New Magpul PMAG 30 GEN M3
Magpul has announced they will be shipping next generation PMAG, the PMAG GEN M3, this fall. It looks like the magazine will replace both the previous generation PMAG and the EMAG (Export MAG). Like the EMAG it will function reliably in non-Colt spec firearms such as the H&K 416/MR556A1, M27 IAR, SA-80 and FN SCAR 16.
Other new features include a redesigned bolt catch notch for increased bolt catch clearance, an over-travel stop on the spine to prevent over-insertion and a new slimmer and easily disassembled floorplate.
The magazine will be available in a windowed and a non-windowed version. The price has not been announced.
[ Many thanks to Lance for the link. ]
I founded TFB in 2007 and over 10 years worked tirelessly, with the help of my team, to build it up into the largest gun blog online. I retired as Editor in Chief in 2017. During my decade at TFB I was fortunate to work with the most amazing talented writers and genuinely good people!
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Actually, Americans can figure this out. The problem is that the AR15 spec - FROM THE ARMY specified a 20 round mag. Given construction method, the 20 rounder was most easily, strongly, and cheaply built STRAIGHT.
The mag well encloses quite a bit of this to provide the side-to side support and stability noticeably lacking in the AK or FAL. This increases reliability, especially given the mags were originally supposed to be disposable. The broaching of the magwell was most easily, strongly, and cheaply done STRAIGHT.
So long as the 20-rounders were all they used, the mags had enough play for the slight internal curve the case design requires. No problem -- gun worked as designed.
The 30-round mag was only developed after the AR15 design was too set to alter the design to an AK style magwell. I believe there were over a million built and in military hands before the Army specified a need for a 30 round mag. At which point, Colt had to design a 30 round mag that, due to case shape, HAD to be slightly curved, but due to magwell design HAD to have a straight section up top.
If you want to have a magazine for ARs where you can see the round count then leave the pigment out of the plastic you injecting into the mold. Simple.