Fully Curved 30rd Mag *Now With Pics!*

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Fully Curved 30rd Mag *Now With Pics!* (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 4/16/2014 4:58:30 PM EDT

** I APPRECIATE THE INTEREST, HOWEVER THIS MAG IS NOT FOR SALE. PLEASE STOP MESSAGING ME WITH OFFERS.**

Last weekend I picked up an excellent condition fully curved 30rd mag. Colt .223 marked floorplate and stamped steel follower. Finish on the body shows only shelf wear. The follower doesn't even show evidence of rounds ever being loaded.

What is the story on these? I've done some googling, but haven't found any solid answers. When were they made? How many were made? How rare are they?

On one of my searches, one person said these are rarer than waffle mags, is that true?

Posted: 4/16/2014 5:04:35 PM EDT

[#1]

AFAIK, they precede the the dark green follower 30 rounders which came out about '69. Yours would be considered appropriate for a 607 maybe even. Rarer than a waffle? I have never seen an authentic fully curved on an auction site, but have seen quite a few original waffles.

Posted: 4/16/2014 5:08:31 PM EDT

[#2]

On one of my searches, one person said these are rarer than waffle mags, is that true?

Yes. First run of 30 rd mags, later 60's. Weren't the best for function and not received well. Quickly upgraded in scope of things. Believe most went to VN where they stayed as more waffles stayed stateside. Nice find. They have value in retroland although limited market. I've never owned or found one but still look..

Posted: 4/16/2014 5:18:00 PM EDT

[#3]

I thought I had read in Black Rifle that they were supposed to have been shipped with the first xm177's, but something like only 6 mags went with the original 177 shipement. That would put them at 1966, no?

Posted: 4/16/2014 5:36:23 PM EDT

[#4]

Photos?

Wes

Posted: 4/16/2014 6:52:03 PM EDT

[#5]

I've never seen one in person before finding this one.

I figured pre-1969 due to the .223 marking.

Posted: 4/16/2014 8:56:12 PM EDT

[#6]

During the shorty program 65-66, the white-coats at Colts' were having trouble making a "reliable" 30 rounder. Supposedly because there were variances in magwell dimensions enough to cause failures and fit issues with full curves. When Colts' told the military it would take another round of testing and more cash, the Army put
the program on the back burner and concentrated on current contracts. It was revisited and fielded with the straight articulated mag in late 68-69. These were the green follower mags that started showing up around 1970. Most of the earlier full curves were destroyed.

Posted: 4/17/2014 3:05:52 AM EDT

[#7]

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During the shorty program 65-66, the white-coats at Colts' were having trouble making a "reliable" 30 rounder. Supposedly because there were variances in magwell dimensions enough to cause failures and fit issues with full curves. When Colts' told the military it would take another round of testing and more cash, the Army put
the program on the back burner and concentrated on current contracts. It was revisited and fielded with the straight articulated mag in late 68-69. These were the green follower mags that started showing up around 1970. Most of the earlier full curves were destroyed.

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THIS^^^^^^ is the correct info^^^^

Posted: 4/17/2014 3:23:14 AM EDT

[#8]

So are we saying these mags are from 1965-66? That's earlier than I expected.

Posted: 4/17/2014 4:04:28 AM EDT

[#9]

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So are we saying these mags are from 1965-66? That's earlier than I expected.

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Yes,,Hal143 researched them in depth when I came across a source for them,,his info above is the real deal.
ETA,,only info he is a little off on is the start of the green follower 30 rders,take from troys mag faqs>
Army and late Air Force contract mags. The first Colt 30-round mags had dark green, hard-plastic followers with Colt part number 62665A stamped in white on the follower and part number 62667 stamped on the side of the body. These followers did *not* have the lengthened front "anti-tilt" leg that later green followers have. These mags are rare and collectable, though considered unreliable by some. Made from 1967-1969. Floorplates stamped:

(Pony) COLT AR-15
CAL. 5.56 MM
COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. INC.
HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A

Posted: 4/17/2014 4:39:53 AM EDT

[#10]

could you post up a picture for us who have not seen one before

Posted: 4/17/2014 4:50:32 AM EDT

[#11]

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Quoted:

