I have seen many M60 barrel bags over the years, but only one where the sides of the bag had about 1/2" (or so) of foam padding. One of the outside vendors at Knob Creek had it for sale, along with a lot of other used military clothing. It didn't have a price on it, but it was just tossed in a bin with a bunch of other used stuff, so I doubt that the seller thought of it as "special". I didn't buy it when I first saw it, then went back for it later and it was gone.
What is the story on these padded barrel bags? I'm fairly certain that they are a very early item, since they are uncommon. Does anyone know the approximate time frame that these were issued? How about a place where a guy could purchase one?