I have seen many M60 barrel bags over the years, but only one where the sides of the bag had about 1/2" (or so) of foam padding. One of the outside vendors at Knob Creek had it for sale, along with a lot of other used military clothing. It didn't have a price on it, but it was just tossed in a bin with a bunch of other used stuff, so I doubt that the seller thought of it as "special". I didn't buy it when I first saw it, then went back for it later and it was gone.

What is the story on these padded barrel bags? I'm fairly certain that they are a very early item, since they are uncommon. Does anyone know the approximate time frame that these were issued? How about a place where a guy could purchase one?

Did it look like A or B?

A:
Attached File


B:
Attached File


B is the M240 barrel bag from the early 2000s.


There was an early version of A which was canvas instead of rubberized: https://www.mooremilitaria.com/newly-listed/bar-bag-can.html

It was the "A" type, and was made from the same rubberized material as they usually are. The only difference was the foam padding.

They must have used extra fluffy asbestos for those.

I may have one. I'll take a look.  I know of the 3-4 sitting around, one has thicker walls.

I'm still following this thread, so please let me know what you find out.