30 Round Magazine

[Chalk_2]

I have an Inland M1 carbine with the early mag release with out the tab on the side. My question is can I use 30 round mags, or do I need to switch out the later style with the tab?

Information

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[browningautorifle]

The tab was added and the corresponding dimple on the mag to support the two back dimples. Otherwise they would shear off. Yes, it will work.

[Neal Myers]

Problem is, without a "M" mag catch, the mag might drop out accidentally during use.

But then, most commercial 30 rd mags are not reliable, & USGI 30 rd mags are difficult to find & expensive.

Neal

[DaveHH]

Beyond that it is quite heavy in comparison to the 15s. I used to use a 30 when camping but finally just went to the 15s. If you need more than that you are in trouble anyway.

[imarangemaster]

I prefer 15s in my Carbines and 20s in my ARs for general shooting. When I carry my Standard Products carbine in my patrol vehicle, though, I do use a USGI 30 in the weapon and two 15s on the stock. At my job, if I need the patrol carbine, I need the most firepower I can get. While I have used 30s with the earlier catch, I have the later catches on both my carbines just because they are much better for the 30s.

[DaveHH]

The 20s in the AR are just so much nicer (unless you've shot 17 and missed a lot). I understand that they are getting harder to find. For off-hand they are the best. The 30s just make the carbine awkward in my opinion. It is such a beautifully designed and balanced weapon with the 15s. Although as a combat piece the close on empty feature just goes against all common sense and probably cost a lot of lives as well.

[USGI]

I picked up my second "hardback" 30 at a gunshow yesterday. Both are SEY's, but one is "hold open" and one isn't. If I read War Baby II correctly, all of the 30's should have originally been produced with the T18 follower - correct? Thanks! - Bob

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Bob,

I have them both ways. They don't seem to have been taken apart and replaced.

[USGI]

I had a hunch that some (early ones?) may have had the other followers - looks like 1/3 of those in your picture are like the one I picked up yesterday. Thanks! - Bob

[Bruce McAskill]

The early 30 round were made with the same follower as the 15 round magazines. The later ones have the cut in the follower to hold open the bolt. There is an advantage to the first type follower in that most of the time when it's empty it will quite often fall out of the magazine well when you push the release while the second type is held in place by the bolt and you have to pull it out.