I own a WW HBC. I’m looking to add some additional magazines. My factory mag is fine; Windham supplies good magazines.
I’d like to add another 30 round mag and two 20 rounders.
I like to shoot with 20 round mags because the shorter length seems to work better when shooting on the bench. Also, I’ve read that twenty round magazines are more dependable due to them being the original design and the rounds dont have to deal with the curve of a 30 rounder. I wanted to use them for my self defense mags as well.
Since Magpul 30 rounders seem to be such a.popular.mag, I’m assuming their 20 rd mags are as dependable.
Unless the 20 round magazines are a requirement it makes no sense to purchase them since they usually cost as much as a 30 rounder. I have mostly PMAGs with a miX of USGI aluminum and some Lancer AWMs. Personally I would buy as many magazines as you can afford.
OP, only way to tell if they work well in your AR is to run them in your AR. Magpul makes quality equipment, I run the 20 & 30s without a thought. In the rare case I have had an issue I mark the mag, majority if not all of the time it’s been an issue with the ammo or me more so then the Mags. Simple answers like this can be answered using the search for future reference. Every time I thought I had a unique or creative question, I quickly became disappointed on this forum, it’s been asked or discussed before, in most cases more then twice.
I feel that both are great mags and do not specifically have a preference, it may depend on the situation.
OP- One thing to keep in mind, magazines are expendable. Unless you treat them with kid gloves or rarely use them, they’re going to eventually get jacked up for whatever reason. With that in mind, look at getting multiple 30 rd. mags, especially in light of what will now likely be a constant fight for their legality. Consider having at least 10 or more for each gun. PMAGS are good but sometimes fail; GI mags from reputable manufacturers are good, but they too sometimes fail. It doesn’t hurt to have both.
I keep a couple around for the rare occasion I want to shoot off bags on a bench—they’re handy at least for that. I’ve also used them in 3-gun matches for various reasons, like in a stage that required prone position without any mechanical support (e.g., no magazine monopod). For the most part, though, they are rarely used.
Well as for self-defense, not sure why one would want 20rds rather than 30. Speaking from personal experiences have had various types of 20rds (metal org./Pmags gen_/cheap-o thermamold maybe dunno) all failed. None have been reliable in a Mega, Riflegear(mega), PSA lower. As some mentioned prob why they changed from 20rds. Having multiple various problems (not just 1, with certain mag/lower combo) I’ve since given/traded away all my 20rds. Have had more reliable results with 5rd mags, and they dont get in way on the bench. BUT practice from bench is not substitute for rifle training/manipulations for SD/HD .Sounds like you shoot more from bench than standing/freehand. That might not give best results if HD is of interest. Try a couple drills and break routine and shooting skills will improve… Martial arts, working out wouldn’t hurt either. Its a lot easier to (if had to) fight your way to a gun, if you can kick some ass on the way there.
Shooting from bench should be for your reloads(learn to reload, if dont know how, info is in here). One could hand feed reloaded rounds, tailored to rifle EX: powder/bullet combo, longer OAL (less jump to grooves) less neck tension/etc; than can get with factory ammo limited to mag length. They have single shot sled for AR mag if not mistaken too. Just thought on bench shooting.
