Thread: 9mm Magazines

I've got a brother-in-law over in Afghanistan right now. He's an army infantry officer, and as such, is blessed to be carrying the wonderful Beretta M9. In any case, he asked me the other day about "quality 9mm magazines" that might stick a bit less in his particular environment of sand and dust.

Anybody know of anything that he might be able to use, or know of anything he can do to his current mags to protect them a bit?

Unfortunately the Army issue mags sound more like baby rattles regardless of daily maintenance....I don't know any mags to recommend but pass onto him we found that regardless of how loose the rounds were.... once fired it usually wouldn't jam until the last round. The concussion from firing usually help load the next round....I know this not a good answer but even with daily maintenance the springs would still remain compressed. Daily spring stretching and keeping them clean (no oil as this will only attract more sand).

All the best.

I've never had a problem with an M-9 mag, but then again I never had to take one to the desert. However, I would recommend against stretching springs. This will make your problems worse, as it wears out the springs faster.

If your problem is with the quality of the mags, in addition to the harsh environment, I would recommend getting OEM mags from Beretta. If you must go aftermarket for mags I'd suggest Mec-Gar. I've had excellent luck with the mags they've made for a few different handguns, although I haven't tried their mags with a Beretta. If you think it's a problem with the springs only, and not other parts of the magazine, you can get quality replacement springs from Wolff Gunsprings (gunsprings dot com).

You may also want to ask this question over on berettaforums dot net a forum for Beretta enthusiasts.

+1 on the Berretta mags.

If you are in the army, the mags that you are issued have most likely been around the block a few times. I would suggest getting him new mags and sending them over to him. You can never really have enough mags IMHO.

Dennis P.

Originally Posted by DennisP.

+1 on the Berretta mags.

If you are in the army, the mags that you are issued have most likely been around the block a few times. I would suggest getting him new mags and sending them over to him. You can never really have enough mags IMHO.

Dennis P.

I second that. Tell him to make friends with the Armor person and try to score new still in package Mags!! That's what I always did. I never used, used Mags for the M-16 or M-9!!! I never had a problem with them and I was always the first user. He he can't pull that off pick up new ones some place.

[QUOTE=UncleSugar]If you must go aftermarket for mags I'd suggest Mec-Gar. I've had excellent luck with the mags they've made for a few different handguns, although I haven't tried their mags with a Beretta. [QUOTE]

MecGar mags actually are factory mags. They make the factory mags for Sig and for Beretta. When they do it for the company, they stamp the company name instead of theirs. When they do it for their own sales, they stamp it with their name. You can't go wrong with MecGar.
Gonzo
PS - Make sure he is not cleaning his mags with oil. The sand sticks to the oil and interferes with the feeding.

Thanks for the input guys. I knew I could get some answers from here. I was just checking the MecGar web page and noticed they've got 9mm mags with a 17 round capacity. I'm wondering what my department policy would be on carrying a few extra rounds....

Just like your agency policy..the Army has policies on what can be carried and used, especially in weapons sooo before spending a few dimes...just have your buddy make sure he will not have an issue if he is seen using them....