STANAG magazine

A STANAG magazine is a type of detachable firearm magazine standardized by NATO in October of 1980. Shortly after NATO's acceptance of the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO rifle cartridge, Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4179 was authorized in order to allow the military services of member nations to easily share rifle ammunition during operations and at the individual soldier level, easing logistical concerns. The magazine chosen for this standard was originally designed for the U.S. M16 rifle.

STANAG-compatible magazines can be made to almost any capacity, though those used for military service usually hold 20- or 30-rounds of 5.56 × 45 mm NATO ammunition. 40-round box magazines as well as 90-round and 100-round Beta C-Mag drum magazines designed to comply with STANAG 4179 have also been manufactured.

Weapons made to accept STANAG magazines include:

• M16 rifle
• M4 carbine
• SA80
• IMI Tavor TAR-21
• T2 MK5 rifle
• FAMAS G2
• H&K G41
• CETME Mod L/LC Carbine
• AR18
• FN Minimi