M1956 Universal Small Arms Ammunition Pouch

The M1956 Universal Small Arms Ammunition Pouch was an essential piece of American equipment during the Vietnam War. Made of heavy olive drab cotton canvas, this pouch was designed to accommodate a variety of ammunition types in a single, universal design.

Capacity and Versatility

The term "universal" referred to the pouch's compatibility with virtually all small arms of the time:

• M14 rifle: It held two (later three) 20-round magazines.
• M16 rifle: It held four 20-round magazines. Because these were shorter, soldiers often placed a first aid kit or sock underneath to push the magazines up.
• M1 Garand: It held eight 8-round clips.
• Hand grenades: Special loops with snaps were located on the sides to attach one grenade to each side.

Key Features

• Attachment: The pouch was attached to the belt with two metal slide keepers. An additional strap at the top was attached to the shoulder harnesses to distribute the weight.
• Evolution: Early models (1st pattern 1950s-1962) had a metal or plastic plate at the front for added strength. Later models (2nd pattern 1964) omitted this to create more space.

PLEASE NOTE!

• The bags are nicely complete but do show significant signs of wear.