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STANAG magazine#Loading tools

{{Short description|5.56x45mm NATO firearm magazine standard}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2015}}

File:Stanag mags.jpg-manufactured magazine, and a 30-round Heckler & Koch "High Reliability" magazine.]]

A STANAG magazine{{cite book |title=The M16 |first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman |publisher=Osprey |date=2011 |pages=35–36 |isbn=978-1849086905}}{{cite book |title=Future Weapons |first=Kevin |last=Dockery |publisher=Penguin |date=2007 |pages=125–126 |isbn=9780425217504}} or NATO magazine is a type of detachable firearm magazine proposed by NATO in October 1980.{{cite web |last=Watters |first=Daniel |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-8.html |title=The 5.56 X 45mm Timeline: A Chronology of Development |work=The Gun Zone |date=2000–2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316235202/http://thegunzone.com/556dw-8.html |archive-date=March 16, 2015}} Shortly after NATO's acceptance of the 5.56×45mm NATO rifle cartridge, Draft Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4179 was proposed in order to allow NATO members to easily share rifle ammunition and magazines down to the individual soldier level. The U.S. M16 rifle's magazine proportions were proposed for standardization. Many NATO members, but not all, subsequently developed or purchased rifles with the ability to accept this type of magazine. However, the standard was never ratified and remains a "Draft STANAG".{{cite web |last=Arvidsson |first=Per G. |url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2008Intl/Arvidsson.pdf |title=NATO Infantry Weapons Standardization |date=2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201183951/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2008Intl/Arvidsson.pdf |archive-date=December 1, 2012}}

Magazines

The STANAG magazine concept is only an interface, dimensional and controls (magazine latch, bolt stop, etc.) requirement.{{cite book |title=The Book of Gun Trivia: Essential Firepower Facts |first=Gordon L. |last=Rottman |publisher=Osprey |date=October 20, 2013 |isbn=9781782006206}} Therefore, it not only allows one type of magazine to interface with various weapon systems, but also allows STANAG magazines to be made in various configurations and capacities. The standard capacities of STANAG-compatible magazines are 20 or 30 rounds of 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. There are also 5-, 10-, 40- and 50-round box magazines, as well as 60- and 100-round casket magazines,{{cite web |url=http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/06/magpul-invents-new-quad-stack-magazine-for-ars/ |title=Magpul Invents New Quad-Stack Magazine for ARs |publisher=Accurate Shooter |date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129040610/http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/06/magpul-invents-new-quad-stack-magazine-for-ars/ |archive-date=November 29, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.defensereview.com/dr-exclusive-surefire-60-shot-and-100-shot-ar-ar-15m16-5-56mm-nato-box-magazines-for-infantry-combat-and-tactical-engagements-meet-the-surefire-mag5-60-and-mag5-100-high-capacity-magazines-hcms/ |title=DR Exclusive!: SureFire MAG5-60 and MAG5-100 High Capacity Magazine (HCM) "Quad-Stack" AR Rifle Magazines: 60-Round/Shot and 100-Round/Shot AR (AR-15/M16) 5.56mm NATO Box Magazines for Significantly-Increased Firepower during Infantry Combat and Tactical Engagements of All Sorts |first=David |last=Crane |date=December 3, 2010 |work=Defense Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321042519/http://www.defensereview.com/dr-exclusive-surefire-60-shot-and-100-shot-ar-ar-15m16-5-56mm-nato-box-magazines-for-infantry-combat-and-tactical-engagements-meet-the-surefire-mag5-60-and-mag5-100-high-capacity-magazines-hcms/ |archive-date=March 21, 2015}} 90-round snail-drum magazines,{{cite web |url=http://www.defensereview.com/mwg-90-rounder-snail-drum-mag-90-rounds-of-immediate-556mm-firepower-for-your-m4m4a1-carbine-or-ar-15-carbine/ |title=MWG 90-Rounder Snail Drum Magazine: 90 Rounds of Immediate 5.56mm Firepower for Your M4/M4A1 Carbine (or AR-15 Carbine) |work=Defense Review |first=David |last=Crane |date=June 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327014417/http://www.defensereview.com/mwg-90-rounder-snail-drum-mag-90-rounds-of-immediate-556mm-firepower-for-your-m4m4a1-carbine-or-ar-15-carbine/ |archive-date=March 27, 2015}} and 100-round drum magazines.The Gun Digest Book of the AR-15.