Yes,,Hal143 researched them in depth when I came across a source for them,,his info above is the real deal.
ETA,,only info he is a little off on is the start of the green follower 30 rders,take from troys mag faqs>
Army and late Air Force contract mags. The first Colt 30-round mags had dark green, hard-plastic followers with Colt part number 62665A stamped in white on the follower and part number 62667 stamped on the side of the body. These followers did *not* have the lengthened front "anti-tilt" leg that later green followers have. These mags are rare and collectable, though considered unreliable by some. Made from 1967-1969. Floorplates stamped:

(Pony) COLT AR-15
CAL. 5.56 MM
COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. INC.
HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A

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Quoted:

Quoted:
So are we saying these mags are from 1965-66? That's earlier than I expected.

Yes,,Hal143 researched them in depth when I came across a source for them,,his info above is the real deal.
ETA,,only info he is a little off on is the start of the green follower 30 rders,take from troys mag faqs>
Army and late Air Force contract mags. The first Colt 30-round mags had dark green, hard-plastic followers with Colt part number 62665A stamped in white on the follower and part number 62667 stamped on the side of the body. These followers did *not* have the lengthened front "anti-tilt" leg that later green followers have. These mags are rare and collectable, though considered unreliable by some. Made from 1967-1969. Floorplates stamped:

(Pony) COLT AR-15
CAL. 5.56 MM
COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. INC.
HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A

Wrong. That website info is off on some info.

In July of 1967 Lt. Col Engle, the acting project manager recorded that a product improvement test was suspended due to deficiencies.......TBR page 237

Project: rifles week of 10-14 June 1968
Colt's has signed a contract to produce 1000 30 round magazines to be used in an initial test . Delivery is expected in 6 1/2 months.........TBR page 237

m1carbinekid: What is the story on these? I've done some googling, but haven't found any solid answers. When were they made? How many were made? How rare are they?

When were they made? 65-67
How many were made? Unknown Not many
How rare are they? EXTREMELY

Posted: 4/17/2014 6:21:59 AM EDT

[#12]

These are it, correct?

Posted: 4/17/2014 6:36:28 AM EDT

[#13]

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These are it, correct?

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c55/ChrisV196/Retro%20M16s/AATTV-1.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c55/ChrisV196/Retro%20M16s/http3A2F2Fimagescaletumblrcom2Fimage2F12802F00fa53a49ac90038e7d5b566cc1b0cd32Ftumblr_mry7c9CAEA1ryr3vbo1_zps7fa13d3b.jpg

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Yes, Those are the early full curve mags from 65-67. Some made their way to VN but only in the hands of Lrrps and other high speed types.

Posted: 4/17/2014 7:10:24 AM EDT

[#14]

A little off topic but 62667 stamped mags also came with black followers. Info I received and posted above was from an actual VN vet from 66-68 and his account of 20 rd to 30 rd transition of 30 rd mags. Never read RBR yet and I was like 5 or 6 years old when they were being tested. Thanks Hal for clarification.

Posted: 4/17/2014 8:28:58 AM EDT

[#15]

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A little off topic but 62667 stamped mags also came with black followers. Info I received and posted above was from an actual VN vet from 66-68 and his account of 20 rd to 30 rd transition of 30 rd mags. Never read RBR yet and I was like 5 or 6 years old when they were being tested. Thanks Hal for clarification.
http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab223/cndenmark/DSCN1487_zpsc4913710.jpg

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CD....Look at those black followers under bright light and / or hold them against a bright light. I thought I had one that was black too and it turned out to be a deep deep green. They could be black, just saying what happened to me once.

Posted: 4/17/2014 8:45:38 AM EDT

[#16]

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CD....Look at those black followers under bright light and / or hold them against a bright light. I thought I had one that was black too and it turned out to be a deep deep green. They could be black, just saying what happened to me once.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
A little off topic but 62667 stamped mags also came with black followers. Info I received and posted above was from an actual VN vet from 66-68 and his account of 20 rd to 30 rd transition of 30 rd mags. Never read RBR yet and I was like 5 or 6 years old when they were being tested. Thanks Hal for clarification.
http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab223/cndenmark/DSCN1487_zpsc4913710.jpg

CD....Look at those black followers under bright light and / or hold them against a bright light. I thought I had one that was black too and it turned out to be a deep deep green. They could be black, just saying what happened to me once.

there definitely were some black ones.

