Magazine Extensions

At some point, most shooters start looking for a bit more capacity. Maybe you want a couple of additional rounds in your carry pistol. Or you want additional surface area for reloads. Sometimes you just want to spend more time shooting and less time loading magazines. That’s exactly where a magazine extension comes in.

A magazine extension replaces the factory base plate and adds additional capacity to your existing magazine. Depending on the design, it can also improve grip length and provide additional control. Some extensions add a single round, while others can add five, ten rounds, or even more.

The Mag Shack offers high-quality magazine extensions from trusted names you can rely on. You will find here a wide selection of brands that provide solutions for specific applications and firearms, such as Taran Tactical, Strike Industries, Mec-Gar, Pearce Grip, Shield Arms, Tyrant CNC, and XTech Tactical.

Types of Magazine Extensions

Not all magazine extensions accomplish the same goal.

Some extensions are designed to fit a concealed carry pistol and only provide one or two extra rounds.

Others focus solely on capacity. For instance, Glock 17 and Glock 19 magazine extension options add a few extra rounds. They feature a sturdy aluminum base pad, perfect for constant reloading. Magazine extensions for Glock magazines are often used in competition shooting as they provide extra capacity and quick handling.

Strike Industries magazine extensions boast a nice balance between affordability and performance. Many of their designs add several rounds and still have a relatively low profile.

There are also special systems available. The KRISS Vector extensions are a great way to increase capacity in pistol-caliber carbines. Shield Arms extensions are popular among Glock owners. Pearce Grip products can often enhance both capacity and grip comfort. A Mec-Gar magazine extension can add additional rounds, plus the design protects the base of the magazine during drops.

Compatible Platforms and Pistol Fitment

The first important thing to understand is that magazine extensions are very specific to the type of firearm.

An extension for a Glock 19 magazine will not necessarily fit a Glock 17 magazine. Similarly, extensions for the SIG P365, Springfield Hellcat, Smith & Wesson M&P, or CZ P-10 are based on the magazine body of those specific models.

Luckily, most pistol magazine extension manufacturers specify compatibility.

Glock owners probably have the largest selection available. Glock magazine extensions are available for Glock 42, Glock 43, Glock 17, Glock 21, Glock 22, and full-size Glock pistols. The Glock 43X and Glock 48 platforms have also received significant support over the last few years.

There are extensions available for SIG Sauer P365, P320, and P365 X-Macro. Owners of Springfield Echelon, Hellcat, Smith & Wesson M&P, Walther PDP, HK VP9, CZ, and Taurus also all have options in our collection.

Rifle magazine extensions are in stock, too. Extensions for PMAGs, AR-15 magazines, AR-10 magazines, and KRISS Vector magazines offer more capacity for shooters who want more rounds between reloads.

Before ordering, check your firearm’s model and magazine type. The title and description of the product will typically give you all the information you need.

Capacity Gains: What to Expect

The capacity added will be based on the extension itself. Some handgun magazine extensions only add 1 or 2 rounds. The benefit of an extra round may not seem much, but it can make a difference in a concealed carry pistol. Another benefit is a slightly improved grip length.

Others are much more substantial. There are Taran Tactical magazine extension models that add 4, 5, or 6 rounds. Similar benefits are provided by Shield Arms and Tyrant CNC magazine extensions. Certain KRISS Vector extensions add over twenty rounds to compatible magazines.

The spring system also matters. A fully loaded magazine with an extension should provide sufficient spring pressure for reliable feeding. Sometimes, new extensions can be difficult to load to full capacity, particularly in the first couple of range sessions. After some use, the springs generally become easier to work with.

How to Choose the Right Magazine Extension

The right choice depends on why you need the extension. Smaller additions tend to be more appropriate for concealed carry. A Pearce Grip extension or a compact Glock magazine extension can increase capacity and comfort without increasing the pistol’s size.

When it comes to competition, more rounds are needed. A Taran Tactical magazine extension is a popular option as it offers both increased capacity and long-lasting durability.

Range shooters often want longer intervals between reloads. In those cases, larger pistol or rifle magazine extensions will work.

Material can also be a factor. The polymer designs are lightweight and friendly to the budget, while aluminum extensions are quite durable and perform well during repeated reloads. Some products include replacement springs or internal components, and others use the factory magazine spring.

Local magazine laws should also be taken into account prior to purchase. Capacity varies widely from state to state.