Detachable Magazines, who needs them?

While I emphathize with the OP's philosophy, I think this philosophy works best in the real world:

Walkalong said:

...I like all feed systems, some are just better suited to some applications.

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I bought an SKS some time ago that came with three high-capacity detachable magazines, and the original fixed magazine. I tried shooting using the detachable mags first then I reinstalled the original fixed mag. Since then the detachable mags have been gathering dust in a storage box, and I use only the fixed mag, loading either with stripper clips or round-by-round. That's the way that particular "application" was designed, and that's the way it works best. Trying to improve on something that already works and works well enough for the job it was designed for, can be chasing the wind, IMO.

I can do without them on bolt actions or shotguns.

In every other instance, i see no disadvantage. I have had more issues with internal mags than detachable mags. Nobody is forcing you to buy spare mags.

I think that combat shooting can be done successfully with any firearm that can launch a lethal projectile. I guess it comes down to the combatant's frame of mind. A handful of rifle rounds from even a single shot can do a lot of damage....if applied correctly. However I'm not going to champion using a single shot in a standup fight against guys toting around MSR's if it can be helped at all.

This thread is making me want a single shot.

Or a detachable box magazine lever action.

Mosin77 said:

Or a detachable box magazine lever action.

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M88 Winchester. They came in .243, .284, and .308. All good choices but a .284 is a classic for sure.

Weflyfast said:

In order to be legal in NYS you cannot have a removable mag on an AR - so guys pin them in place and pivot the gun to load
.....just a really stupid law.....

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... With a very stupid work-around. If people there simply followed the law as it was intended (sorry, no semiauto ARs for your state) then this dangerous situation would not exist. *insert sarcasm*

Might be better off getting a side charger bolt and unported barrel to use as a straight pull with a detachable mag. The design really wasn't intended to allow topping off a mag or feeding with stripper clips.

illinoisburt said:

... With a very stupid work-around. If people there simply followed the law as it was intended (sorry, no semiauto ARs for your state) then this dangerous situation would not exist. *insert sarcasm*

Might be better off getting a side charger bolt and unported barrel to use as a straight pull with a detachable mag. The design really wasn't intended to allow topping off a mag or feeding with stripper clips.

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Make silly gun laws get silly gun gadgets.

https://www.meanarms.com/products/detail/ma-loader-for-ar15



This gadget will load 10rds into a fixed AR magazine through and open ejection port. Fairly well engineered despite being a silly work around silly laws.

mcb said:

May silly gun laws get silly gun gadgets.

https://www.meanarms.com/products/detail/ma-loader-for-ar15

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This gadget will load 10rds into a fixed AR magazine through and open ejection port. Fairly well engineered despite being a silly work around silly laws.

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Interesting idea. What evef happened with the pump-action ARs anyway...

mcb said:

May silly gun laws get silly gun gadgets.

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Whatever gun technology limits idiot legislators come up with, some intelligent and creative gun user is going to come up with some way around their stupid law. They never learn and they keep trying.

armedwalleye said:

You are partially correct. In my mind, detachables that rattle are PIA's and completely without worth. As to the 99, you could do way worse, but beware of the later models, they have push button drop magazines. I favor the older internal rotaries. While the new ones may still be rotary, their retention in the firearm can be prone to rattles. I see so many good rifles ruined by the latest drop box magazines. Consider also the Browning A bolt, where the magazine clips to the floorplate. Locks reliably, feeds wonderfully, and removes easily, and no rattles in the field. The X-bolts.....not so much.

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I've used detachable magazine for over 45 years and never found one that rattles and hope I never do.
I started with blind mags, then hinged floorplates then DBMs. I will never buy any bolt action rifle without a DBM again!

I've owned A-bolts and X-bolts and can tell you the A-bolt mag can't compare with the X-bolt mag in any way, shape or form. The X-bolt feeds smoother, does not rattle, locks just as easy, will not dent or Rust and if you break one whatever you did to break it would ether break or dent a steel one beyond use.

Detachable magazines can be most helpful, especially when one is coming in from hunting. Drop the mag and it comes inside and warms up with you. Otherwise you might drop your cartridges in the mud or snow. It is also useful to reload quickly or change out a different cartridge type in a second mag.

A detachable mag makes plenty of sense, to me, in places where one must unload to be legal. I do prefer a mag that can be topped-up, from the top of the action, rather than having to remove the mag, as I would rather not be removing the mag, in the field, unless really necessary.

If a rifle has to double as a defensive weapon, the ability to keep several mags loaded seems to be a good thing. The place where I am most likely to be roaming in the woods, which is private family-owned land, armed trespassers have been a problem, in the past.

I have my eye on acquiring a Sako or Tikka turn-bolt rifle, soon. The Sakos do allow loading from the top of the action, while the mag remains inside the rifle. I’ll need to take a closer look at the Tikkas, to verify, one way or the other.

Lots can go wrong with a tube feed magazine then you are screwed. Plus I never leave them loaded.. I have both and much prefer DB magazines.