Patrick Sweeney. Gun Digest Books, September 9, 2005. page 106

Issues and improvements

File:Lightweight Polymer Magazine Fitted to SA80 Rifle in Afghanistan MOD 45152325.jpg with Magpul Industries EMAG polymer magazine with clear viewing window]]

The STANAG magazine, while relatively compact compared to other types of 5.56×45mm NATO box magazines, has often been criticized for a perceived lack of durability and a tendency to malfunction unless treated with a level of care that may not be practical under combat conditions. Because STANAG 4179 is only a dimensional standard, production quality from manufacturer to manufacturer is not uniform.

As a result, in March 2009, the U.S. military began to accept delivery of improved STANAG magazines.[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/06/13/brownells-shipping-m16-magazines-with-anti-tilt-follower-to-military/ Brownells shipping M16 magazines with anti-tilt follower to military] - The Firearm Blog, June 13, 2009[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/12/16/new-us-army-m16-tan-magazine/ New US Army M16 “Tan” Magazine] - The Firearm Blog, December 16, 2009

ARDEC began development of a new magazine design in July 2013 to address feeding issues of older designs with the new M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round. It was first made public in 2014 and completed development in mid-2016 as the Enhanced Performance Magazine. The magazine uses a blue follower and a tan body which presents the rounds with a better angle to the weapon's feedway, preventing the hardened steel tip of the EPR from contacting the aluminum feed ramp of the M4 carbine, increasing mean rounds between stoppage by 300%.[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/07/26/us-army-introduces-new-enhanced-performance-magazine-for-m4m16-series-rifles/ BREAKING: US Army Introduces New Enhanced Performance Magazine For M4/M16 Series Rifles] - Thefirearmblog.com, 26 July 2016{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/177640/army_fielding_new_magazine_optimized_for_m4m4a1_carbine_and_m855a1|title=Army fielding new magazine optimized for M4/M4A1 Carbine and M855A1|date=November 1, 2016|website=www.army.mil}}

Firearms compatible with STANAG magazines

=AR-15/M16 type rifles=

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=Non-AR-15/M16 type rifles=

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= Manually operated rifles =

  • BMS Cam rifle
  • Crossfire MKI{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/12/26/crossfire-crossfire-mki-forgotten-weapons/|title=CROSSFIRE! The Crossfire MKI with Forgotten Weapons|first=Nathan|last=S|date=December 26, 2016|website=thefirearmblog.com}}
  • Mossberg MVP
  • LW-S1[https://web.archive.org/web/20021215095929/http://www.leitner-wise.com:80/pages/LWS1.htm Leitner-Wise Rifle Co] "The LW-S1 is a bolt action 5.56 caliber (.223 Remington), magazine fed rifle utilizing the popular AR15/M16 magazine"
  • POF USA ReVolt Light
  • Remington Model 7615P
  • Ruger American Ranch and Predator
  • Troy Pump Action Rifle (PAR)
  • Voere S16{{Cite web|url=https://www.all4shooters.com/en/hunting/rifles/voere-k15a-small-caliber-s16-bolt-action-features/|title=New rifles by Voere: S16 and K15A}}
  • Aftermarket STANAG bottom metals are also available for the Remington Model 700 (modification by gunsmith required){{Cite web|url=http://www.armalon.com/public/products/item/1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627040522/http://www.armalon.com/public/products/item/1|url-status=dead|archive-date=2017-06-27|title=Armalon - Armalon PR|date=June 27, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2015/03/run-ar-magazines-in-your-rem-700-bolt-gun/|title=Run AR Magazines in your Rem 700 Bolt Gun « Daily Bulletin|website=bulletin.accurateshooter.com}}[http://www.securityarms.com/firearm/3587 Security Arms | Firearm Photo Archive :: The Armalon PR precision rifle] "It consists of an extensive re-working of a Remington 700 series rifle, and has achieved a high degree of success in competition [..], [and] the 5.56/.223 versions use similarly re-modelled AR15/M16 magazines.

