weight of M16-AK47 magazines

[giorgio.arra]

Can anybody tell me what is the weight of a 20-round M16 magazine and of a 30-round AK47 magazine (fully loaded, Vietnam era, standard issue)?
I am interested from the point of view of the weight of the soldier's equipment therefore average, standard values will be sufficient.

 

[LexDiamonds]

A 30 round mag loaded with 55 grain FMJs in 5.56 weighs very close to 1 pound. Not sure about the AK.

 

[Kamicosmos]

1 pound sounds about right. I think an AK mag would be a touch heavier, maybe 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 lbs each.

My dad was Marine infantry in Vietnam, 1967. On patrols he would generally be carrying:

up to 10 mags for his M16. (280 rds. only load up to 28 rounds in the mag)
4 or so grenades.
usually a belt or two for the M60 gunner.
often a LAW
sometimes a couple mortar rounds.

Then, he had a flamethrower for awhile. He didn't care much for that...

 

[chicane]

up to 10 mags for his M16. (280 rds. only load up to 28 rounds in the mag)

I thought all "NAM" era magazines were 20rd capacity? At least all the pictures/footage I have seen they were carrying the short/straight magazines. Trianglar hand guards, slab side receiver, A1 sights/butt stock/pistol grip... maybe they started phasing the 30rd mags in during the war?

 

[jdinevens]

dont forget water, depending on how far your walking or how hot it is that can get really heavy, the LBEs hold 2 qts which is another 4lbs?
what kind of headgear did they use? the older kevlar ones are something around 8lbs, i can't imagine the steel? ones are much lighter. are we talking with a rucksack? that can be anywhere from 25lbs to over 100lbs. how about a radio? does he have an m79(grenade launcher, pre-203) rounds are going to add weight. sounds like a lot of little stuff, but trust me it adds up.