Why Combine Two Ruger Mini-14 30 Round Thermold Magazines into One 60-Round Magazine?

The idea of combining two 30-round Ruger Mini-14 thermold magazines into one 60-round magazine may seem ideal for increasing ammunition capacity. However, several factors make this approach impractical.

Why Not Combine Magazines?

Existence of Reliable Alternatives: There are reputable companies offering 60-round magazines for significantly less cost. These are designed and tested for reliability. Spring Strength: The spring in a 30-round magazine is not strong enough to reliably feed the first 15 to 20 rounds in a 60-round configuration. This can lead to malfunctions and safety issues. Length and Weight Issues: A 60-round magazine would extend significantly below the receiver, making the rifle impractical for various shooting positions, such as prone.

Why Thirty Rounds Is the Industry Standard

The magazine configurations for both rifles and pistols are typically capped at 30 or 32 rounds due to the limitations of magazine springs. Here's why:

Spring Capacity: The type of spring used in magazines is generally unable to reliably push more than forty rounds, and even this length results in quick wear and unreliability. Military Experience: The Hong Kong (HK) 93-style 40-round magazine was a failure in military use, and subsequent attempts by companies like Magpul were similarly unsuccessful. Firing Positions: Longer magazines would hinder the use of the rifle in prone or other positions, given the limited space available for extended magazines.

Alternative Solutions

Instead of attempting to weld two 30-round magazines together, consider these alternative solutions:

Drum Magazines: These use a wind-up clock spring, which is more suitable for larger capacities without compromising reliability. Custom Magazine Manufacturers: Many specialized companies produce reliable, high-capacity magazines that meet the needs of modern shooters without the drawbacks of homemade solutions.

Practical Considerations for Welding Magazines

Even if welding were a viable option, practical considerations make it infeasible:

Material Incompatibility: Thermold magazines are made of Zytel plastic, and it is not feasible to weld them together due to the material's properties. Spring Compression Issue: A single spring with the necessary tension to function reliably through 60 rounds would be bulky and unreliable.

To summarize, combining two 30-round thermold magazines into one 60-round magazine is not advisable due to practical limitations, reliability concerns, and the existence of established, reliable alternatives. If you require increased ammunition capacity, consider purchasing a 60-round magazine from a reputable manufacturer or opt for drum magazines, which offer better functionality and reliability.