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=STANAG magazine convertible rifles=

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  • CZ-805 BREN (through housing conversion)
  • Heckler & Koch G36 (modular magazine well)[http://www.hkparts.net/shop/pc/AR15-Mag-Well-Adapter-for-HK-SL8-p800.htm HKPARTS - HOME]
  • IMI Galil (through adaptor)[http://media.photobucket.com/image/galil%20m16%20magazine%20adapter/Smittyd5r/Gun%2520Stuff/ORFGalilARFG1.jpg Photo Storage]
  • SAR 21 (through swapping lower receiver with the one from export model){{citation needed|date=May 2018}}
  • Steyr AUG (through right hand only STANAG magazine stock assembly)[http://steyr-aug.com/Am161.jpg Wayback Machine]{{cite web|url=http://www.steyrarms.com/store/index.php/accessories/aug-accessories/aug-stock-sa-black-157.html|title=Steyr AUG NATO Conversion kit - AUG Accessories - Accessories|access-date=November 15, 2014}}
  • CM901 (with 5.56 adapter block)
  • Wz. 1996 Beryl (through adaptor)[http://sjs-siedlce.pl/artykuly/sprzet-i-umundurowanie/karabinek-beryl-wz-96 Guiar más padre buena viento]

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Other cartridges

File:223+450 magazine top.jpgOver the years different cartridges that fit into the STANAG magazine emerged, some rounds like .300 AAC Blackout have the same rim diameter as .223 Remington and only require a barrel change to be used in a firearms that was previously using in .223 Remington. Some large caliber cartridges require replacing the magazine follower for single-stack loading, while very large cartridges such as the 50 Beowulf also requires minor modifications to the front of the magazine to ensure proper feeding.https://blog.roninsgrips.com/how-to-convert-an-aluminum-ar-15-5-56-223-magazine-for-50-beowulf-rounds/

class="wikitable"

|+

!Cartridge

!Requires modification to the magazine

!Capacity in 30 round magazine

!Rim diameter

.223 Remington

|no

|30

|{{Convert|9.6|mm|in|abbr=unit}}

.300 AAC Blackout

|no

|30

|{{Convert|9.6|mm|in|abbr=unit}}

6×45mm

|no

|

|{{Convert|9.6|mm|in|abbr=unit}}

.450 Bushmaster

|Single stack follower

|9

|{{Convert|12|mm|in|abbr=unit}}

.458 SOCOM

|Single stack follower

|10

|{{Convert|12|mm|in|abbr=unit}}

.50 Beowulf

|Yes

|

|{{Convert|11.3|mm|in|abbr=unit}}

Loading tools

Loading a STANAG magazine, particularly one with a large capacity and a corresponding high spring pressure pushing the rounds to the top of the magazine, can be quite difficult. A number of devices are available to make this task simpler. These are sometimes called speedloaders but are more commonly known as magazine loaders, stripper clips, spoons, or stripper clip guides. There are a wide range of both commercial and military type loading tools available for STANAG magazines. For example; draft STANAG 4181 is a type of stripper clip and guide tool proposed for standardization based on the USGI M16 rifle stripper clips and guide tools."[http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2008Intl/Arvidsson.pdf NATO Infantry Weapons Standardization] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201183951/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2008Intl/Arvidsson.pdf |date=December 1, 2012 }}", NDIA Conference 2008

=Gallery=

File:RAF Regiment trains with Liberty Warriors - Clip the clip 100303-F-2213K-947.jpg|Manually loading a magazine with individual rounds.

File:U.S. Soldiers with the 1st Squadron, 40th Airborne Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division load clips of ammunition during a live-fire exercise on the Small Arms Complex at Joint Base 130508-F-QT695-011.jpg|STANAG guide tools and stripper clip filled with 5.56mm NATO ammo.

File:M16 magazine speedloader 2.jpg|Close-up of STANAG loading guide tool.

File:US Navy 050201-N-2420K-001 Machinist's Mate 1st Class Jonah Brixey loads a M-16 clip with live rounds in anticipation of an upcoming live-fire training exercise aboard the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39).jpg|Loading a magazine with STANAG stripper clip and guide tool.

File:112th VALEX 160302-A-FS382-120.jpg|Ditto, with stripper clip pressed against a hard surface to load the magazine more quickly.

File:US Navy 080910-N-0373Q-073 etty Officer 1st Class Jason Null and Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Sheffield reload 5.56mm magazines.jpg|Loading a magazine with loading tool.

File:US Navy 081127-N-6278K-046 Lt. j.g. Shauna Egan loads a magazine for her M-4 rifle.jpg|Loading a magazine with an alternative style of loading tool.

File:LULA M16 M.jpg|M-16 / AR-15 LULA magazine loader and unloader.

File:StripLULA.jpeg|StripLULA loading tool.

File:BL M16.jpg|BenchLoader heavy-duty magazine loader.

File:Trijent Mechloader.jpg|Trijent Mech-loader for high volume loading

See also

References

{{Commons category}}

{{Reflist}}

Category:Magazines (firearms)

Category:Magazine patterns