20 vs 30rd AK magazines

[GTSteve03]

Anyone out there prefer the 20rd AK 7.62x39 magazines over the 30s? I've started to wonder as I have a couple and when loaded they're substantially lighter and smaller, making it easier to both carry and do mag changes. They also allow you to shoot from prone or the bench easier. I am losing 33% of my capacity, but the other benefits might make up for that.

I did some measurements and apparently the 20rd magazine is almost the exact same size as a 30rd AR15 mag. It's just a little thicker. That means I could use most any AR15 pouches for them, too.

Here's a pic for those who haven't seen one:

Thoughts?

 

[wally]

Only actually prefer them for my Norinco bullpup whcih is very difficult to change mags with the 30 rounders and my AMD-65 folder where its the "authentic" mag for it.

But for general range use if you don't mind changing mags at 20 rounds instead of 30 shots, why not? Everyone should have at least one for shooting prone or off a bench.

Since the ammo usually comes 20 round to the box there is a certain charm to one box loads one magazine. The Lapua AK ammo I got in the mid 90's came 30 rounds to a box

--wally.

 

[jobu07]

I use the 20 rounder in my AMD-65. It's a tanker rifle, so I figure the shorter mag makes sense. Moreover, I think a 20 round mag on any AK with a forward pistol grip makes sense. They shipped me the AMD-65 with a 30 rounder, it was tight and if you were in a hurry I can see a good chance of chipping the wooden pistol grip. Just my thoughts.

 

[briansmithwins]

I use a couple of 20s for bench shooting, but that's pretty much it. My 30s see the most use followed by the 40s. BSW

 

[dglockster]

Using the AK in classes, I prefer the 20-round mag over the 30-rounders. Fully loaded, they are lighter to carry and if the rifle has a grip extending downward from the lower handguard, the length of the mag doesn't bump the grip when the mag is being inserted.