Dropping magazines on hard surfaces?

Two possible problems

One has been mentioned, floorplates coming off. A connected problem is the seam on the body of the magazine failing - usually after more than one try - and the body actually 'coming loose'

A second type of problem with dropping a magazine is the feed lips being bent or distorted.

Neither probably are common in my experience, but I have a cringe problem with dropping a magazine on a hard surface, like a cement floor. Usually in practice or informal matches, 'we' use a piece of carpet or a soft(er) floor mat to ease the impact.

In serious self-defense? Magazines can be replaced.
 
Not all magazines are created equal.

I really like my Beretta PX-4 compact but it is pretty well known that the base plates are a little on the brittle side.

Also, any magazine that lands on a hard surface on the feed lips can sustain damage that will render it unusable, even if it is empty.

The best course of action FOR ME has been to relegate speed loads to the outdoor range I frequent which has a nice cushion of grass or snow, brrrr.

If you really want to practice speed loads and don't have access to a range without a concrete pad you might relegate your speed load practice to your home on a carpeted surface.

Practice your tac reloads with retention on the concrete pad.
 
On all of my 1911 mags I put two stick on square little adhesive Rubber pads like what is shown at the web site below. These are not the right size but you get the idea.
Since the bottom of the mag is the heaviest part when you drop it, it lands on that end.
It also makes the mag longer than the mag well and insertion is better. They do last a long time, just wipe off the bottom with alcohol before you stick them on.


https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Adhes...=1485216337&sr=8-9&keywords=small+bumper+pads
 
Dropping mags on hard surfaces

If you shoot competition you put rubber bumpers on the mags, if you want to or buy them with bumpers already on.
My Colt 10mms came from the factory with them. Kimber mags, not ones that come with the gun come with bumpers and you can install them if you want.
I understand wanting to preserve mags as those ten and twenty dollars add up.
In Service or as a cop or competition shooter they are viewed as somewhat disposable. Uncle Sam buys them in bulk.
The magazines were not intended to be permanent accessories on the Colt.
I remember stumbling on a couple in Nam and bunches of M16 mags everywhere.
Many got their ammo already loded in mags. I remember loading some, Not much time in a firefight to load magazines.
So if you shoot a lot reliable keepers on the belt but shooting in competition don't buy for pretty just buy a bunch and run them through the gun ahead of time, take back those that don't make the cut.
 
I remember stumbling on a couple in Nam and bunches of M16 mags everywhere.
Many got their ammo already loded in mags. I remember loading some, Not much time in a firefight to load magazines.
So if you shoot a lot reliable keepers on the belt but shooting in competition don't buy for pretty just buy a bunch and run them through the gun ahead of time, take back those that don't make the cut.
Click to expand...
Yep...good advice in that last sentence. Rod
 
Once at local SoCal desert shooting area, I watch a young fellow once practice dropping a mag, then speed loading a colt 1911 . Got talking to him afterwards about it. He should me where all his mags had what look like a small piece of rubber glued to the bottom of his mags.
He told me it stopped all his mags from being damaged, if the mag hit a hard surface. At the time he couldn't find a replacement magazine base to solve the problem.......so the glued on rubber piece.
Seem to work great!:D
 
Just a thought I make no attempt to catch my pistol mags ever but I also but guns with reasonably cheap magazines. I might change my opinion if I was shooting a gun with $45 mags but until then I'm gonna let them bounce.
 
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