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AK47 Mags: 20rd vs. 30rd vs. 40rd - Thoughts?
2/12/2011 10:14:13 PM
I have all three capacities and most are 30rd. As I'm new to the AK47, I got all of my 20/30 round mags for +/- $10 each and the 40rd mags for <$17. At least one of each is always loaded. All the mags work well in my gun. I’m not tacticool anything.
I figure parts replacement to be a non-issue since AK47 mags are so cheap, but the 40rd and 20rd mag springs are not “standard”. I do have an UF so the stock can't swing past the 40rd mag.
"What's the best make/brand mag?" and "how many mags is enough?" is immaterial as I'm just interested a in capacity discussion comparing 20/30/40 AK47 round mags. Interested in your thoughts on which and why. Thanks.
My thoughts and applications:
- 40rd = Home use for maximum capacity as I figure the 30rd mag is not much shorter for this application. Going prone and weight a non-issue. Logic: I may as well have as many rounds on board as possible (and 75rd drums are too expensive).
- 30rd = Primary shooting and general purpose mag. Standard mag. Most cost effective, best value mag.
- 20rd = Maneuverability in theory. Most compact. Rarely used.
20rd
30rd
40rd
(note: Not my pics. See HERE).
Comparison composite (pretty much aligned, including reference lines for better comparison):
I figure parts replacement to be a non-issue since AK47 mags are so cheap, but the 40rd and 20rd mag springs are not “standard”. I do have an UF so the stock can't swing past the 40rd mag.
"What's the best make/brand mag?" and "how many mags is enough?" is immaterial as I'm just interested a in capacity discussion comparing 20/30/40 AK47 round mags. Interested in your thoughts on which and why. Thanks.
My thoughts and applications:
- 40rd = Home use for maximum capacity as I figure the 30rd mag is not much shorter for this application. Going prone and weight a non-issue. Logic: I may as well have as many rounds on board as possible (and 75rd drums are too expensive).
- 30rd = Primary shooting and general purpose mag. Standard mag. Most cost effective, best value mag.
- 20rd = Maneuverability in theory. Most compact. Rarely used.
20rd
30rd
40rd
(note: Not my pics. See HERE).
Comparison composite (pretty much aligned, including reference lines for better comparison):
2/12/2011 10:52:57 PM
My usage goes like this:
20s: Great on the bench or in the woods when I carry a rifle slung for extended periods of time. Good for tight storage confines as well (truck or ATV gun).
30s: General usage, I use them everywhere.
40s: RPK only, I find their length to be a pain anywhere else.
20s: Great on the bench or in the woods when I carry a rifle slung for extended periods of time. Good for tight storage confines as well (truck or ATV gun).
30s: General usage, I use them everywhere.
40s: RPK only, I find their length to be a pain anywhere else.
2/12/2011 11:37:20 PM
Originally Posted By Liquidmetal:
My usage goes like this:
20s: Great on the bench or in the woods when I carry a rifle slung for extended periods of time. Good for tight storage confines as well (truck or ATV gun).
30s: General usage, I use them everywhere.
40s: RPK only, I find their length to be a pain anywhere else.
My usage goes like this:
20s: Great on the bench or in the woods when I carry a rifle slung for extended periods of time. Good for tight storage confines as well (truck or ATV gun).
30s: General usage, I use them everywhere.
40s: RPK only, I find their length to be a pain anywhere else.
What he said. Also, 20's are de rigueur for an underfolder as they are "correct".
40's for giggles. Get a drum or two for belly laughs while you can.
If you ever find your self in some sort of static defense position scenario, an AK with a bipod and a drum is a pretty formidable proposition.
Plus whilst heavier, they don't protrude as much as a 40.
I'd also pick up some 5's and 10's for the bench and just because.
I'm actually leaning towards this for my AR's too as insurance for some worst case ban scenario.
2/13/2011 3:57:04 PM
I would buy two or three 5-10rd magazines for prone and bench shooting. I would spend the rest of my money on Hungarian 20rd and basically any other surplus 30rd magazine. If I remember correctly, the Hungarian 20rd magazines actually have the same length spring as a standard 30rd magazine.
2/13/2011 5:08:31 PM
Originally Posted By big_johnson_92:
If I remember correctly, the Hungarian 20rd magazines actually have the same length spring as a standard 30rd magazine.
