Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles M1 carbine magazines

I inherited an Inland M1 carbine and it came with a 30 round mag. Are there magazines that won't work like with some firearms? I've seen Korean and Mag Pro mags for under $20.

When I did a lot of reading on the carbine, I came away with the impression that the 30 round magazines were not as dependable as the 15 round mags for which the rifle was designed. I believe they came out with the 30 round for the late model carbines that could go full auto, but were more prone to problems.

Hope that helps some.

Thanks for the reply.

I don't bother with 30 round magazines. I have a lot of the 15 round USGI ones, and they work perfect.

Thanks. I ordered 2 15 round mags from Numrich. I have 1 30 round mag.

Congrats on the Inland. I have one, too. Never had a problem with either the 30's or the 15's. I've got both. But, for most purposes the 15's work just fine I feel like the rifle balances a lot better. The 30's are cool to have (I've got a coupler, too), but 15's are more practical.

My experience is with US GI. They work. Can't speak to the others.
The 30's always have worked for me, on semi anyway.

All of mine are USGI and I agree.

I have USGI and Korean mags, all seem dependable. I've heard stay away from Pro Mag, but I can't say that it's a viable warning, I haven't tried any.

On the 30 round mags, if maximum reliability is wanted, then simply install the M2 magazine catch, which was designed to address the issue Barkoff mentioned. It has a 3rd contact point that stabilizes the magazine. This is actually most important on the M2 Carbine in full auto, I've never had an issue with 30-rounders in a regular M1 Carbine and original catches.

With all that out of the way, the rifle was initially designed with a 15-round unit, and it's the one I prefer. Like 20 round mags in an AR, it's just easier to carry/handle the rifle and if shooting off rests, much easier to do with a 15 rounder.

I really enjoy shooting the carbine. I have an Underwood made in '43.

Don't buy Pro-Mag anything. They suck rabbit hind.

That's what I've heard, and so far I haven't went out of my way to see if the warnings were unfounded.

You need to install a m2mag catch as mentioned. 30rd mags have a couple of dimples on the rear which is supported by a L on this catch. Earlier models on the mag catch don't have that l.
I would not buy aftermarket 30 rounds mags poor reliability.
The military ones are getting or have got pricey but they are around.

Do a google search for military m1 carbine 30round mags and you can find the original manufacturers.
Quite a few companies made the 15rounders and some of them are quite collectible.
and yes, i have seen 30 rounders fall out of the bottom of some carbines.
They are a neat little toy especially with the m2 registered go fast switch.

I bought two new military 15 round mags from Numrich. They still had the wax paper stuck to them. I cleaned them up yesterday. Thanks for the input and replies.

Dave

Watch out, those little rifles are as addictive as an AR.

Here's to hoping you really enjoy it!

Thanks. I picked up a pound of Win 296 today. I had some H110 and a little 296 already.