Posted: 4/17/2014 8:56:51 AM EDT

[#17]

Look at those black followers under bright light and / or hold them against a bright light. I thought I had one that was black too and it turned out to be a deep deep green. They could be black, just saying what happened to me once.

Hal as Lionel (Wow!) the pontential hoarder pointed out with pic they are definately black and I tried all the lighting tricks trying to make it look green or greenish. Point is the books and available information can be and have been wrong or should I say not necessarily carved in stone. IMO the black actually preceeded the green or was simply a batch or two done without coloring, Doubt anyone will ever know unless we find someone who actually made them.

Posted: 4/17/2014 9:08:06 AM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
Look at those black followers under bright light and / or hold them against a bright light. I thought I had one that was black too and it turned out to be a deep deep green. They could be black, just saying what happened to me once.

Hal as Lionel (Wow!) the pontential hoarder pointed out with pic they are definately black and I tried all the lighting tricks trying to make it look green or greenish. Point is the books and available information can be and have been wrong or should I say not necessarily carved in stone. IMO the black actually preceeded the green or was simply a batch or two done without coloring, Doubt anyone will ever know unless we find someone who actually made them.

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10-4 I agree. Nothing carved in stone. I have heard of others with black followers too.

I hope those aren't all Lionel's mags.

Posted: 4/17/2014 9:17:16 AM EDT

[#19]

I can't believe no one has asked this yet...

Where are the pics?

Posted: 4/17/2014 10:04:42 AM EDT

[#20]

I hope those aren't all Lionel's mags

My guess is he has a lot more than those. Probably has that many waffle mags.

He's gotta be doing something right as my wife puts up with a lot of retro pieces but nothing in comparrision. He should do us all a favor and post a pic of his 10K sq ft holding area simply to get the rest of our wives off our back or just all the beater furniture that he has to eat. "Look honey a nice 601 or 602 upper, far more valuable than any run of the mill diamond" , "I'll even shoot it and clean it for you"

Posted: 4/17/2014 10:24:04 AM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
I hope those aren't all Lionel's mags

My guess is he has a lot more than those. Probably has that many waffle mags.

He's gotta be doing something right as my wife puts up with a lot of retro pieces but nothing in comparrision. He should do us all a favor and post a pic of his 10K sq ft holding area simply to get the rest of our wives off our back or just all the beater furniture that he has to eat. "Look honey a nice 601 or 602 upper, far more valuable than any run of the mill diamond" , "I'll even shoot it and clean it for you"

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I'm betting that they're his, and I'm sure that's just the small tip of the iceberg that floats above water. Your right about hoarder, send him a list of later parts and he's right on it, send him a list of earlier parts.......crickets. lol

Posted: 4/17/2014 10:41:42 AM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
Look at those black followers under bright light and / or hold them against a bright light. I thought I had one that was black too and it turned out to be a deep deep green. They could be black, just saying what happened to me once.

Hal as Lionel (Wow!) the pontential hoarder pointed out with pic they are definately black and I tried all the lighting tricks trying to make it look green or greenish. Point is the books and available information can be and have been wrong or should I say not necessarily carved in stone. IMO the black actually preceeded the green or was simply a batch or two done without coloring, Doubt anyone will ever know unless we find someone who actually made them.

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heh i wish that was my stash but the pic was taken from a seller on the EE last year that found a boatload of them.

Posted: 4/17/2014 10:43:05 AM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:

I'm betting that they're his, and I'm sure that's just the small tip of the iceberg that floats above water. Your right about hoarder, send him a list of later parts and he's right on it, send him a list of earlier parts.......crickets. lol

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I hope those aren't all Lionel's mags

My guess is he has a lot more than those. Probably has that many waffle mags.

He's gotta be doing something right as my wife puts up with a lot of retro pieces but nothing in comparrision. He should do us all a favor and post a pic of his 10K sq ft holding area simply to get the rest of our wives off our back or just all the beater furniture that he has to eat. "Look honey a nice 601 or 602 upper, far more valuable than any run of the mill diamond" , "I'll even shoot it and clean it for you"

I'm betting that they're his, and I'm sure that's just the small tip of the iceberg that floats above water. Your right about hoarder, send him a list of later parts and he's right on it, send him a list of earlier parts.......crickets. lol

funny part is the thing that's holding me up is getting to the mini vertical grip right now to get you a pic.

