Glock Mags vs Proprietary Mags for PCCs
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to compare and contrast Glock mags and proprietary mags for use in PCCs. Both types of PCCs are popular in the United States and are currently employed by shooters of all types. We are going to cover the pros and cons of both types of PCCs while delving into things such as traits, features, and other considerations. Without further ado, let’s compare Glock magazines and proprietary magazines for PCCs.
What is a PCC?
A PCC, or pistol caliber carbine, is essentially a firearm which utilizes a pistol caliber cartridge while being larger and different than a standard handgun. Typically, these firearms are most commonly encountered in the form of semi-automatic versions of prominent subguns or in the form of AR-9s. Popular subgun style PCCs include MP5s, multiple B&T designs, and even things like the Kalashnikov USA KP-9. Firearms of this type can be had in either rifle, pistol, or short barrel rifle form. These types of firearms are loved by shooters of all types due to their soft shooting nature and affordable ammunition. These types of firearms are typically available in calibers such as 9mm, .40 Smith & Wesson, .45 ACP, and 10mm Auto to name a few.
Glock Magazines
Like the name suggests, Glock magazines are designed for use in Glock handguns and other firearms which accept these types of mags. For our purposes here today, the term “Glock magazines” will encompass both OEM Glock magazines and aftermarket magazines. Like Glock handguns, magazines of this type typically utilize a considerable amount of polymer in their construction. Of course, necessary parts such as magazine springs utilize steel in addition to the liners present in factory Glock magazines from Generation 2 onward. These types of magazines are available in a wide range of capacities and can be had in a variety of colors and styles.
Proprietary Magazines
Proprietary magazines used by PCCs span a wide range of designs and styles. While there is much variation to consider with these magazines, it is worth knowing that great care goes into ensuring proper function with their host firearms. For example, one can be confident that HK, B&T, CZ, and Colt PCC and subgun magazines will work with their corresponding firearms. These magazines will typically feature curved or straight bodies, giving them distinctive looks. Additionally, these types of magazines are also often supported by accessories such as couplers, extended base pads, bumpers, and specialty speedloaders.
Pros & Cons: Glock Magazines
Pros:
- Glock pattern magazines, in both OEM and aftermarket configurations, are very common. These magazines typically come with handguns and PCCs of various types and are readily available for purchase. In addition to Glock themselves, magazines of this type are also produced by companies like Magpul, KCI, and ETS.
- Owners of Glock pistols or handguns which use Glock magazines can easily use existing magazines with a compatible PCC. This means that these types of owners will not need to run out and buy new magazines for a new platform and that they can utilize magazines they already have.
- There is only one specification for Glock magazines shooters need to worry about. Despite generational difference in OEM magazines and unique features of aftermarket magazines, Glock type magazines are still Glock type magazines.
Cons:
- While Glock magazines are reliable and durable they are not designed for use with PCCs or subguns. These types of magazines feature geometry more conducive to fitting into pistol frames than PCC and subgun magwells.
- Glock type magazines feature a single feed design, a design well-suited for pistol designs which feature traditional slides and barrel assemblies. Pistol caliber carbines do not feature mechanisms of this type and prefer double feed style magazines. Because of this, single feed designs can potentially be less reliable in PCCs than proprietary PCC magazines.
- While not impossible to load by any means, Glock magazines are not loaded as easily as proprietary, purpose build PCC magazines are. As a single feed magazine, one must methodically index rounds into the magazine while pushing down and backwards. This process is not hard by any means, but the process of loading double feed type magazines is simply easier.
Pros & Cons: Proprietary Magazines
Pros:
- Magazines of this type are designed specifically for use with PCCs and subguns. Proprietary magazines of this type feature optimized geometry for use with PCCs, unlike Glock magazines which are designed for pistol use.
- The double feed design featured in proprietary PCC magazines is well-suited for use with firearms of this type. Unlike single feed magazines optimal for handgun use, these types of magazines are optimized for PCCs and subguns.
- Proprietary PCC magazines feature double feed designs are easier to load than their single feed Glock magazine counterparts are. These types of magazines simply load directly from the top like AR-15 style magazines. All one needs to do is press rounds directly down into the magazine.
Cons:
- Due to their specialized nature, these types of magazines are simply not as prevalent or commonly used as Glock magazines. While these magazines are available in factory and aftermarket forms, they simply are not as common as Glock type magazines are.
- Unlike Glock magazine PCCs, owners of proprietary magazine PCCs cannot simply use existing magazines they may have from another firearm. Owners of these types of PCCs simply cannot utilize common, existing handgun magazines like Glock magazine PCC owners can.
- Due to the specificity of each type of magazine, there is little room for interchangeability. While some examples exist between some firearms made by B&T and Colt magazine compatible firearms, there is simply no universal compatibility with these magazines.
Ultimately a Matter of Personal Preference
All in all, PCCs of both types are viable choices for shooters. The market has multiple options in both categories, giving shooters a plethora of options to consider when looking for a PCC. At this point in time, there are many vetted PCC offerings in either style which will be great for a wide range of use cases. Both Glock magazine and proprietary magazine PCCs are utilized for things such as competition, training, self-defense, and recreational shooting alike.
Conclusion
All in all, both Glock magazine and proprietary magazine type PCCs are viable and capable choices for various types of shooters. Whether one is looking for something for home defense, competition, or training, either type of PCC is a solid choice. We here at True Shot Ammo carry a variety of proprietary PCC magazines in addition to Glock type magazines and our inventory of ammo for sale. Whether you want to purchase magazines or buy bulk ammo, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
One Response
Great information! I’m a great fan of different capacity glock gen 5 magazines. I use anything from 15-33 rounds in my Extar ep9 9mm braced pistol, pdw. I also share these magazines with my PSA 9mm dagger glock clone pistol. Both platforms have run for years without any failures.