We’ve published at length on Glock mag compatibility, as well as how to take apart a magazine to administer a deep cleaning. We’ve also covered the topic of whether or not you can leave magazines loaded (you can).
This time around we’re covering some other basic questions, as well as offering some basic tips regarding pistol magazine ownership and maintenance, some of it specific to Glock magazines.
Enrich your firearms knowledge with some of these insider tidbits, gleaned from experience.
Don’t Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner, It’s Not Necessary
Whatever you do, don’t drop your magazines inside an ultrasonic cleaner. Is it going to damage them? Not likely. But it also isn’t necessary, and therefore it shouldn’t be used. The same goes for other gun parts like suppressors. There are better ways.
A little bit of light elbow grease is all you’re going to need to clean most pistol magazines. They’re just a few parts anyway, and to be honest, considering the complexity of some firearms parts (and systems) magazines are, despite how critical they are to operation, among the most simplistic.
Don’t Use Brass or Steel Brushes on Glock Mags
This one actually is specific to Glock magazines because, while they have a steel insert, the magazine body is made of polymer. Do not use brass or steel cleaning brushes on these magazines because you will scratch them or damage the finish and that can, in some instances, cause issues with seating.
Play it safe and use nylon brushes on the magazine. That should be more than you need to get the mag clean.
No Special Tools Are Needed for Disassembly
Some users find that Glock mags are a little difficult to take apart, and to be fair, it does take a little getting used to. But that doesn’t mean you need special tools. To remove the base plate and insert, you will need either a pin punch of a screwdriver that will fit in the hole in the bottom of the mag - but you don’t specifically need to go out and buy a special tool. You should already have something that can be used instead, saving money, time and effort.
Don’t Use Bore Solvents on Them If It Can Be Avoided
If you’ve never cleaned your magazines, ever, and you’ve had them for a while, there’s a good chance there’s some dirt, dust, grease, fouling, and even some tar on (or in) there. But you should be able to clean it all off with warm water and some mild detergent, if that’s even needed.
You should avoid the use of bore solvents if you can. Some may be safe for use on the polymers from which Glock mags are made, but at the same time, it’s decidedly better to play things on the safe side.
Of course, if you’re cleaning an all-steel 1911 mag that has a ton of grease and tar on it, you can disregard this and go ahead and use bore solvent, assuming it’s safe to use.
For a Cursory Cleaning Disassembly Is Not Needed
For a quick cleaning when you get back from the range, usually you won’t need to take your Glock mags (or any mags) apart. All you should need is some water or a damp cloth, and perhaps a nylon cleaning brush to get everything clean.
Wipe down the exterior of the magazine body, then turn your attention to the feed lips and the surface of the follower. These are two areas where fouling can tend to accumulate on pistol magazines, and keeping them clean is a good first step to help ensure smooth, reliable feeding.
Some (but Not All) Glock Mags Are Cross-Compatible
Lastly, keep in mind that while some Glock mags are cross compatible, not all are. Here are the general rules.
Single stack and double stack mags are not cross compatible for obvious reasons. If, however, you have a magazine from the same generation of Glock, for the same cartridge as another model, it should work assuming it is the proper length.
For instance, a G19 can accept a G17 mag, but not the other way around, because G19 mags are too short to seat in a G17, even though all other factors align.
When in doubt consult Glock directly. They can answer any questions you have about their magazines and cross-compatibility.
Here for Glock Mags?
If you landed here looking for some spare Glock mags to add to your range bag, you’re in luck. We carry a wide range of Glock-compatible magazines along with mags for other popular models, such as FN, Ruger, S&W, HK, Colt, and many others. Take a look through our full collection and stock up on a few spares today. You can also save on bundled packs in our collection, make sure to look for these before you buy.