally 2 and 8.

I like the 20 round as a palm rest in off hand. The 30s are always in the way.

But that's just the way I shoot.

 

[scotharr]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

Unless you are in Afganistan, the 20-rounders are plenty and more ergonomic. The only reason I can think of wanting a 30-rounder is if you compete in 3-gun matches.

 

[Jerry m]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scooter-PIE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...The only reason I can think of wanting a 30-rounder is if you compete in <span style="font-weight: bold">3-gun matches</span>. </div></div>

Then you'll want a 40, 50, 60 round...etc.

Good luck

Jerry

 

[ryu_sekai]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

20 rd if all you do is prone or bench. 30 rd for Everything else.

 

[CanPopper]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

I use 10 rounders for the times I'm load testing off of benchrests. For normal shooting, I got 20, 30 and 40 rounders.

 

[buggsb]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

Interesting that most opinions ar for the 20's for shooting prone. I prefer the 30's for "normal" prone shooting as I am able to use it as a very stable monopod.

For use on a 2-way range however you would want to get closere to the ground and the 20's can be an advantage.

Having a few of each is not a bad idea, but I primarily use 30's

Whichever you choose, make sure that you never load the full capacity. Always download at least 2 rounds to allow them to be seated on a closed bolt (i.e. 20's get loaded with 18 rounds and 30's get loaded with 28).

 

[ORD]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buggsb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Whichever you choose, make sure that you never load the full capacity. Always download at least 2 rounds to allow them to be seated on a closed bolt (i.e. 20's get loaded with 18 rounds and 30's get loaded with 28). </div></div>

Nonsense!

There is ZERO need to do this with the PMAGs! Unlike USGI and other mags, the PMAGs are purpose-built so that you do NOT have to do this. You can top off a PMAG to full capacity and insert it in the rifle on a closed bolt without any difficulties whatsoever in my experience. They can also be stored fully loaded as long as you put the dust covers on to take pressure off the feedlips which can warp over extended periods of time when stored fully loaded.

 

[Zebra644]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

ORD is correct.You can top off the PMAGS to 30 for the 5.56 and 20 on the .308 PMAGS. I have all my 5.56 mags topped and run nothing but PMAGS they are great.

 

[Rovieairto]

Re: 20 vs 30 rnd mags

I have always been fond of the aluminum 20 round magazine.
The 20rd P-mag works nice too.

Brownells makes some decent 20 rounders that have reinforced feed lips that "round the corner" at the spine just like the standard 30 round magazines do.
These are my favorites.
20 rounds in a very small package, that stays out of the way.

It really depends on how you build your position.
Some folks will rest the 30 round magazine on the ground and use it for support while prone like a mono-pod.

Personally, if I can get low enough, I'll rest the entire rifle on the ground using my forward grip as my mono-pod, and make slight elevation changes with my support hand, either under the pistol grip, or under the forward grip.
I can get very stable, very quickly, with minimum recoil disturbance, but it means that my magazine may not protrude any further than my two grips.

Otherwise I shoot off my elbows with a sling where a 30 stays out of my way.

Get both, and goof around with your position until you lock in on something that works for you, then get the biggest magazine that stays out of your way.