20-rd AR-15 Mags: Straight or Curved?

[IMtheNRA]

My only 20-rd magazine experience is with the original Colt straight mags with aluminum followers. I see that new mags are now available in either straight or curved versions, both offered by respectable manufacturers at pretty reasonable prices.

I suspect that the primary reason for the 20 round curved magazines is to save on manufacturing costs, but perhaps there is a functional improvement as well.

What is the benefit, if any, of the curved 20-round AR magazines?

 

[ugaarguy]

My understanding is that the curved 20 rounders will use the improved green GI follower (and the other after market followers like the ones from magpul and c-products) without modification to the follower, leading to increased reliability. Y'all correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[theken206]

ahhhh that makes sense

 

[Mr White]

One thing to keep in mind... If you're shooting service rifle matches, the curved ones aren't legal.

 

[nico]

My understanding is that the curved 20 rounders will use the improved green GI follower (and the other after market followers like the ones from magpul and c-products) without modification to the follower, leading to increased reliability. Y'all correct me if I'm wrong.

When I saw this this discussed in the past, someone pointed out that the straight mags are inherently unlikely to have the followers tip, and therefore don't need the "improved" followers.

That being said, I have both and they've been 100% reliable.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

When I saw this this discussed in the past, someone pointed out that the straight mags are inherently unlikely to have the followers tip, and therefore don't need the "improved" followers.

That's correct. The green followers were adopted to address issues that only manifested themselves in the curved 30 rounders. The reason we now have curved 20s is because mag manufacturers can make them in the same stamping dies as the 30s, just using shorter pieces of metal.

I prefer straight 20s because (a) they are reliable and (b) shorter than curved 20s or 30s.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Straight 20's are the better mag and DPMS had a great price on them on their website last time I checked. An excellent mag.

Dave

 

[rino451]

CProducts has some nice ss straight 20's, too.

 

[rcmodel]

The green followers were adopted to address issues that only manifested themselves in the curved 30 rounders.

And also only manifested themselves during M-16 full-auto fire.

I have probably 15 or so early 30-round GI mags with the old black followers in them, and they have always worked perfectly fine in AR's.

Also a bunch of early Colt 20-rounders with the old metal followers.
And they can't get any more reliable then those suckers!

rcmodel