Troubleshooting Pistol Magazine Problems

Before you buy a new replacement from our pistol magazines for sale, it might behoove you to do some basic troubleshooting. There might be something wrong with your current magazine that you can fix. A magazine that’s malfunctioning doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced.

With that said, here are 5 things to look into if you have a malfunctioning pistol mag that you may be able to fix.

• Check to make sure the mag is seated properly

One problem with pistol magazines that will prevent them from feeding will occur when the mag is not seated properly. Open the action or rack back the slide, then tap the mag up into the mag chute to ensure that it seats properly, then try again. Otherwise, if there is a problem with the mag that’s causing it not to seat properly it may have to be replaced.

• Break the mag in

Some magazines won’t drop reliably before they’re broken in. Fortunately, this problem will solve itself with time and use. You can also speed up the break-in period by charging and dropping the magazine several times in a row. One of the common causes of a sticky mag is simply that it’s still fresh and hasn’t been properly broken in. Either put in the time at the range of speed up the break-in as illustrated here.

• Check the follower

If the follower is missing, deformed, damaged, or not seated appropriately on the mag spring, it will cause feed issues because the rounds won’t stack and sit in the magazine properly. Make sure there’s nothing wrong with the follower before proceeding. If the follower is the problem and you need to replace it, you may be able to buy this part without replacing the entire pistol mag.

• It might be the mag spring

The main problem with a pistol magazine, if it is causing jams or just not feeding properly, is likely the mag spring. If your mag spring is fatigued it will need to be replaced. Don’t throw out a whole good mag for want of a spring, just replace it. The process is usually easy enough and can restore full functionality to the mag when done properly.

• Check the feed lips

Lastly, check the pistol magazine’s feed lips, which are another common cause of jams or malfunctions. If the feed lips are deformed, they can put too much pressure on the cartridges under them (or not enough) or even cause the nose of the bullet not to line up with the feed ramp or chamber. In some cases feed lips can be sanded or bent back to shape, but if they’re badly damaged, just scrap the magazine and get a new one.

Pistol Magazines for Sale: Are They Compatible?

If your mag is shot and you need to get a new one, as you’re looking through our collection of pistol magazines for sale, answer the following questions.

• Is it the right model and generation?

As a general rule, if the magazine is for your specific firearm then you’re good to go. Just make sure it’s the right caliber and variant, as many models of handgun are made in different variants or chamberings that would make a magazine incompatible. Also be aware of generation, as in the case of Glock pistols. Some models are cross and backwards compatible, but this is not always the case so you’ll want to be sure before you buy a new one.

• Is it single or double stack?

Take 1911 pistols for example. There are both single and double stack models. You’ll need to make sure the replacement magazine you’re getting is an appropriate model - that is, a single stack mag for a single-stack 1911 or a double-stack for a double-stack variant.

• Is it the right length?

Take a look at the Glock 17 and Glock 19. Both are 9mm handguns that take double-stack magazines. However, the standard G17 mag has a 17 round capacity whereas the standard G19 has a 15 round capacity. In other respects, they are the same, and mags from the same generation are one-way cross compatible. Because the G17 mag is longer than the G19 mag, a G17 mag will work in a G19 but a G19 mag will not work with a G17 because it is too short and will not engage properly.

If you have any questions about pistol magazines for sale and compatibility, call us before you buy.

Questions About Compatibility in Our Pistol Magazines for Sale?

SARCO carries a wide range of pistol magazines for sale, not just for popular contemporary models but also for a broad assortment of old military models. If you have questions about pistol magazine compatibility or specifications, get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to help.