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2/8/2026 6:06:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: wahoowad2][Edited]
Why would the 20 rd PMAG be so much longer than this older metal mag?

2/8/2026 6:12:20 PM EDT
[#1]
The added curve plus the followers in PMags have longer tails on the bottom to prevent follower tilt and you need more room in the bottom of the mag for that.
2/9/2026 12:52:11 AM EDT
[#2]
Because it's fuckin' better.

Also easier to seat on a closed bolt when full.
2/9/2026 1:19:24 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By JoeDevola:
Because it's fuckin' better.

Also easier to seat on a closed bolt when full.
View Quote

^this

Now the straight 20rd Magpul mag was about the same size but it was garbage and Magpul smartly discontinued it.
2/18/2026 8:43:22 PM EDT
[#4]
Have one magpul 20 and more than a few usgi 20s. I like the gi more than the magpul.

The magpul doesn’t always drop free bs the gi. Both feed well with FRT though.
6/19/2026 6:20:49 PM EDT
[#5]
I like my 20 round straight magpul magazines. Good for zero sights. I keep them inserted in the safe and takes up less room. They're goods magazines for 300blk. me. I use the 20 ro
7/6/2026 8:28:22 AM EDT
[#6]
Originally Posted By wahoowad2:
Why would the 20 rd PMAG be so much longer than this older metal mag?

https://i.postimg.cc/s2xMdN1Q/IMG-0862.jpg
View Quote


Different design.  Different materials.  Different makers.  Different requirements.
“You either know and understand history or you trust the government. You can’t do both”
7/6/2026 8:59:57 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 64tinc:
I like my 20 round straight magpul magazines. Good for zero sights. I keep them inserted in the safe and takes up less room. They're goods magazines for 300blk. me. I use the 20 ro
View Quote

+1.  I have been shooting my AR's with only 20rd magpul mags lately.   Easier to pack out in range bag too.
Well, I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison....
7/6/2026 9:45:48 AM EDT
[#8]
The PMAG 20 uses the same spring as the PMAG 30 (which is the same as the USGI 30-rounder), so it needs more space for the coils than the USGI which uses a shorter spring than a 30-rounder.
Vintage Ain't Retro.
7/8/2026 6:49:55 PM EDT
[#9]
I like both Pmag styles. The straight short magazines fit in first aid pouch. I didn't know the gen 3 20 round magazines have all those extra springs. I might experiment on  one to clip some coils unless someone else has information about it.
8/7/2026 12:11:29 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By gtsteve03:

^this

Now the straight 20rd Magpul mag was about the same size but it was garbage and Magpul smartly discontinued it.
View Quote

I really like the straight 20rd magpuls, should have bought a bunch of them, they go for 100 bucks on GB now,
They have a waffle pattern on them and look ok in 601 clones, never had a malfunction with one.

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