AR load out?

[promod1385]

How many of each type of magazine do you load out for 3gun shoots? I am trying to standardize my load out for 3gun shoots this year. Here is my list.

two- GI 20's loaded with 69gr matchkings (long stages).

four- GI 30's with 55gr (these are the ones I keep in my belt for reloads).

two- magpul 30rd's with Nordic extensions.

Thats 256rds. Most of my local shoots are 70-100rds and we generally only have 1 long stage at each match. I like the GI-20's for shooting off a bench or prone.

[HRider]

For the mouse gun, I generally have one Nordic/Pmag, two Pmag 30s coupled, one more Pmag 30 and a couple of Brownells aluminum mags in my bag.

For my AR10, I bring two 25rd mags (plugged to 20, depending on match rules), and three or four 20 round mags. Any magazine that I bring to a match has been proven in the gun I will be using it in at the match.

I generally just bring double the round count of the match in ammunition.

Hurley

[Doug H.]

I don't load mags till I see the stages at a match. I take 3 30 round single mags, one cinched 30, one cinched 20, a Tripp 52, a Tripp 42 and a Beta mag. I load as required with 55 or 68s depending on the stages.

Doug

[promod1385]

What method of coupling your magazines do you prefer?

I only have experience with the 30rd ThermaMold. They worked great however the feed lips on two of these magazines cracked at a recent cold weather 3gun shoot. I dont see them lasting too long beings how it gets pretty chilly here in MN.

[Doug H.]

What method of coupling your magazines do you prefer?

I only have experience with the 30rd ThermaMold. They worked great however the feed lips on two of these magazines cracked at a recent cold weather 3gun shoot. I dont see them lasting too long beings how it gets pretty chilly here in MN.

I use the Arredondo couplers, and I only use metal mags. either Brownell's aluminum mags or HK steel mags. No Pmags for me at matches after some double feeds.

Doug

[HRider]

Firebird makes a slick Pmag coupler, I don't have one but have seen their couplers at several matches. I have my mags coupled with two pieces of target sticks wrapped in velcro. I put velcro on the sides of the mags, stick the mags and sticks together and then wrap it all in black duct tape. I have been using that setup for three years now. It is almost as rigid as the Firebird, but not as pretty.

Hurley

[caz41]

Firebird Pmag coupler is the stuff!!!

[CJW]

I haven't found 20-round mags to be a huge advantage on prone/bench stages personally. I have two 30-rd PMags with Arredondo monopod bases; two coupled 30-rd PMags (Firebird coupler); a 20-rd PMag just in case; and I just added a 48-rd PMag (30-rd with +18 Nordic extension). I shoot 69gr Sierra Match, and while I have thought about using 55gr on short-range hoser stages, in practice I just haven't ended up bothering to mix and match ammo at the range. I'll generally show up with my 30-rd mags all loaded up. If I really have time, I'll load extra ammo onto stripper clips, because my StripLula is quickly becoming one of my best range buddies.

[D.Hayden]

I have about the same setup as Doug... except I'm going more and more to PMags. Using cinched mags, I see rounds walking on the spare mag more often in the GI mags.

I always use 30 rd mags for prone, unless there's a really low port

But I see more rounds hitting dirt in-front of the shooter, the 30s help a little. If I need more height.. I'll use 44s

I've probably used a 20 rd mag, once in the last 2 years.. but I always bring them

In practice, check that all the mags you do use, can run as a bi-pod or not. I've seen quite a few surprises there as well

[larry weeks]

I work for Brownells, so I like our coupler for 30-rd aluminum mags. It offsets the mags, but has a flat bottom that makes a great mono-pod.

[NL7CO]

I work for Brownells, so I like our coupler for 30-rd aluminum mags. It offsets the mags, but has a flat bottom that makes a great mono-pod.

I also use the Brownell's coupler.

[prreed10]

I usually don't load mags until I get to the stage.

In my bag, I have:

2 P-Mags w/Nordic extensions

2 P-Mags

2 GI Mags in a coupler

1 20 round P-Mag

I've run into a couple of low ports where the 20 round mag allowed the rifle to remain level, but the 30+ mags required you to rotate the rifle.

