Questions on the INSAS and its magazine

[TomM]

My first first post from the USA. I dont want to hijack the below INSAS thread; so forgive me for starting a new thread.

I have written a series of articles on the 7.62x39 AK type mags in the recent past, and I am presently working on a .223/5.56 NATO version. The INSAS is proving a difficult nut to crack for me though. Very little info is available here, and what there is - is of dubious value.

Questions I have:

I have been informed the polymer used in the mags has been changed to reduce early magazines being brittle. Can someone confirm this? Are the mags marked, or made in such a way, to indicate old production from new production?

I have heard that at least three factories are making the INSAS mag, and that they are marked in such a way to indicate the producing factory? What factories are these, and what do the markings consist of?

Can the INSAS be used with any other .223 AK style mag? For instance the Galil?

I am oblivious to your gun laws so excuse any stupid questions. Are INSAS rifles, select fire or semi-auto, availible for civilian purchase in India? How about the magazines? Are the magazines for sale to only those with special licenses? Can a magazine be shipped out of your country?

If anyone can help me; I would be most grateful. Photos would be extremely helpful!!!

Thank you - Tom

[cottage cheese]

Hi Tom,

Welcome to IFG! Would like to read your other articles.

Though I get to fiddle with it often, getting good 'insider' info is difficult because of the inexplicable cloak&dagger aura that the Government appends to everything it does.

What little seems to be 'known' is that a goop called 'Ebonite' was used earlier or maybe even now for the magazines. I'm not aware of any markings or design differences to indicate old or new. Magazines I've handled from recent batches of rifles flex quite a bit and are mildly matte finish and transparent rather than translucent with a slightly tinted shade.

On inspection, there are no significant sub-contractor markings on the magazines other than a discreet screen printed name in yellow or white paint or none at all. I can check on this in some time.

On interchangeability of magazines, no other type (galil or other wise) is available anywhere in the country to test that idea. My presumption logically would be why not? Though knowing the way the IOF and ARDE work, it'll probably not interchange with anything...perhaps even INSAS rifles of different batches!!!

Indian arms laws are simply a slightly watered down version of the colonial Arms Act of 1878. So RKBA is generally politically incorrect here. Semi auto long-arms fall under Schedule I, Prohibited Arms, Category 1 (b) and by logical extension, the INSAS being a government arm, would fall under Category 1(c). Licenses/permits for these can be issued in extremely rare circumstances only the the Central Government under extremely strict conditions. There are no 'Civilian' versions of the INSAS, nor are any of its parts and accessories available to non government users.
Likewise, the question of shipping out of the country doesn't arise.

Hope this helps.

regards,
cc

[TomM]

Thanks for the very quick response.

Unfortunately there goes any idea of testing the INSAS mag in various weapons.

Any info or pics you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I love obscure detail that most people find boreing.

Not sure what US publications you have access to there? Small Arms Review? Small Arms Defense? G&A Book of the AK? Previous article in all of those.

[cottage cheese]

Hi again Tom,

As of now, the only useful images of the INSAS will be found in my little write-up which I presume you have already viewed.... http://indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=9131 and also this write up by my friend Jonah... http://indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2612

Later this month, I'll be going where I have good access to the hardware, so I can check on some of the details you are seeking and perhaps even photograph them in detail.

do stick around!

All the publications that you mention have to be 'imported' or subscribed to. I could try to get some back issues if you can tell be the issue nos.

Regards,
cc

[TomM]

Thanks again!

Looks like I can see the yellow paint inspector stamp/factory mark you mentioned on the floorplates of some of the mags pictured in the links.

Think I can find a way to get you a copy to read. I still own the rights, but dont care to PO the publishers. Got to explore this website further for PMing or sending email to you.

I am in no real hurry. Not expecting to send it in for at least 2-3 months more. Then it will take 6 mo to a year to be printed.

[TomM]

Cottage Cheese - Did you get my emails?

[cottage cheese]

Cottage Cheese - Did you get my emails?

Apologies Tom, was caught up in some things. I've just emailed you!

regards,
cc