About Glock Magazines
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to provide a brief overview of Glock magazines. These magazines are utilized by a wide range of firearms such as Glock handguns. As such, these magazines are employed by a wide range of shooters and end users. We are going to provide an overview of Glock magazines while delving into traits, features, and more. Without further ado, let’s talk about Glock magazines.
Who is Glock?
Glock is a one of the most well-known handgun manufacturers in the world. Glock, formally known as Glock Ges.m.b.H., was founded in 1963 by Gaston Glock. The company initially produced consumer products such as curtain rods and notably had no background in firearms design. In 1980, the Austrian Armed Forces announced that they were seeking to replace their currently issued Walther P-38 pistols which were produced during World War Two and were due for replacement.
Glock was among the companies who responded to the request, eventually submitting the design which would become the Glock 17. The frame of the pistol and many major components were constructed from polymer making the pistol lighter than metal-framed handguns of the era. Additionally, this allowed for easy and economical production due to the molding process and Glock’s prior experience. We can trace Glocks as we know them today from this original design.
Currently, Glock pistols are some of the most popular handguns in the United States. Three generations of Glock pistols are still currently produced for the commercial market. The current generation of Glocks, Gen 5, is at the forefront with Gen 3 and Gen 4 models still being produced for specific contracts or markets. These pistols are employed by many and used for a variety of purposes such as self-defense, competition, recreation, and even hunting when in big bore caliber offerings.
Mostly Polymer Construction
Glock magazines, like their corresponding pistols, feature a largely polymer construction. The magazine body, basepads, and followers constructed from durable polymer. Steel is utilized in magazine springs and inserts which reinforce the magazine body and help mags drop free. This polymer construction keeps the magazines light and handy, often weighing less than their metal counterparts when loaded. Polymer is also cheaper to work with than metal materials like aluminum and steel are, making Glock mags affordable and cheaper to stock up on than many of their counterparts.
Generational Differences
Like their host pistols, Glock magazines have also experienced generational changes over time. Some changes are appreciable and large while others are less prominent. Generation 1 Glock magazines feature distinct “U” notch geometry at the top of the magazine and distinct dimples on the sides of magazine bodies. The following Generation 2 magazines retained these dimples and form factor while gaining a steel insert which allows magazines to drop free as well as reinforcing feed lips and the magazine body. Generation 3 Glock magazines feature an updated mag catch cut which was designed to accommodate some of the ambidextrous pistol models Glock was producing in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. The Generation 4 Glock magazines ushered in a truly ambidextrous magazine catch cut which worked with the reversible magazine catch introduced on Generation 4 Glock pistols. Finally, Generation 5 Glock magazines introduced high-visibility orange followers, redesigned basepads, and raised feed lips.
Are Glock Magazines Interchangeable?
The short answer to this question is yes, Glock magazines are interchangeable across generations. The only exception to this rule is the Glock 19X which is incapable of accepting Gen 5 magazines out of the box. This is because the pistol features a prominent lip at the bottom of the frame which clashes with the geometry of Gen 5 Glock magazine basepads. Besides this exception, one will be able to utilize Gen 1-5 magazines with any firearm they would normally be compatible with.
Of course, one will need to stick to magazines compatible with a certain sizing convention and caliber. Additionally, it is worth noting that smaller Glock pistols have the widest range of magazine compatibility. Simply put, guns are capable of accepting flush fitting magazines and magazines which extend below the firearm. For example, Glock 26 pistols can accept Glock 26, Glock 19, Glock 17, and 33 round extended magazines.
Supported Calibers
Reflective of Glock’s handgun offerings, Glock magazines support a wide range of pistol calibers. These calibers include common mainstays such as 9mm, .40 Smith & Wesson, .45 ACP and even .22 Long Rifle. Additionally, other calibers such as 10mm Auto, .380 ACP, .357 Sig, and .45 GAP are supported by Glock magazine offerings. Some magazines are capable of supporting more than one caliber, such as .40 Smith & Wesson and .357 Sig sharing the same magazines. Magazines offered by Glock are available in either single or double stacked form, ultimately depending upon the caliber and specific model of pistol they go with.
Available in Many Capacities
Currently, Glock magazines can be had in a variety of capacities and sizes. Of course, the capacity of a magazine is ultimately dependent upon the specific caliber and size of its intended host firearm. For example, double stack 9mm Glock magazines can be had in 10, 12, 15, 17, 24, 33 round capacities. Larger caliber Glock pistols boast smaller ammo capacities with standard capacities for .40 Smith & Wesson and .45 ACP being 15 and 13 rounds respectively. Simply put, shooters have access to a wide variety of potential magazine capacities to consider
Not Just for Handgun Use
Glock magazines are versatile and can be utilized in a wide range of firearms beyond Glock pistols and Glock clones. These types of magazines are commonly utilized by pistol caliber carbines, or PCCs, of all types. These types of firearms come in many forms, ranging from designs mirroring handguns to unique subgun style designs. Firearms of this type can be either built by and end user from the ground up or purchased in factory configurations. PCCs can be had from companies such as Ruger, B&T, Beretta, Sig Sauer, and Aero Precision to name a few. Many of these firearms either come equipped from the factory to accept Glock magazines or are easily adapted to accept magazines of this type.
Conclusion
All in all, Glock magazine offerings represent affordable and versatile magazines which are viable for use with a wide range of firearms. Everyone from Glock shooters to PCC shooters can effectively employ these magazines for recreation, competition shooting, or for self-defense. In addition to our wide range of ammunition for sale, we here at True Shot Ammo also offer a variety of Glock magazines for sale. Additionally, we also frequently offer bundles which include both ammunition and Glock magazines, allowing shooters to save when buying essential shooting equipment. Whether you want Glock magazines or want to buy bulk ammo or individual loadings, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at [email protected] for more ammo options.
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