30 round mag catch

[chopperbobby]

Just want to know. The 30 round mag catch that holds the bolt open after the last round. why was this added? The reason I ask is as soon as you drop the mag the bolt slams shut anyway? Just a visual that you are empty?

Information

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[browningautorifle]

With the carbine yes, most military rifles have a hold open that allows you to replace with a full mag and then just close on a cartridge. Not the Carbine...just to show you empty.

[cipherk98]

The BHO is in the mag itself, the catch was just modified to better secure the mag.

It depends on the system to me. On an AK I HATE BHO mags because it makes it more difficult to get the mag out of the action. On an M1 Carbine it really doesn't matter as you are pulling straight down. To me they are most useful in a high power format match so you don't waste precious time "firing" on an empty chamber during a rapid fire string. I guess in the heat of battle it would potentially help, but then I'd be concerned about it letting dirt in with such an open action.

[browningautorifle]

The BHO is in the mag itself, the catch was just modified to better secure the mag.

I know he wrote it wrong but I knew what he was asking...

I guess in the heat of battle it would potentially help

You BET it helps...tells you it's done and cuts down reloading time. By the way I don't care about AKs...if theirs works or not...they weren't mine.

[cipherk98]

You BET it helps...tells you it's done and cuts down reloading time. By the way I don't care about AKs...if theirs works or not...they weren't mine.

I missed this post somehow, apologies for the late reply. So do you have any thoughts on potential dirt ingress when locked back and if it is an issue or not? Always something I wondered about, no experience there. My only speculation is that you could get dirt in the areas that will most likely make it choke with the action closed or open like the op rod and it's track so maybe it's not as much of an issue as it seems.

[USGI]

So do you have any thoughts on potential dirt ingress when locked back and if it is an issue or not?

Not an issue if you just pull the magazine and close the bolt when your done shootin' or, if not - stick in a fresh one. - Bob

[browningautorifle]

Not an issue if you just pull the magazine and close the bolt when your done shootin' or, if not - stick in a fresh one.

Zactly. They weren't meant with range officers in mind. These rifles were all designed for fighting a war.