Pistol Magazines for Sale: Terminology, Explained

There are plenty of articles out there dedicated to firearms terminology, but not too many that are specifically dedicated to firearm magazines, and even so, presumably fewer are dedicated specifically to pistol mags.

That being the case, here are some terms to understand as you explore pistol magazines for sale, either as a replacement or to pad out your range bags so you can spend more time shooting and less time loading. 

• Single stack: A single stack magazine is one in which the cartridges sit in a single stack, one atop another, in the magazine tube. The classic 1911 magazine is a single stack magazine, but there are others that feed from single stack mags as well. As you might imagine, a single stack mag necessarily has a lower capacity than a double stack mag. 

• Double stack: In contrast to a single stack magazine, a double stack magazine features two columns of cartridges stacked on top of each other in a staggered configuration inside of the magazine tube. As a result, double stack mags can deliver a higher capacity for only a slightly wider profile or footprint. It is however important to note the firearms are generally obligatorily either single or double stack designs, so single and double stack mags cannot be used interchangeably. 

• Feed lips: The feed lips are the two metal or plastic “lips” at the top of the magazine that are in contact with the topmost cartridge in the magazine. They position the cartridge properly so that the slide/bolt can strip off the top cartridge and feed it into the chamber. Though they are relatively fragile, they are critical to proper, smooth, jam-free feeding, and even minor deformations or damage to the feed lips can cause failures to feed and other inconsistencies. 

• Follower: The follower is the component at the top of the magazine spring that sits underneath the lowest cartridge in the magazine (the first one loaded) and follows it (hence the name) as the cartridges feed. Followers may be made from either plastic or steel or other alloys, and the latter are stronger and more reliable. Like the feed lips, the follower is a critical component that ensures that the cartridges are properly oriented as the action feeds them, and in the same case, even minor damage or malformation of the follower can result in problems with feeding. 

• Magazine spring: The magazine spring sits beneath the magazine followers and provides the pressure that feeds the cartridges up and out of the top of the magazine and into the action. Most pistol magazines are compression springs, though some may be leaf springs (though the latter are more common in rifle magazines). A damaged pistol mag spring will incapacitate the magazine. The good news is if there is a problem with the magazine that is attributable to the spring, replacing the spring will often fix the issue, absolving you of the need to buy an entirely new mag. 

• Base plate: Most, but not all pistol magazines for sale feature a detachable base plate at the bottom of the magazine that can be removed for easier cleaning, maintenance, or removal and replacement of the magazine spring. Some mags, however, have a fixed magazine base that is either integral with the magazine body/tube and which cannot be removed. 

• Feed ramp: This is actually not a component of the magazine itself, but rather is a sloped entrance to the chamber that helps funnel the nose of a cartridge up and into the chamber. 

• Mag release: Also not a component of the magazine itself, the mag release is the mechanical control that releases the mag catch so that the magazine can be dropped free of the gun. 

• Magwell: The magwell is the flared base of the magazine chute that funnels the magazine up and into the gun. 

• Flush-fit: A flush-fit pistol magazine is one that sits flush with the base of the gun’s grip. Many standard capacity magazines are flush-fit mags. 

• Extended: An extended pistol magazine is one that extends beneath the grip of the gun. Extended and high-capacity magazines often meet this criterion. 

Types of Pistol Magazines for Sale 

The vast majority of pistol magazines fall into one of these two categories. 

• Box magazine: Most pistol magazines are box magazines in which the cartridges sit one atop the next, in a single or double stack configuration. 

• Drum magazine: A drum mag is a type of extended magazine that typically sports a rotary configuration, meaning that the cartridges are loaded into a circular or spiral configuration in the mag body, which is usually rounded and looks like a drum, hence the name.

Here for Pistol Magazines for Sale?

Looking for pistol magazines for sale to fill out your range bag? Check out our full collection and if you have any questions about specifications or compatibility, get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to help.