Originally posted by tvdog:
Are there any conceivable operational advantage in the SAR-21 being able to use ONLY SAR-21 mags?
I seem to think there's only disadvantages.
I think there is advantage, first thing , a metal magazine will get demage due to knock which causes IA, I believe most of us have encountered this problem.
The plastic magezine will be not becos it not get bend like a metal magazine.
I am also sure that modern polymer magazine might even be stronger than the metal m-16 magazine.
And with the translucent plastic magazine , one could guage the number of rounds left in the mag.
Anyway, SAR-21 is not the only modern rifle with a plastic mag,eg G36, Steyr AUG & XM8, so I am sure there is some advantages.
I think by 5-10 years time, all the M-16 will most probably be phased out from all frontline troops including those from PDF NS unit, becos by then all of them will be SAR-21 trained. It is just a transition period for now.