MGC CAR-15

Hi Guy,s
I have just joined your forum,wow..fantastic..i currently a vietnam reenactor portraying a member of 2/7th Cav 1st Cav Div.
I.ve just got hold of a full metal CAR-I5,it,s real nice example,nice and heavy,i assume this particular model was made in the 70,s..i was given a few cases but they don,t fit the 30rd mag that came with the rifle,so i assume that i need a smaller cartridge,if so what size do i need?
many thanks

Cav1

Hello cav1



Welcome to the forum I'm happy to read that you like what we have built up here, Thanks very much

I'm sorry it's taken awhile to reply to your question, but here goes;



Based on my own limited experience with MGC M16/AR-15/M4 et al series rifles, there are indeed differences between the magazines' and cartridge dimensions depending on when it was manufactured, and the ignition system it's designed to use.

If you take a look at the following link, you’ll see just some of the AR-15 based models MGC manufactured over the years:-



and the MGC M4 series:


I have an early, full metal MGC M16A1 which was designed to fire the old "open" type cartridges like these. Caps were torn off printed sheets and loaded into the cartridge






Because these cartridges are shorter than a real .223" shellcase, there's a spacer fitted in the magazine to take up the space where the missing bullet would sit.


MGC later designed a more efficient cartridge, having an internal piston arrangement and firing a plastic bodied cap that's become the standard now.



These cartridges are much closer to the real .223" spent casing and as such, are longer than the old "open" type. Consequently, these newer cartridges won't fit the old magazines.

All the later production MGC M16 based rifles and carbines have used the more efficient cartridges and redesigned magazines

My guess is that your CAR-15 might well be of the same period as my M16A1.

Would you be good enough to send me photos of your modelgun and the cartridges you have there please
If at all possible, a photograph of the gun's Detonator Pin situated in the chamber, pointing back towards the bolt would be really helpful too. We can identify then which firing system your model's intended to use.



I'll look forwards to hearing from you