Magazine pouch fasteners..

K

Kaylee

New member
Just found an M14 mag pouch in a dealer's bin, and brought it home. It has the old-style closure, where one metal ring slips over another, and a fabric tab holds the whole thing closed. Just yank the tab and the pouch comes open.

So here's the question.. it seems faster to operate, sturdier in construction, and cheaper to manufacture than the newer plastic closures on modern M16 pouches. So um... why the change? Less sewing on the newer ones, maybe? Or some other reason?

Also, is that long strap in back supposed to connect onto a current ALICE harness, or som'n else?

-K

Oh.. one more question.. the thing looks naked without a couple grenades in those little loops.. anyone know where to find a couple? :D
 
You're friendly neighbrohood Army surplus store should have all kind of deactivated grenades, frags, concussions, etc. They go for 7-10 bucks out here.

It does complete the ensemble, at least for looks! I got a couple GI mag carriers, and they werent complete without em'!
 
The strap in the back should go with the 'H' style harness as used during the Vietnam era.

You're right about the ease of manipulation with the pull style mag closures. The Canadians used something similar, with plastic replacing the square metal rings, when they used the C1 (FN FAL). I think they use something similar for the C7 (M16) today. I find them to be quick and easy to use.

Those newer style M16 mag pouches are pretty fragile in my experience. I've seen quite a few of those things tapped up because one of the little prongs on the flap broke.
 
Security. The pull tabs like you have had a tendency to allow mags to get lost in the jungle. They changed to the more secure plastic positive-lock closer.
I think the Cavlery Store still have some new made pouches like yours. Suposedely made for another country.
 
I would say the change has to do with the ability of the pouch to stay closed during combat, so you don't lose your mags. Sure the pull tab is faster, but I can tell you first hand that you will lose gear with these kinds of fasteners. In the infantry we had to use para(550)cord along with the alice clips to keep the pouch on the web belt. When you are IMT'ing you will be suprised of what stuff comes flying off or lost that you thought was secured. I guarantee if you IMT with pull tab pouches you will eventually lose gear. Uncle Sam's gear or not, you will pay for it in one way or another.

By the way, IMT is "individual movement techniques" for those who don't know.
 
Thanks guys..

makes sense.. I was thinking it looked a little insecure..

Hrmm.. so what WOULD y'all suggest for a good M14/M1A mag pouch? I'm presuming all the USGI stuff is older style, yes?

-K
 
I found some Israeli pouches I believe.

I went to Golden State Surplus in Kernville, PRK and found some what I believe Israeli mag pouches that looked to fit two M14 mags. They were only like $7 each and I figured what the heck (unfortunately I didn't have a mag on me) and bought 4 of them. Got home and as I thought, they fit perfectly. I really like them. They are a light olive drab color that blends in well in desert type terrain. They have a simple button snap and the mags fit great. I put them on a pistol belt and I am rather pleased with the setup. I did put some duct tape tabs on three of my mags and so each pouch has one mag with tape on the end of the mag (I figured out carrying them upside down works best) and they are really easy to pull out. I have been practicing my tactical reloads with this setup and it is going rather well. If you can find these Israeli mag pouches I would highly recommend them. I would have probably just got USGI, but the store didn't have them. I think I am glad they didn't. It is sort of nice to be able to carry them on the belt real close together without the side grenade holders.
 
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