If I remember correctly, the Hungarian 20rd magazines actually have the same length spring as a standard 30rd magazine.
All mine have the same spring as a 30 shot magazine.
2/13/2011 6:12:32 PM
Hungarian 20rd magazines are my favorites.
2/14/2011 12:50:34 AM
I like the 20 round mags. They fit in all sorts of pouches, and help keep the already front-heavy AK a little more balanced.
The 30 round mag has a place, but not for me.
The 40 round mag is just about pointless in my opinion. Too long for pouches and if I want any higher capacity than a 30, might as well use a 75 round drum.
The 30 round mag has a place, but not for me.
The 40 round mag is just about pointless in my opinion. Too long for pouches and if I want any higher capacity than a 30, might as well use a 75 round drum.
2/14/2011 7:35:02 AM
20 rounders are all I need. 
2/14/2011 11:41:14 AM
Originally Posted By RUT:
30 rounders are all I need.
30 rounders are all I need.
2/14/2011 8:00:33 PM
I like the 40s.
Most of my mags are 40s.
Only place I would see 40s as a disadvantage would be prone shooting.
But then again a 30 is not ideal for prone shooting. I owne 20 round hungarians for bench use.
Other than that I like the 40s
Most of my mags are 40s.
Only place I would see 40s as a disadvantage would be prone shooting.
But then again a 30 is not ideal for prone shooting. I owne 20 round hungarians for bench use.
Other than that I like the 40s
2/14/2011 9:43:41 PM
everyone has made valid points of the uses of each size. just pick up as many as you can(while you can) of each and decide for yourself. then you can sell off the ones you don't like later.
2/14/2011 10:00:50 PM
After the balloon goes up, cockroaches and steel AK mags will be the only things left on this Earth.
They'll eventually mate and the world will be ruled by steel cockroaches that speak Hungarian.
They'll eventually mate and the world will be ruled by steel cockroaches that speak Hungarian.
2/15/2011 11:06:55 PM
I prefer the Hungarian 20rd magazines. I have ten and will buy more. I also have a couple 30s that I cut down to 20s, and a few Tapco 20s. Personally, I prefer the aesthetics of the rifle with a 20rd mag locked in as opposed to a 30. Also, Uly/Wolf ammo comes in 20rd boxes, so it works out pretty well in that regard. I do a lot of shooting from the prone position so they help out there a good bit too. For bench shooting I have a couple of the Bulgarian 5rd mags converted to 10rd with the K-VAR springs/followers.
I just wish the Hungarian 20s didn't have that damned rib though.
I just wish the Hungarian 20s didn't have that damned rib though.
2/22/2011 2:33:53 PM
I like 20's for the balance and ability to go prone. Where are people finding good prices on them these days?
2/23/2011 10:04:00 AM
I have four 20 rounders for my underfolder just to have, I've never tested any of them. I have ten Molot 40 rounders loaded in a .50 cal ammo can and they fit perfectly. I only ever use the 30 rounders for the range and they are what I have most of.
2/23/2011 9:53:00 PM
I just wish the Hungarian 20s didn't have that damned rib though.
Mine 20's don't have spines.
2/24/2011 12:18:35 PM
Originally Posted By BNZ:
Mine 20's don't have spines.
I just wish the Hungarian 20s didn't have that damned rib though.
Mine 20's don't have spines.
Where did you get them?
2/24/2011 12:32:58 PM
There is a seller-"308shooter" at Falfiles.com, don't know what his/her username is- here. I asked for ones w/ out ribs/spines when I got mine last month.
2/24/2011 3:18:46 PM
Originally Posted By Balog:
I like 20's for the balance and ability to go prone. Where are people finding good prices on them these days?
I like 20's for the balance and ability to go prone. Where are people finding good prices on them these days?
They had been around for quite awhile, but I know of none of the usual vendors who have 'em in stock at present.
I like all the different capacity mags mentioned, but wouldn't want to carry a loaded 40 in my gun for too long. Seems I actually use tens and twenties the most. Range work only of course, no heavy combat here in Florida
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2/25/2011 5:38:41 PM
20's to few rounds, 40's mag to long, 30's perfect!!!