Posted: 4/17/2014 11:33:41 AM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:
I hope those aren't all Lionel's mags

My guess is he has a lot more than those. Probably has that many waffle mags.

He's gotta be doing something right as my wife puts up with a lot of retro pieces but nothing in comparrision. He should do us all a favor and post a pic of his 10K sq ft holding area simply to get the rest of our wives off our back or just all the beater furniture that he has to eat. "Look honey a nice 601 or 602 upper, far more valuable than any run of the mill diamond" , "I'll even shoot it and clean it for you"

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Ha Ha...I've thought about sending him a list some specific parts I sold off years ago to strangers in the likely event he just may have them.

Posted: 4/17/2014 7:52:21 PM EDT

[#25]

I'm a visual learner...Can one of you guys lay a full curve example on the same table as a current GI mag so we can see a side by side comparison?

I'm sitting on a few very old mags myself, some are black followers and some have aluminum followers. I'd like to know which period they are appropriate for.

Thanks
Wes

Posted: 4/17/2014 8:01:29 PM EDT

[#26]

30 rd mag with metal follower would be your best chance. Don't think the full curve as it's called here had a plastic follower originally. Easily swapped over time but kinda doubt it. Next model 30 rd as stated or basically the one produced and actually used was 62667 stamped. Check pics with XM177 it's pretty obvious the difference between full curve and modern production bend. Almost like mandrel bent for lack of better description opposed to simple bender. Hope you have a few stashed. Sorry no pics but they are posted above. Check Hal pics.

Posted: 4/17/2014 8:09:10 PM EDT

[#27]

I finally got some pictures posted!! Enjoy

Posted: 4/17/2014 8:17:24 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'm a visual learner...Can one of you guys lay a full curve example on the same table as a current GI mag so we can see a side by side comparison?

I'm sitting on a few very old mags myself, some are black followers and some have aluminum followers. I'd like to know which period they are appropriate for.

Thanks
Wes

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Aluminum follow 20s pre-date black plastic follower 20s. Started around 1963ish after waffles were stopped.

Posted: 4/18/2014 12:55:00 AM EDT

[#29]

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I finally got some pictures posted!! Enjoy

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Yup, no doubt about it.
Does it have a 4 digit electro-penciled number on mag body towards the bottom or on the floorplate ?

How far away was Jimmy Hoffa when you found the mag.

Posted: 4/18/2014 1:21:51 AM EDT

[#30]

Looks like it barely has more wear than some new production mags. Did I miss how much you paid for it?

Posted: 4/18/2014 3:00:36 AM EDT

[#31]

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Looks like it barely has more wear than some new production mags. Did I miss how much you paid for it?

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No you didn't miss anything, it doesn't say in the OP... I bet it wasn't much though, maybe it was his prize for winning the World Series of Rock, Paper, Scissors!

Posted: 4/18/2014 4:27:10 AM EDT

[#32]

Would you try the full-curve 30 in any Nodak lowers you have handy?

I have a feeling it will be tight, but is it heel of the hand tight or rubber mallet tight? Lol.

Posted: 4/18/2014 6:56:38 AM EDT

[#33]

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I finally got some pictures posted!! Enjoy

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That is a very nice example you have. Congratulations. I would like to have one someday, but I know the odds are slim.

Posted: 4/18/2014 7:17:20 AM EDT

[#34]

No electro penciled numbers.

I didn't say what I paid because I didn't want to start a riot.

I paid $25 for it.

Now I just need to find a real waffle mag and I'm set.

Posted: 4/18/2014 7:21:03 AM EDT

[#35]

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I paid $25 for it.

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Thats awesome man, congratulations on the amazing find.

Posted: 4/18/2014 7:25:10 AM EDT

[#36]

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No electro penciled numbers.

I didn't say what I paid because I didn't want to start a riot.

I paid $25 for it.

Now I just need to find a real waffle mag and I'm set.

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Wow! I paid $35 for some of the aftermarket ones. That's a steal!

Congratulations.

Posted: 4/18/2014 8:53:59 AM EDT

[#37]

Don't let these guys fool you with all their references to TBR. Everyone knows these things are a dime a dozen.

