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Shotgun Magazines
About Shogtun Magazines
Shotgun magazines are the part of the shotgun that holds and feeds rounds into the chamber. The magazine can be located either beneath the barrel or in the buttstock of the shotgun, and it can be either fixed or detachable.
Shotgun magazines have a long history, dating back to the early 19th century when shotguns first became popular for hunting and self-defense. The earliest shotguns typically had a single-shot design, meaning that the user had to manually load each round into the chamber after firing.
In the late 1800s, manufacturers began to experiment with multi-shot designs, and by the early 1900s, pump-action shotguns with tubular magazines became popular.
These shotguns could hold several rounds in the magazine tube beneath the barrel, and the shooter could manually cycle the action to load a new round into the chamber after each shot.
In the mid-1900s, semi-automatic shotguns with detachable box magazines were developed, offering even faster and more efficient reloading.
Today, shotgun magazines continue to evolve and improve, with many modern designs featuring high-capacity magazines and fast, reliable feeding mechanisms.
Common Names for Shotgun Magazines
With the development of new ammunition, firearm models, and firearm manufacturers over the years, we have seen (and heard) many different name variations for their accompanying magazines. Some of the most common names include:
| • Shotgun Magazine | • Shotgun Mag | • Shotgun Drum |
| • Shotgun Tube | • Mag-Fed Shotgun |
Purchasing a Shotgun Magazine
When it comes to essential components, magazines are easily ranked among the most critical, and having the right magazine for your shotgun is incredibly important.
Given the vast number of models, materials, and capacities in today's accessory market, Ammunition Depot is proud to offer a wide selection of high-quality Shotgun Mags from the manufacturers you trust.
Whether for having fun on the range or for home defense, having a dependable magazine can make all the difference in the smooth operation of your shotgun.
Shotgun Magazine Features
The number of rounds a magazine can hold varies depending on the shotgun's design and the type of magazine. Some shotguns have a fixed magazine, while others have detachable magazines that can be swapped out for different sizes.
Shotgun magazines can be located either beneath the barrel or in the buttstock. Magazines can be either tubular or box magazines.
The loading mechanism can be either manual or automatic. In manual loading mechanisms, the shooter needs to feed rounds into the magazine one by one. Automatic loading mechanisms, on the other hand, use spring tension to load rounds into the chamber.
Not all magazines are compatible with every shotgun. It is essential to use magazines that are specifically designed for the shotgun to avoid malfunctions and safety issues.
Although each shotgun magazine or shotgun drum can differ in size, capacity, and material according to its designated model, the primary components will remain the same.
- The body
- The Spring
- The Baseplate
- The Follower
Steel Shotgun Mags tend to be very durable and often have reliable tensile strength springs and precision machined feed lips to aid in feeding rounds. These mags also tend to have a polymer follower, which will help keep the magazine's spring from binding inside the body.
Polymer Shotgun Mags tend to be built exceptionally well and are extremely durable. Over the years, the advancements in polymer have led to numerous developments in magazines to include additional color options and replacing components like the baseplate.
Shotgun Magazine FAQ
What type of magazines do shotguns use?
Although every shotgun will differ according to its model and manufacturer, most will utilize detachable box-style magazines.
Like most rifle and pistol magazines, a shotgun mag can have a double-stack or single-stack configuration style ranging from 2 to 20 rounds.
Owners can even purchase shotgun drum magazines that offer a much higher shell capacity.
Are Shotgun Magazines interchangeable?
Generally, no. While some shotguns produced by the same manufacturer can have interchangeable parts and use the same magazine, most shotgun 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 shotgun mags and drums are sometimes made to different standards than brand-name mags.
Can you keep Shotgun Magazines loaded?
Generally, yes. Although it's a much-debated topic, many manufacturers state that leaving magazines fully loaded will not 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 shotgun magazines.
Another helpful practice is underloading your shotgun mags by two or three shells. Doing so will help reduce spring compression for short-term storage.
How should you store Shotgun Magazines?
Most shotgun 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.
What Shotguns can use a Magazine?
With most shotgun models being tube fed, thanks to their growing popularity, we're starting to see more magazine fed shotguns hit the market over recent years.
Popular magazine fed shotgun brands include models like the Mossberg 590M Series, the Iron Horse Sentry 12, the Rock Island Armory VR80, and the Standard Mfg. SKO Mini.
Can I purchase a Shotgun Magazine online in my state?
Nearly all local gun stores and even big box retailers will carry a variety of shotgun magazines. Additionally, nearly all online retailers will offer shotgun mags from several different manufacturers – More often than not, online retailers will even have a better selection. The key takeaway is understanding various jurisdictions based on your residence.
Some states have banned the online sale or home shipments of firearm accessories, so be sure to know your local and state laws before ordering your shotgun magazine online.