Pistol Magazines

QUESTION: Which are the best Pistol Magazine brands?

ANSWER: Over the years, the firearm industry has seen numerous brands come into the market offering high-quality and reliable pistol magazines.

Although standards are measured differently by each individual, quality magazines can generally be measured by their durability and how proficiently they will continue to feed rounds.

Popular Pistol magazines and Pistol clips in the United States include products from Glock, KCI, Magpul, and Amend2.

QUESTION: Do all Pistols use Magazines?

ANSWER: Yes and no. While most pistols/handguns will utilize a detachable magazine, there are exceptions. For example, while technically considered a handgun, a revolver keeps its ammunition inside a revolving cylinder and does not require a detachable magazine.

Additionally, there are also single-shot pistols that have their round held internally until being fired.

QUESTION: Are all Pistol Magazines interchangeable?

ANSWER: Generally, no. While some handguns produced by the same manufacturer can have interchangeable parts and use the same magazine (IE) a Glock 17 and Glock 19, most pistol models cannot swap magazines interchangeably.

For this reason, the best practice is following the recommendations outlined throughout the owner's manual and only utilizing designed accessories.

Additionally, owners should be cautious of discount magazines from unfamiliar brands (generally made overseas). These mags and clips are sometimes made to different standards than brand-name pistol mags.

QUESTION: Can you keep Pistol Magazines loaded?

ANSWER: Generally, yes. Although it's a much-debated topic, many manufacturers state that leaving magazines fully loaded won't weaken their springs. Most firearm experts agree that creating a steady rotation can help avoid compromising the springs and will prolong the life of your Pistol magazines.

Another helpful practice is underloading your pistol mags / pistol clips by two or three rounds. Doing so will help reduce spring compression for short-term storage.

QUESTION: How should you store Pistol Magazines?

ANSWER: Most Pistol magazines are durable and rugged enough to be stored for short periods under reasonable conditions. However, if you plan on storing your magazines for an extended period of time, the best practice is to keep them unloaded to preserve spring compression.

For storage periods longer than a few months, you can stack polymer magazines in a sealed container without further preparation. All-metal magazines can corrode with time, so applying a thin layer of oil before storage can help prevent rust for decades.

QUESTION: How many Pistol Magazines should you have?

ANSWER: Objectively, there is no required number of Pistol magazines that an owner should have. Instead, the number depends on the needs of each individual shooter.

Most handguns today will include at least one or two magazines or clips, but most shooters will choose to add more to their collection over time.

QUESTION: Can I purchase a Pistol Magazine online in my state?

ANSWER: Nearly all local gun stores and big box retailers will carry a variety of Handgun magazines, ranging from niche models to the most popular.

Additionally, nearly all online retailers also offer Handgun mags from several different manufactures – More often than not, online retailers will even have the better selection.

The key takeaway is understanding various jurisdictions based on your residence. Some states have banned online sales or home shipments of firearm accessories, so be sure to know your local and state laws before ordering your Pistol magazine online.