SMLE Magazines

[BartInGolden]

The SMLE's had detachable magazines. But using the feeder clips seems to be the standard mode of operation. But did any units try to swap out filled magazines rather than use the clips?

The magazines come off, but on my rifle it is a bit of chore to accomplish. It has a real tight fit, which I suppose is good to make sure it does not rattle about.

What is the cycle time for a trained soldier to feed in two clips vs. changing the magazine?

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[browningautorifle]

As far as I know, the magazine was hand fitted. Or might have to be. That's not to say they wouldn't interchange, but they might give grief...the standard was to charger load. That's what was taught.

I don't have the book on hand for the timing question.

[Beerhunter]

1. But did any units try to swap out filled magazines rather than use the clips?
2. What is the cycle time for a trained soldier to feed in two clips vs. changing the magazine?

1. No, not only because it is incorrect drill but because it is PITA to do so and so chargers were used - and very effectively too.

2. A few seconds for the former but, as I said above, the latter was NOT done.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

And just a reminder to new users of chargers / stripper clips:

They MUST be filled "Three down, two up"..

Or, Visually, when looked at from the side, with the projectiles pointing upwards: _-_-_

Whilst this may seem bizarre, it means that, unlike the en-bloc clips for, say, a Dutch Mannlicher, the chargers can be inserted into the guide on the bridge either way up and work just as well.

By yet another miracle of early 20th. Century British engineering, the alternately stacked cartridge rims shuffle themselves into the correct "rim in front of rim" sequence in the magazine. With a bit of practice, and a goodly supply of chargers, you can achieve a remarkable rate of sustained and controlled fire.

Detachable 30 round mags can also be advantageous; ask anyone who has a 7.62 x 39 AIA carbine, spare mags, a crate of ammo and a sense of humour.

Get a bunch of charger clips, make up some DUMMY rounds and get practicing.

[Bindi2]

Shoot 6 load 5 shoot 6 load 5 watch the clock and dont add any more to the mag when there is enough left in it to run out at the one minute last round.

[jmoore]

As the magazine feed lips aren't hardened at all, just doing a few overly hurried and vigorous mag changes will distort them to the point of continuous misfeeds. 2A1s in 7,62x51 seem a bit more durable, but in either case the mag should be removed as infrequently as possible.

(BTW, if you have a well tuned magazine, the staggering of the rounds in the chargers won't matter- it'll get filled properly regardless.)

[browningautorifle]

the staggering of the rounds in the chargers won't matter

I don't know how many times this has been gone over. I never staggered, and I regularly charger load. I never had trouble...never...