Magazines...cost variance is stunning

[drmweaver2]

May be in the wrong forum... if so, move it and/or tell me where this should have gone.

Just received 6 new magazines for my S&W SD9 VE after ordering online for $30 each with shipping. I'd done a bit of research (like maybe an hour?) and saw prices for the same OEM S&W 16 round magazine ranging mostly from ~$32 to $55 not including shipping. Ran across a high of $72 for the same magazine! I couldn't believe it....$72 and that didn't include shipping.

I know that this "hobby", pursuit, self-defense cost, whatever isn't for money-strapped people, but $72 for a single magazine (okay, only an idiot would pay that)? So, let's go with the $32 per magazine cost, still not an inexpensive cost.

I guess the question now is, can you refurbish magazines by replacing the spring? Can it be done inexpensively? Is it realistic? I assume the magazine body doesn't wear out (though I guess you could damage one by dropping it.)

I guess it's time to go research THAT on the Net now.. but figured one of you fellas might have a quick, reliable answer.

 

[DAVE_M]

If you haven't replaced the follower and springs in a magazine, you don't shoot enough. I only buy more magazines, because I want more magazines.

 

[oppsImissed]

Mag prices at academy are steady going up
I need more for my smith and my wife's glock 42. But damn
....35 a piece is nuts

 

[AK shooter]

Mag prices at academy are steady going up
I need more for my smith and my wife's glock 42. But damn
....35 a piece is nuts

http://gunmagwarehouse.com/glock-magazine-gen-4-glock-42-380-acp-6-round-polymer-black.html?___SID=U

 

[oppsImissed]

http://gunmagwarehouse.com/glock-magazine-gen-4-glock-42-380-acp-6-round-polymer-black.html?___SID=U

Thanks akshooter. Ordering 5 right now.

 

[dk.easterly]

While $30/piece for mags seems high. I'll pay that all day for magazines that function %100 of the time vs cheap out for something like promags or tapco/etc junk.

And screw Academy prices. They are stupid high on just about everything. Much better off at any local store or online shopping.

 

[US Infidel]

Botach has sales often. Like buy 5 get 20% off. That's the first place I check for magazines. And free shipping.

 

[AK shooter]

Thanks akshooter. Ordering 5 right now.

They also have shield mags for $18.99.

 

[NOLASHOOTER]

You could avoid it altogether by buying a revolver. I am sure speed loaders would be cheaper.

 

[DAVE_M]

Brownells and Primary Arms typically have good sales on mags.

 

[notasheeple]

"I guess the question now is, can you refurbish magazines by replacing the spring? Can it be done inexpensively? Is it realistic?"

Absolutely you can.

 

[Whitebread]

"I guess the question now is, can you refurbish magazines by replacing the spring? Can it be done inexpensively? Is it realistic?"

Absolutely you can.

This^^

I clean and lube my mags after every shoot. Some may call that rediculous but I call it thorough. Its really easy to take most of them down and clean only issues I have ever run across come from the my 25 round 22lr mossberg mags. Which have a real lousy reputation from the door. Replacing springs is usually pretty cheap too but if you had some obscure gun you may find it more of an issue.

 

[gwpercle]

A magazine spring from Wollff's Springs cured the feeding problems of a WWII (1944) era Walther P-38 , cheaper than a new magazine and now the old war horse feeds, fires and ejects reliably. Easy to replace...I did it myself with NO problems...anybody can do it !
Gary

 

[340six]

I try and keep the old ones running as god as possible, . I agree it is way to easy to pull them apart and clean replace.
So got new stuff {springs n followers} from S&W for all my 3rd gens as they no longer make mags for. Was glad as I got the last ones they had.
I do get new easy to get mags from TSA Knives at a good deal {bargan} but he no longer has that much to sell. I stocked up on things like real Colt 45acp / Kimber 1911 9mm ect from branded same as firearms if possible. But Metal Form is so cheap $ for stuff like 22lr Ace and they make them for Colt ect.......