The right magazine for the right gun is an art and science all in its own right, and you’ll find at least one guy on every forum that thinks you’re wrong, about everything. We’re more chilled about this and think if it works for you, then you’ve got the right mags for your gun. But it’s always good to save money, right?
So this post is going to steer clear of telling you to buy metal magazines, high capacity magazines or indeed sexy clear magazines. We’re just going to show you where to buy them, and why you should always try Gunmag Warehouse first.
1. Gunmag Warehouse
Gunmag Warehouse has carved a niche for itself as the main man in the world of gun magazines. What sets them apart is not just the crazy depth of their inventory but also their commitment to competitive pricing and customer education. Their website is a resource as much as it is a storefront, offering buyers’ guides, how-tos, and the latest news in the firearms world. It also has seriously cheap deals.
You’ll find all the big players, including proprietary Sig Sauer P365 double stack magazines, compact 9mm Glock magazines, Rock Island Armory and the likes of the Magpul PMAG or Wilson Combat mags that we run in our favorite AR-15 rifles. You’ll find a world of third party suppliers for mags for your rifle ammo., though, and the customer reviews help you find the best handgun & rifle mags..
2. Palmetto State Armory
A haven for firearms enthusiasts, Palmetto State Armory offers a solid selection of magazines, firearms, gun parts, and accessories. Known for their AR-15 rifles and gun parts kits, their magazine selection is equally impressive, featuring everything from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Palmetto State Armory is revered for its frequent sales, bundles, and deals, making quality magazines accessible at various price points.
You can get a new mag for your Smith & Wesson, Glock, micro compact Sig Sauer P365 pistols and of course the company’s own AR-15 rifle magazines and Glock compatible mags. Look out for the Daily Deals section, too, and pick up a bargain, or go all out for Wilson Combat magazines for your rifle ammo, rimfire ammo and even specialist mags like a Para Ordnance pistol magazine .
They have a massive range of gun parts & accessories, too, as well as rifle ammo, handgun ammo, rimfire ammo and great deals on new guns.
3. Optics Planet
While Optics Planet may be renowned for its comprehensive range of optics, their inventory of gun magazines is equally impressive. Catering to both tactical and sporting needs, they offer a detailed catalog. The added benefit of shopping with Optics Planet is the ability to pick up other essential accessories, making it a one-stop-shop.
Now Optics Planet has become a bit of an internet meme for selling stuff that they don’t actually have in stock and making you wait. But we think that’s a few vocal customers that have created a PR storm and the company is much better these days.
Get mags for your Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Rock Island Armory, Glock and more firearm magazines. Of course they have Magpul PMAG deals if you need an AR-15 rifle magazine, or Wilson Combat designer magazines.
4. Brownells
Brownells is a storied name in the firearms industry, boasting an extensive catalog. Known for quality and customer service, Brownells serves as a hub for both casual shooters and gunsmiths alike. Their selection includes magazines for current models and hard-to-find items for discontinued firearms, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
5. Sportsman’s Guide
Sportsman’s Guide offers a wide selection of gun magazines among a vast range of shooting, hunting, and outdoor gear. Their competitive pricing, including club membership discounts, makes them a favorite among price-conscious shoppers. The mix of mainstream and surplus magazines caters to a broad audience, from modern tactical shooters to collectors of military firearms.
6. Primary Arms
Primary Arms has quickly risen in the ranks to become a favorite among tactical shooters for their firearms parts and accessories, including a solid lineup of gun magazines. Their focus on tactical and self-defense shooting needs is pretty clear. Additionally, Primary Arms is praised for its fast shipping and responsive customer service.
7. Lucky Gunner
Lucky Gunner might be best known for their ammunition, but their selection of gun magazines is pretty impressive. Offering a user-friendly website with real-time inventory tracking, shoppers can easily find and purchase magazines without worrying about backorders. Their emphasis on customer satisfaction and transparent shipping policies make Lucky Gunner a solid choice.
8. MidwayUSA
MidwayUSA merges comprehensive inventory with an educational approach. Their selection of gun magazines is vast, catering to a wide range of firearms enthusiasts. MidwayUSA stands out for its detailed product descriptions and customer reviews, which aid buyers in making informed decisions. Their commitment to the shooting sports extends beyond sales, with involvement in conservation and education initiatives.
9. Cabela’s
As part of the Bass Pro Shops family, Cabela’s brings a retail giant’s might to the firearms accessories space. Their selection of gun magazines is curated to meet the needs of hunters and shooters alike, with a focus on reliability and performance.
10. Rainier Arms
Specializing in high-end firearms and accessories, Rainier Arms caters to the discerning shooter with a selection of premium gun magazines. While their focus may be on the tactical and custom firearms market, their magazine offerings are comprehensive, featuring hard-to-find models.