I have crates of 'em right here.

Matter of fact, I'll send you a brand spankin new Magpul PMAG for that one, as I don't want you stuck with a faulty piece of equipment of such a disastrous reputation, and I'm the only one that I know of that is qualified to handle the disposal of such items.

Think of the children, PM or email me immediately. It's matter of safety at this point. I know you'll do the right thing.

Posted: 4/18/2014 9:10:38 AM EDT

[#38]

Matter of fact, I'll send you a brand spankin new Magpul PMAG for that one, as I don't want you stuck with a faulty piece of equipment of such a disastrous reputation, and I'm the only one that I know of that is qualified to handle the disposal of such items.

Think of the children, PM or email me immediately. It's matter of safety at this point. I know you'll do the right thing.

I'm also qualified for disposal and offer two p-mags, a Barlow pocket knife, left handed wrench set and a bull frog for this service.

OP, again great find. All in retroland I'm sure are very happy for you. I've searched literally thousands of mags and never found one of those or a 62667 for that matter. Have found a few stamped Armalite / Colt so it's fine by me and congrats. Think it's more of a collector piece than a shooter but no doubt it would function and shoot IMO. $25 was very good as you know. Times like those no haggling is necessary. Hard to put a price tag on those and doubt they would bring waffle prices but only one way to find out. Stick in auction with a high reserve just to see what a few out there would pay. Waffles sell in seconds at $200 ea or even more. All you need now if you don't already have is one of these or the earlier Experimental stamped pouch which if you found a mag you may have enough luck left to find an experimental pouch.

Posted: 4/18/2014 9:14:34 AM EDT

[#39]

Do I hear 3 pmags??

Posted: 4/18/2014 9:24:54 AM EDT

[#40]

$25 for a full curve mag..

- No way I would have been able to maintain my poker face during such a transaction. That is truly epic

Posted: 4/18/2014 9:35:42 AM EDT

[#41]

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$25 for a full curve mag..

- No way I would have been able to maintain my poker face during such a transaction. That is truly epic

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+1

I probably would have looked something like this:

Posted: 4/18/2014 9:37:06 AM EDT

[#42]

Quote History

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$25 for a full curve mag..

- No way I would have been able to maintain my poker face during such a transaction. That is truly epic

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I would have bargained-sets up the next retro family member for success!

"Twenty-five dollars, yup..."

Me:

"HHHHSSsssssssssssssssss....that's a little out of my budget man. See the orange shining through the grey? That was before they started to get the dry film lube coating down really well on what they considered a throw-away magazine, and it needs to be really baked on correctly, or else you get this. Now look at these feed ramps. Now you know why they went to the standard 30rd magazine with straight angle and then a curve. The follower is in really bad shape, and the floor plate still says .223 Rem. Where did you find this thing?"

Posted: 4/18/2014 11:01:35 AM EDT

[#43]

BTW....Not mine

Posted: 4/18/2014 12:37:09 PM EDT

[#44]

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http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj149/halpark/post-192-1223642016_zps36c9805e.jpg

BTW....Not mine

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If anyone happens to have one of the above XM marked pouches and interested in selling,please let me know.

Posted: 4/18/2014 12:45:14 PM EDT

[#45]

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+1

I probably would have looked something like this:

http://i.imgur.com/fpGjbp3.jpg

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Quoted:

Quoted:
$25 for a full curve mag..

- No way I would have been able to maintain my poker face during such a transaction. That is truly epic

+1

I probably would have looked something like this:

http://i.imgur.com/fpGjbp3.jpg

Thats probably what it looked like as I walked away haha

What's funny is that a friend of mine sets up at a lot gun shows and I have him on the hunt for waffle mags. Last saturday he called me and said he thought he may have found one of those funny looking mags. After calling him back we determined it wasn't a waffle, dang. Well I went to the show anyway to hang out with him at his table. Take one guess where I found this full curve mag...at the table directly across from him. He was staring at it all day and had no clue. We both had a good laugh at that.

Posted: 4/18/2014 3:08:12 PM EDT

[#46]

One more pic of a full-curve mag 'in the wild' - this time in a 605. I've posted this pic b4 - it's my favorite pic of a 605. I turned it 90 degrees so you can see it better. The original is in the 'Real Deal' thread.