Mag Couplers?

[DaveHH]

If the carbine has a serious flaw, it has to be the magazines. Two tiny nubs are all that is holding the thing in the weapon. They are a wear item as the nubs eventually start to wipe off. Maybe that's why they made multi millions of the magazines. You can use the 30s without the last type of mag catch but they flop around a lot but still work fine. Compared to say an M14 or 16 magazine they are junk. I actually liked the AK style mag catch on the M14. Direct, secure and obvious.

[jond41403]

Would the magazines during the war be considered a disposable item? If so, the nubs wouldn't really be a weak point if they were designed to be used once and thrown away but I don't know what the soldiers did with the magazines. Is it known, did the soldiers keep their empty magazines or did they just throw them on the ground for the most part and get resupplied later? I have to say after seeing thousands of used magazines on various auction sites, the nubs always seem to be in fairly good shape.

[browningautorifle]

If the carbine has a serious flaw, it has to be the magazines.

I was always under the impression the mags were supposed to be a one time use, not carry on day after day and week after...you get the idea. There was a program where they came forward pre loaded with the rubber caps but apparently they had too many feed failures to continue. Yes, the mags are definitely a cheapy.

Would the magazines during the war be considered a disposable item?

Mags are replaceable as required. Problem is you have to get BACK to where they are.

[USGI]

I have to say after seeing thousands of used magazines on various auction sites, the nubs always seem to be in fairly good shape.

I've had a couple bad ones. My 1st carbine came with a NOS KSG and the nubs stripped about 1/4 of the way off after firing less than a box of ammo with it - failed to feed unless you held onto the mag. I've read that the process of forming and hardening the metal in that area was improved after early failures were noted. Look close and you can see differences in those areas between various mags. I've got a couple old Autoyre Inland mags that look like they should be thrown out, but the nubs are still good and they work perfectly. - Bob

[DaveHH]

I've read a lot of books on the subject of the Korean war. The issue of ammunition to the carbine carriers is about 3-5 15 round mags or with an M2 about three of the 30s. In descriptions of the fights, the carbine shooters always ran dry first. A carbine shooter was considered to be packing a load with 100 rounds on his person. An M1 Garand guy would usually have 88 rds in the belt/rifle and another 56 rds for each bandoleer. A machine gun squad guy could strip ammunition from cloth belts and reload 8 rd clips which would be all over the place. The carbine guy would have to open up his fanny pack and take out a 50 rd box of .30 carbine ammunition and reload the 15s or 30s one at a time. Tedious and at night difficult. I've seen plenty of Viet Garand customers and they would have loaded 8 round clips all over their person, on the sling, on shirt pocket flaps, on the shirt as well, all at the ready. Can't do that with a carbine. With the M1, when empty you could still beat a man to death with that 8lbs of hardwood and steel. Maybe with the carbine, maybe.

[painter777]

Vietnam, Green Berets in 1965 or 66 (?)

This set up appears it would be awkward to shoot. Hard to see even when magnified but may be 2 - taped together 30rders. Add the Mag pouch on the wire stock.

Thoughts on if he has a S&W in that shoulder holster ?
Might that be a Field radio - Walkie hanging on his chest ?



I've seen Korean War pictures with the Cloth link feed belts from heavy / Light .30 Cal MG's used as Bandoleers and belts.
But I believe this is the 1st I've seen from WWII. And being used as a Sling.
Picture believed to be: a GI of the 11th Airborne Division's 511th PIR, Leyte December 1944.

[W5USMC]

Here you go Charlie, a Marine on Oki in 1945 checking carbines.

[painter777]

Seen a pic of a Russian on the front ready to engage the oncoming Germans. Looked like a Russian Rambo movie scene. Had to have had 30-40 made up belts of ammo wrapped around him every which way.
Also seen pre-WWII, maybe pre-WWI pics of Pakistan, Turks or Indian soldiers (don't know which) in a large group pic with all wrapped like mummies with ammo belts. Looked like hundreds of lbs of ammo strapped to each man.

---------- Post added at 09:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 PM ----------

a Marine on Oki in 1945 checking carbines

Grin on his face, he's admiring his handy work. Prolly stole the clasp off the trailers safety chain.

[USGI]

Grin on his face, he's admiring his handy work. Prolly stole the clasp off the trailers safety chain.

I was thinking the same thing when I saw that Ball-Peen hammer - must be at least a 32oz. - Bob

[lemaymiami]

Bandoliers and other makeshift means of having and/or carrying additional ammo- for any weapon look great but perform poorly over time in my opinion. Protect your ammo (and the mags it's loaded into) and your weapon - carbine or whatever, will perform the way it's supposed to...