Pistol Magazine Buying Guide: Capacity, Material and Fit

Magazines cause most feeding problems, so they are worth choosing with care.

Match the Model

Use magazines made for your exact pistol model and generation. Many look alike but do not fit or lock correctly.

Factory vs Aftermarket

Factory magazines are the safest choice for reliability. Quality aftermarket makers also offer good options, often with extra capacity or better floorplates.

Capacity

Standard capacity is what the pistol was designed for. Extended magazines hold more rounds but stick out of the grip. Flush fit magazines carry cleaner.

Materials

Steel bodies resist wear and often feed well. Polymer bodies are light and corrosion resistant. Check springs and followers for quality.

Care

Wipe magazines clean, avoid dropping them in dirt, and replace worn springs. Label magazines and rotate them so you can spot a problem one.

Test Before You Carry

Run any new magazine through a full practice session with your chosen ammo before relying on it.

Common Problems

If a magazine causes a failure to feed, check the spring, the feed lips and the follower. Dirt and dents are common causes. Swap in a different magazine to confirm the problem is the mag and not the pistol.

Buying More Than One

Buy at least three magazines for a pistol you use for training. Match them in brand and style so they run the same. For competition, you may want more. Mark each one with a number so you can track which ones cause trouble.

See our AR magazine guide for rifles and browse handguns by brand.