U.S. M-1 Carbine Magazine Pouch Type II

The US M1 Carbine Magazine Pouch was a standard piece of equipment for American troops during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

The "Buttstock Pouch" Myth vs. Reality

The most famous configuration of this pouch—slid over the wooden buttstock of the M1 Carbine—was never an official military design. The US military designed these pouches exclusively as belt pouches. However, resourceful soldiers and Marines quickly discovered that the wide web sleeve on the back of the early models was large enough to slide over the barrel and down onto the stock. This field adaptation became iconic and provided an efficient way to keep two spare magazines ready directly on the weapon.

Main Variations and Types

1. Type I / Early-War Pouch (Suitable for the Buttstock)

• Capacity: Holds two 15-round .30 Carbine magazines.
• Design: Features a single wide fabric sleeve on the back and a metal snap fastener that locked into the standard M1936 web pistol belt.
• Color: Early versions were made in Olive Drab No. 3 (OD#3), a light olive-tan color often referred to as "khaki".
• Buttstock Compatibility: Yes. Because of the open belt sleeve design, this variant can be slid over the rifle's buttstock.

2. Type II / Late-War & Post-War Pouch

• Capacity: Holds two 15-round magazines.
• Design: Introduced around 1943 to mid-1944. The single wide sleeve was replaced by two separate, narrow belt loops. It often featured metal eyelets (grommets) at the bottom to attach extra gear (like a first aid pouch).
• Color: Transitioned to the darker Olive Drab No. 7 (OD#7) green color.
• Buttstock Compatibility: No. The two separate belt loops are too narrow and will not stretch enough to fit over the buttstock of an M1 Carbine.