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Last week we found ourselves in pre-evacuation mode so I packed my truck ready to leave on a moments notice. Fortunately, even though it got very close, we didn't have to leave. While I'm going a good job on the "bugging in" style of preparedness let's just say that the getting ready to "bug out" exercise exposed a few things I need to address. One of which is the subject of this thread.
I keep a fair number (OK, about a hundred) of 30 round AR magazines that I keep loaded (29 rounds) and most of them live stacked in a cabinet. Works well under normal circumstances, but akward if you need to grab them in a hurry. I wound up using some old day packs and it worked OK, but it still took time and they don't pack as easily as they could.
So, I'm looking for a good "grab and go" solution. Surplus 50 cal ammo cans are bomb proof, but the mags don't fit real well leaving a void. The plastic MTM 50 cal cans are interesting because you can neatly fit 24 mags. GI mags benefit with a small amount of cardboard to hold them in place) while PMags fit almost perfectly. While the MTM can isn't as sturdy as the metal surplus can, I've used one for years and it has held up well. Also I dont need to worry about any potential rust or galvanic action issues.
I'm leaning towards this 3 can combo that includes a tray. It can be had on Amazon for around $35 and the tray would keep them stable in the bed of my truck. You can also get a 4 can version that uses smaller ammo cans and the same size tray. I have one on the way to try out, and even if it isn't workable for loaded mags it would be useful for other things, like food, first aid, and other supplies that I might want to take in a hurry and want to keep organized.
Just curious about what others on the forum have done to solve the same problem. Your input and opinions are appreciated.
How many mags fit in a surplus 50 cal can? 17, but lots of wasted space
24 mags in a standard MTM plastic can
I keep a fair number (OK, about a hundred) of 30 round AR magazines that I keep loaded (29 rounds) and most of them live stacked in a cabinet. Works well under normal circumstances, but akward if you need to grab them in a hurry. I wound up using some old day packs and it worked OK, but it still took time and they don't pack as easily as they could.
So, I'm looking for a good "grab and go" solution. Surplus 50 cal ammo cans are bomb proof, but the mags don't fit real well leaving a void. The plastic MTM 50 cal cans are interesting because you can neatly fit 24 mags. GI mags benefit with a small amount of cardboard to hold them in place) while PMags fit almost perfectly. While the MTM can isn't as sturdy as the metal surplus can, I've used one for years and it has held up well. Also I dont need to worry about any potential rust or galvanic action issues.
I'm leaning towards this 3 can combo that includes a tray. It can be had on Amazon for around $35 and the tray would keep them stable in the bed of my truck. You can also get a 4 can version that uses smaller ammo cans and the same size tray. I have one on the way to try out, and even if it isn't workable for loaded mags it would be useful for other things, like food, first aid, and other supplies that I might want to take in a hurry and want to keep organized.
Just curious about what others on the forum have done to solve the same problem. Your input and opinions are appreciated.
How many mags fit in a surplus 50 cal can? 17, but lots of wasted space
24 mags in a standard MTM plastic can
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