20 or 20 Round Mags?

seamus

July 12, 2002 02:24

I have a few Ruger Mini 14 factory 30 round mags, and am thinking of buying a couple more factory hi caps in 5.56. The 20 round mags are considerably cheaper then the 30s, for obvious reasons. This got me to wondering, what's the reason for manufacturing 20s, as well as 30s, in 5.56? In other words, are there any advantages to having 20 round mags (other than price, of course!). The only advantage I can think of is that you may be able to assume a slightly lower profile when shooting prone. But this is marginal, since there's not that much difference in the length of the two mags in that caliber.

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  Nighthawk

  July 12, 2002 05:25

  There could be several reasons for choosing a twenyt round mag over a thirty.To name a few the 20Rd mags are easier and faster to reload,and also it doesnt take up as much space,as far as awkwardness of the gun,or hiking.And there is a since of the 20rd mags being more reliable.And they are less expensive,Im sure each person you ask has his or her own reason.
  
  
  Good Luck!!
  
  Rugster

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  Piadea

  July 12, 2002 06:32

  Rugster has some good points and think that loaded weight can be another factor. Personally I prefer the 20 Round mags.

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  royc38

  July 12, 2002 06:56

  I agree totally with the above. For my ruger mini 14, the twenty round mags are indeed more reliable.

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  gundummy

  July 12, 2002 08:17

  I prefer the 20 rnds myself. If I could have a full auto version AC556, things might be different. A 40 rnd PMI mag might be more in line to have more fun. GD

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  seamus

  July 12, 2002 12:02

  Hey, thanks guys for your thoughts. I might just get a few 20 rounders to add to my 30s. I did consider the weight factor, but thought that if weight is ever a serious consideration, I could always just load 20 or fewer rounds in a 30 round mag. I never load them to the max anyway. I didn't realize there is a difference in the reliability between the two sizes (as long as both are factory Ruger, that is). I learn something every day. Thanks for the info.

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  austin247

  July 12, 2002 20:20

  One reason for 20 round mags is when shooting from the prone position.
  The 30 rounders make this pretty much an impossibility, due to the extra length of the magazine.

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  hecklerxkoch

  July 12, 2002 20:29

  jeez, i got like 25 30 round mags and like 3 20 round mags. I never use the 30 rounders and always go for the 20 rounders. There just more convient!
  
  New gun??? No, honey, I've had it for years.

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  leeblackman

  July 12, 2002 22:12

  I don't even use 30rder's. I like the 10rd box shaped magazines the best, but 20rder's for fun. 30rder's just seem to be a little bulky, especially when trying to shoot with a sling. Just my personal preference.
  
  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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