Today’s article is all about myth busting! From what high capacity actually means to how a well-manufactured magazine should perform we’re here to blow away some of the common myths and misconceptions about the high capacity AR15 magazine and magazines for similar firearms.
Myth: “High Capacity” refers to a specific number of rounds
Depending on who you ask, a high capacity AR15 magazine can be anything from a 30-round banana mag to a 100 round drum mag. The reality is, no manufacturer or governing body has made a nationally recognized standard for what makes a magazine ‘high capacity’. Plus, certain mags can have varying capacities depending on the size of the ammunition, which further muddies the waters.
If you’re looking to specifically purchase a high capacity AR15 magazine, a good rule of thumb is to look for anything that holds over 30 rounds. Standard AR15 mags tend to hold 20 to 30 rounds, with 30 being the most common. Always double check your state’s laws to determine what the standards might be, if the state has any legislation related to the topic at all.
Misconception: High Capacity Mags are Prone to Performance Issues
Magazine performance relies heavily on the materials that went into making it, the type of ammunition it can hold, and how well the user maintains the magazine. Improper loading and care will result in problems no matter how many rounds the magazine can hold. Mags made from lesser-quality materials will also be more prone to damage and jamming than those made with high-durability materials and corrosion-resistant springs. However, some arguments can be made for drum magazines, which are known to be less reliable than traditional rectangular mags, due to their designs.
The reality is, performance largely depends on the manufacturer and the user, not the magazine’s capacity. A well-designed magazine made from high-quality, durable materials, will last far longer, even if the user doesn’t always properly care for and store the mag. On the other hand, a poorly-designed magazine, or one made from cheaper, low-quality materials may experience damage and performance issues even if the user takes excellent care of it.
Myth: High Capacity Magazines are Impractical
This opinion is just that–an opinion. Some might consider high capacity magazines to be an unnecessary extravagance, the additional length and capacity not worth the cost compared to purchasing standard magazines. There are good arguments to be made for and against the use of high capacity magazines, but what it comes down to is actually personal preference. For some people, the additional capacity just isn’t worth the reduced maneuverability of these larger mags, which can make the firearm harder to use compared to standard mags. Others enjoy the additional capacity and don’t mind the difficult movement of the rifle.
Well-made high capacity mags offer significant value when it comes to saving on storage space while getting more bang for your buck. You’ll spend less time reloading at the firing range or out hunting, and more time improving your aim, albeit with more difficulty handling the firearm because of the larger mag.
Misconception: High Capacity Mags are Only for Firearms like the AR-15
When most people think of high capacity magazines, they think of larger, longer firearm designs–but the truth is, any gun can technically accept a ‘high capacity’ magazine.
The magazine itself is a separate item from the gun, carefully designed to fit specific models, styles, and even sizes of firearms, as well as ammunition types–and what’s considered ‘high capacity’ for one firearm may not be the same as for another. We focus on the AR-15 mags here, as that’s our specialty at Dogtooth Tactical, but the actual interpretation of ‘high capacity’ depends on several factors. Be sure to do your research when you’re browsing for the right magazine!
About Dogtooth Tactical
Dogtooth Tactical is an American-made and Veteran-owned manufacturer of AR-15 accessories, like our 50-round, high-capacity AR15 magazine. Check out our shop to explore all of our products, and contact us with any questions that you may have!