L96a1 question

[Molonlave]

I figure there is no better place place to ask the following:
Will an AW magazine fit the L96a1?

Information

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[Gil Boyd]

The very early L96's do, but I believe the later ones do not. I am sure someone who has one will confirm.

[Roy W]

Yes they will.

The L96A1 mags had flat sided bases, often called the Coffin Mags because of the baseplate shape. These will fit an AW

The AW mags had the finger tabs to aid removal. These will also fit an L96A1

Only the very early (85) PM models had different mags, they were longer and narrower and handmade at AI. They changed when the L96 was adopted and standardised.

[Molonlave]

Many thanks gentlemen! Are there any markings specific to an original L96a1 mag?

[Gil Boyd]

Roy,
Thanks for that.

[Roy W]

Many thanks gentlemen! Are there any markings specific to an original L96a1 mag?

No, plain mags

There might be 308 on the follower

If they have plain sides on the floorplate then probably original. Post a photo

[Gil Boyd]

Roy,
Interesting response from Frank Fletcher who does a lot of sniper work for AI and was, as you know co author on the book:

I have one of those longer pre L96 magazines for my PM.
The original prototype was an unusual size and unpainted!
We had some appear for our L96s but of course they did not fit!

[Roy W]

Roy,
Interesting response from Frank Fletcher who does a lot of sniper work for AI and was, as you know co author on the book:

I have one of those longer pre L96 magazines for my PM.
The original prototype was an unusual size and unpainted!
We had some appear for our L96s but of course they did not fit!

Yep, I have several, seen here alongside an AW mag. The original PM mags are rarer than hens teeth.

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