In conclusion, finding the right place to purchase gun magazines requires considering inventory, price, and additional services. Remember to consider local and state laws, as regulations vary.
Types of Magazine
The world of firearms is vast and varied, with each gun type serving a unique purpose and function. This diversity extends to the magazines that feed them. Magazines come in several forms, each with its design, capacity, and specific use cases. Here’s an overview of the most common types of magazines found in guns: stick mags, box mags, drum mags, rotary mags, and tube mags.
Stick Magazines: Often found in pistols and some submachine guns, stick magazines are long, slender magazines that insert into the grip of the firearm. Their straightforward design and reliability make them a popular choice, though their capacity is limited unless you go for super long stick mags that come with their own mobility issues.
Box Magazines: The most common type of modern firearm magazines, box magazines are used in rifles, handguns, and some shotguns. They can be detachable or fixed and come in various capacities. Box magazines are valued for their balance between capacity and size, making them practical for both civilian and military applications. It is annoying there is relatively little standardization in the handgun magazines world, though, especially relative to the interchangeable AR-15 mags.
So you need the right mags for your Sig Sauer P365, Glock 43x or Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. Some 9mm PCCs take the Glock double stack magazine from the G19.
Drum Magazines: Known for their high capacity, drum magazines store rounds in a circular drum. They are bulkier and heavier, especially the stainless steel ones, but allow for a significantly larger number of rounds than stick or box magazines. Drum magazines are typically used in light machine guns and some semi-automatic rifles for sustained fire situations. Why doesn’t everybody use drum mags? Reliability is a fairly major question mark hanging over most of their heads.
Rotary Magazines: Unique in design, rotary magazines store ammunition in a circular manner but keep the profile of the weapon low. These rifle magazines are commonly found in bolt-action rifles and some .22 rifles. Rotary magazines offer a reliable feeding mechanism without adding much bulk and you can find them in the likes of the Tikka T3x and Savage Arms Axis, but they tend to be low capacity.
Tube Magazines: Predominantly used as shotgun magazines and some lever-action rifles, tube magazines for sale run parallel to the barrel, feeding rounds into the action one at a time. This design is older but remains in use due to its simplicity and reliability. Tube magazines are limited in capacity by the length of the barrel but provide streamlined, unobtrusive shotgun magazines. There are modern variants, including the Kel Tec KSG high capacity shotgun with twin tube shotgun magazines.
Metal vs Plastic Magazines
The debate between plastic and metal gun magazines has raged since the start of the plastic age. At the start the plastic rifle mags were just a cheap alternative, but now each material offers distinct advantages.
Metal magazines: Traditionally made from steel or aluminum, are durable and tough. They withstand harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and rough handling, without significant wear or deformation. The rigidity of metal magazines ensures a consistent shape, which ensures reliable feeding and function. However, this durability comes with added weight. Furthermore, metal can corrode or rust if not properly maintained, potentially impacting performance over time. Metal mags are normally aluminum, although handgun magazines tend to be stainless steel and you can opt for proprietary mags or OEM grade replacements from the likes of Mec-Gar, Para Ordnance and more.
Plastic magazines: Polymer has come a long way and can offer comparable strength, lightweight design and resistance to corrosion. The reduced weight helps mobility and comfort. Polymer magazines also tend to be less susceptible to dents and are quieter, a minor yet appreciated advantage in certain situations. On the downside, extreme temperatures and UV exposure can compromise their integrity over time, leading to potential warping or fractures.
You should replace plastic magazines before you start seeing visible cracks, but modern plastics are much stronger than the early models. Of course there are cheap plastic mags that are a total crapshoot. But if you opt for something like Magpul PMAG mags, then you’re getting quality control, reliability and durability that is easily a match for a metal mag.
Ultimately, the choice between plastic and metal gun magazines boils down to personal preference, operational requirements, and environmental considerations. While metal magazines offer unmatched durability and structural integrity, plastic magazines provide a lighter, corrosion-resistant alternative with their own set of advantages. As with many aspects of firearms, the best choice is the one you like most.
Third Party Magazine Manufacturers
You might think it’s best to go for proprietary magazines for your Springfield Armory Hellcat, Sig P365 or Daniel Defense AR-15. And you might be right, but OEM mags can come with a serious price tag. The likes of Mec-Gar, Palmetto State Armory and North American Arms have built very solid reputations for their third party mags that match up to the original equipment in terms of reliability and durability.
Check the forums for your specific model, but there are some great alternative magazines out there that can save a lot of money, and do the same job.
Where to Buy Ammo
If you’re bulk buying mags then it’s fair to assume you burn through a fair amount of ammunition. That’s good, but you should definitely shop around with prices as they are. Also, get a magazine loader and take the strain of your thumb…
- Firearms Depot – Handgun ammo, shotgun ammo, rifle ammo.
