Speaking as an 03XX infantryman, the Marines are VERY receptive to the PMAG.
Speaking as a guy that has dropped to the IRR and now works at Systems Command, Infantry Weapons Systems, the Marine Corps, unfortunately, often finds its hands tied in regard to such basic things. The Army is the primary contract holder on the lion’s share of basic armaments and the components that go with them, so Corps-wide, we have to use what the Army uses. I think the PMAG would almost certainly fall in that category, unless some fairy-god-senator managed to ramrod something through whatever committee it is that allows us to do “congressional buys,” like the money that allowed us to purchase the AN/PVS-21 LPNG.
Oh, and don’t get me started on configuration management issues regarding common systems shared by multiple branches! Dealing with how the Army gets approval for the use of laser devices vs. the way we do it is, I’m sure, contributing to 80% of my current level of pattern baldness.
Long story short, whole metric #$%&loads of Marines and other warfighters are purchasing gear with their own funds that enhance the capability and reliability of their kit. Sticking strictly to magazines, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve told LCpl Dirty McNasty to shell out the dough to swap USGI followers with Magpul, or buy H&K steel magazines. At least then, his crap LOOKS like issue so he doesn’t get his ass in a crack with some SNCO with a uniformity-for-the-sake-of-uniformity complex.
I learned a long time ago that the best acquisition/supply system available is the one I build for myself (leavened with a liberal dose of sneakiness) and whatever band of happy cutthroats I was in charge of at the time.
I see these types of things come through all the time, but I appreciate the detailed explanation - I was unaware of the exact process. I was speaking more in terms of large purchases. Beyond a certain dollar amount, they’re legally bound to have some sort of competition. I’m fine with that, but no one seems to have the time or man power to conduct such a fair and open competition for magazines right now. Most resources are being devoted to larger projects, it seems. It’s all about priorities, and who am I to say they’re wrong? Magazines will have to wait.
I can guarantee that tens of thousands are in service with men and women who have deployed, rotated home, deployed again, etc. It’s hard to say exactly how many are over seas at this very moment, but it’s growing significantly every day.
Hell, you should add the phrase “Combat Proven” to your promo material for the P-Mag. I’m sure that with that many in service somebody’s had to use them to shoot bad guys.
not invented here and so-cailed mil-spec both have done some harm in many ways - wallets have been padded at the cost of men lives and time to fix ,what scandals brewing [please find the book ‘‘misfire’’] it will help you understand how bad things really are! look at what damage the AWB did to invention and supply systems ?! so let the holy cows die !
How many years did it take to figure out what caused 60-70% of malfuntions on the M16/M4 rifles?
What, some 30 to 40 years to figure out that little plastic follower could have been improved at a current cost of around a buck a piece? About the cost of one single Bradley Integrated Sight Unit (now old stuff) would have easily outfitted the entire DOD with Magpul followers. And for what one M1 Abrahms engine cost we could have also done the same with replacing all mags with HK mags.
In those 30 years weve fielded the M1 Abrahms-4th version now, Bradley IFV-2nd version, LAV, Apache, Blackhawk, B1, B2, F117 and a whole bunch of other A/C.
If a unit’s NCOs can convince the Command Sergeants Major that an item is better than “Mission-enhancing” equipment the C.O. can send the S4 to buy whatever it is he needs.
The US Government International Merchants Purchase Authority Card (IMPAC) credit card allows the Supply Sergeant or S4 Officer to immediately purchase (by internet or 1-800 call) a one-time purchase of up to $2500. Trust me, that buys a lot of MAGPUL followers to drop right into GI magazines.
