Will loaded Garand clips fit in an SKS bandoleer?

[Otony]

No, this is not another SHTF preparedness thread. I was just wondering about a convinient way to carry a few loaded Garand enbloc clips. My Garand is a .308, so the loaded clips are a bit shorter, if that makes a difference. Anyone have both a Garand and an SKS that could give it a try?

Much, much cheaper to buy an SKS bandoleer/chest pouch than a Garand web belt with the built in pouches. Heck, even the re-pop belts are going for crazy prices nowadays.

When I think back to all the Garand belts we used (read: destroyed) as kids for "utility belts", sigh. Holy Canvas, Batman!

 

[Brother in Arms]

Hmmm Let me check,
I have thought of this myself but never tried it. I'll get back to you with results.

Ok here are the results of my findings. 1 .30-06 Clip will fit into a SKS pouch per individual pouch. They sit a little low in the pouch but they can be grabbed realatively easily. The 7.62NATO M1 clip was very short and was very hard to remove from the pouch, I tried to put two in each pouch(one on top of the other) but two wont fit. So i'd say its a No go on the .308 M1 Clip as far as useability unless you want to stuff a wad of something in each pouch to hold them up.

Or you could use my cheap method. Take nylon M16 30 round magazine pouches and cut out the dividers. These will hold 6 .30-06 or .308 M1 clips which is equivalent to a full bandoleer and you can attach it to a pistol belt which is actually easier to carry than a bandoleer. Plus when you shot the ammo you can use the pouches to hold your empty garand clips. The older style canvas universal small arms pouch (also called m14 pouches ) will hold 6 garand clips as well.

Brother in Arms

 

[Ian]

You can use the multi-purpose M1 Garand/M1 Carbine ammo pouches made for the Korean War. They'll hold two clips (or carbine mags) and have big belt loops to fit just about any size belt. They're usually not more than a couple bucks at a gun show.

The British made a couple different pieces of web gear to hold Enfield stripper clips, and most of those are compatible with M1 clips.

Comp-Tac is currently making a kydex holder for an M1 clip. They're by far the best option, IMO, but comparatively expensive ($25/each).

 

[Otony]

Thanks guys. Looks like I will buy a couple of SKS bandoleers.

I do have some very nice Israeli mag pouches, that I think are meant for 20 round M16 mags, two to a pouch. Pretty sure those will work if I want ammo on my web belt, but the bandoleers are to avoid dragging ammo cans to the range or woods.

Thanks for the assist!

 

[MechAg94]

I had to go find a pic of an SKS bandolier. I haven't seen one of those before. Might have to get one though.

Seems to me the heavy M1 bandolier belts are the best option if you can afford one. They sell those new ones now for $25.