Edited December 19, 2011 by prreed10

[mpeltier]

I too do not usually load mags ahead of time. I bring about 200 rds each of 75gr and 55gr ammo and the following mags:

6- 30rd p-mags

1- 40rd p-mag I made

2- 20rd p-mags

Almost never use the 20's. Always check the spine area at the top back side of the p-mags.

[gose]

Two coupled 30 round Pmags

Two coupled 20 round Pmags

Two coupled 40 round C-Products

One Pmag with +18 Nordic extension

Two or three extra 30 round Pmags.

Mags get loaded/unloaded as stages require..

[latewatch]

3 single 30 rd P Mags

2 coupled 30 rd P Mags

1 20 rd Mag

1 60 rd Surefire Mag

Everything gets loaded at the range according to what the stage requires.

[ClutchUSMC]

2 44rd cproducts

2 30rd GI singles

2 30rd GI coupled

1 20rd pmag

1 60d surefire

Load or unload for each stage as needed.

[J.P.D.]

1 30

2 30's in a coupler

1 20 {carry on the belt as an "oh sh!t" mag.}

I don't carry my 44 rdnd nordic mags to avoid turning my rifle into a destructive device here in Ohio

As I don't carry a truck load of mags w/me, I have to top off after every stage {Mag LULA FTW}. I switched to the Lancer L5A translucent mags to aid in topping off and, I like being able to see whats going on inside my mags.

JPD

[59Bassman]

I typically work the registration table at my local match, so I preload pistol and rifle mags the night before (except for backups). I also carry one more loaded 30 rounder "just in case" of a re-shoot, or if I'm scoring or ROing and forget to top off mags. Here's what's currently in the bag:

2 20 round PMAGS (these aren't pre-loaded, as they're rarely used)

3 loaded 30 round PMAGS

1 unloaded 30 round PMAG (backup or a loaner if necessary)

2 loaded 30 round PMAGS in Brownells/Firebird coupler

1 loaded 48 round PMAG/Nordic

I also have about 120 additional rounds that I take with me. If you've got a cart, might as well fill it, right?

[Shooter115]

No mention of the Stoner SS 30 rd mags here. Anyone run them. I've been using them for a long time and found them to be just as reliable as my P-mags.

[DyNo!]

I bring two 48 round Nordic P-mags and two 30 round P-mags.

I used to carry a 20 but like others, I've used it once in two years.

I shoot long range bullets at everything.

Why pay $250 for a match and skimp on 150 rounds of ammo?

[Lead-Head]

I don't like the idea of shooting different loads during the match. Consistency is important. I shoot 55 gr fmj-bt at everything, at every match.

Plus, I have limited time to practice and find zero with various loads.

I also do not couple mags. I just got my first 18 round Nordic extension for a p-mag this week. I borrowed one to shoot stage 6 at FNH and it came in handy to not have to switch mags to shoot 32 rds from one position, but usually I don't see changing 30 rounders from the belt as a disadvantage if it can be done during transition.

[ken hebert]

one surefire 60rd

3 30 rd pmags

one Firebird pmag coupler

one 20rd pmag

total and done. usually run the 60 with a spare 30 in a back pocket. 20rd stays in the bag so i always have one if i need to shoot off a bench. the Firebird pmag coupler slips on faster that you can pull a Dawson +1 basepad from a S_I mag, so you're always GTG, with a minimum of extra crap in your bag.

[ArmdCtzn]

I shoot local matches at five different places and I'm not sure I've ever even done a reload with my rifle. One thirty-round mag gets me through pretty much any stage. I envy you guys that need to carry several mags. I've often thought maybe rifle mags should be limited to twenty rounds at matches just to get some reloads in there.

[George]

30's kept fully loaded at all times. 3 on my belt and one in pocket to load up with during make ready. I bring about 8 30's to matches and load them all up in the morning then reload ones that were used as required

2 empty GI 20's in my bag just in case.

The only time I have ever really needed GI 20 was a sloped ramp where a 30 was too high. I also use a 20 is for a starting mag if there is a mandatory standing reload like a Presidente type drill, the 20's fly outa' the magwell :-)

I never use 20's prone as they are too low for mono-podding. Low ports, I just cant the rifle on a 30 while mono-podding.