0
How To Buy Gun Magazines: Finding The Right Ones And The Best Ones
After reading the title, you may be wondering if an article like this is even necessary. We’re here to tell you that it most definitely is!
While we try our best to provide the most detailed product descriptions and have magazine experts ready and happy to answer your questions, we often see comments or hear complaints from individuals purchasing the wrong magazine(s).
Finding the right magazine the first time saves you time, frustration, and money!
All magazines are welcome.
Ensure Compatibility
Finding the right magazine starts with your firearm. You need to know the manufacturer, model, and caliber of the firearm you’re looking for a magazine for. Not all magazines, especially pistol magazines, are compatible across multiple models.
Take, for example, a Glock 17. While many factory and aftermarket magazines work perfectly with it, a standard 15-round Glock 19 magazine will not. Why? The magazine is too short. However, you can use a standard 17-round Glock 17 magazine with your Glock 19. See? It can be confusing.
Quite the size difference for two rounds.
If you’re not entirely sure what caliber or capacity you need, you can check the slide and barrel of your gun for caliber markings and the magazine that the gun came with for capacity. Additionally, checking your firearms manual can often help.
In case you forgot what caliber your pistol is chambered in.
Pistol/PCC Magazines
As mentioned above, pistol magazines (including PCC magazines) can be a bit trickier. In addition to verifying caliber and capacity, you’ll also want to check if some generations or models require different magazines.
One factory and aftermarket magazine for the Glock 19.
As another example using the Glock 17, the first and second-generation models use a different magazine than the third, fourth, and fifth-generation models. The capacity is the same, and they even look similar, but you’ll need to utilize different magazines depending on the exact model.
Be sure to read the entire product description in addition to the product title to ensure fitment.
Rifle Magazines
When it comes to file magazines, you’ll typically have a much easier purchasing process. Many rifle magazines are platform and caliber-specific, not necessarily model-specific. There are, of course, certain rifles that require proprietary magazines, but more often than not, they can accept a ton of different magazines.
Especially with the AR-15 platform, you’ll have seemingly endless magazine options.
Do you have an AR-15? If so, you can choose from hundreds, if not thousands, of magazines varying in capacity, material, colors, and other features. We carry all of the most popular brands from the biggest names in the industry, such as Magpul, Lancer Systems, and Duramag.
SALE 
Magpul PMAG GEN M3 AR-15 .223/5.56 30 Round Magazine (10 Pack)
242 reviews
Original price was: $149.99.$124.99Current price is: $124.99.
SALE 
CPD Duramag AR-15 .223/5.56 30 Round Aluminum Magazine
157 reviews
Original price was: $17.99.$13.99Current price is: $13.99.
The same applies to platforms such as the AK-47, AR-10, SCAR 17, and AICS. To be safe, you’ll still want to verify, but more often than not, you’re good to go based on the platform.
Determine Practical Uses
To help you narrow down the number of magazine choices for your specific firearm, consider how you will be using the magazines.
If you’re using your firearm for home defense or concealed carry, you want the most reliable and trusted magazine(s) you can find. These are often factory magazines since they were designed for and tested with your specific firearm.
If you’re looking to maximize your shooting time at the range or want to break in a new gun, you may want to consider aftermarket extended magazines or drum mags. They may not always be as reliable, but you’ll have ample capacity and tons of fun.
How you plan to use your firearm can quickly narrow down your options.
Consider Legalities
It pains me even to include a section like this, but unfortunately, I have to. Depending on where you reside, you’ll be limited to how many rounds your magazines can hold. You’ll want to research and understand your state and local laws before purchasing magazines, especially if you want to order a pallet of drum mags.
A whopping ten rounds.
The laws are constantly changing, and new ones are being proposed frequently, so it’s in your best interest to research them often.
Test & Repeat
Once you’ve ordered your magazines, received them, and verified they work as intended with your firearm, it’s time to repeat the process! From ordering more of the same or finding new magazines, be sure to consider all of what we discussed.
Why Buy Magazines Online?
We may be biased, but it doesn’t get much better than buying magazines online. Not only can you do it from the comfort of your home, you can often find a better selection and lower prices than you would at your brick-and-mortar stores.
You can find all types of magazines at The Mag Shack.
We always try to offer the lowest prices possible and keep our shipping costs minimal. We believe everyone should have access to all of the magazines they need without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
There is no better time than now to stock up on magazines. We hope that this article will help you quickly and easily determine the magazines you need.
If you still need help or are looking for a specific magazine, you can always contact one of our magazine experts, who would be happy to assist you.
