AIRSOFT GUN MAGAZINES

What Is an Airsoft Magazine? 

Airsoft magazines hold airsoft BBs, similar to real-steel magazines that hold ammunition. The magazine fits into the gun through the mag well and seats or snaps in to continuously feed the gun ammo until no more BBs are left. In some cases, the magazine can also hold compressed airsoft gas (CO2 or green gas). 

Airsoft gun magazines are often proprietary to the airsoft gun they belong to. For example, an airsoft pistol magazine won’t fit into an airsoft rifle. Even between airsoft pistols stemming from the same real-steel version, the magazine from one brand (like Glock or Beretta) may not fit replicas manufactured by another brand. 

Many military simulation (mil-sim) players choose airsoft guns based on their magazine capacity and how accurately they replicate magazine manipulation (such as changing magazines or arranging gear). Replicas that stay true to the real-steel variants in this particular aspect can also be valuable training weapons. Muscle memory training with the airsoft replica can almost directly transfer over to the real thing when the time comes. 

Having more than one magazine for your chosen airsoft gun is practically required unless you’re using that platform as a backup weapon. Even then, you may want an extra mag on hand in case things get hairy. Airsoft magazines can sometimes fail (often at the worst moments), so having a backup can also be helpful if something goes wrong so you’re not entirely out of the game. 

You can find magazines for almost every platform out there, from bolt-action and airsoft sniper rifles to airsoft pistols and submachine guns (SMGs). 

Common airsoft magazines supply BBs for the following platforms:

• AK47 & AK74
• FN P90
• HK MP5
• FN FAL
• Glock
• Hi Capa/2011
• HK G3
• M4
• MP7
• Thompson M1A1
• M14

Most airsoft players carry their extra magazines on their chest rig, in a vest, or in various pouches on their person. 

What Are the Main Types of Airsoft Magazines?

Most airsoft guns have some type of magazine, although they’re more common on airsoft automatic electric guns (AEGs) and gas blowback (GBB) models. 

Green gas magazines and CO2 magazines hold capacity for BBs but also for CO2 or green gas, so you don’t usually see hi-cap versions, even in gas pistols. Due to the gas valve and other internals, these magazines are often heavier than their AEG counterparts. 

Speaking of which, most AEG mags incorporate four main components: the feeder assembly, spring, and follower. The feeder assembly delivers the BBs from the magazine to the gun, where they are propelled down range. The internal spring pushes on the follower, which contacts the piston to keep tension on the BBs as they feed. 

Magazines often carry the brand name and model of the airsoft gun they’re used for. For example, sniper rifle magazines may incorporate the name CYMA or Lancer Tactical, while more common airsoft rifle magazines come from KWA, Umarex, Cybergun, Elite Force, ASG, and EMG. 

In some cases, you can also purchase extended magazines, which allow you even more capacity.

If you enjoy shooting a particular type of airsoft gun, consider purchasing additional mags before you invest in other accessories, like scopes or suppressors. It’s also a good idea to purchase more mags before upgrading your airsoft gun with different nozzles, inner barrels, buckings, hop-ups, or outer barrels. Resale value for airsoft guns can go up based on the mag count, as they’re often expensive.

What Are the Main Types of Airsoft AEG Magazines?

There are three types of airsoft AEG magazines that don’t use compressed gas: low-capacity, mid-capacity, and high-capacity. As the names suggest, these magazines hold a varying amount of BBs and can be used in several different applications. Mid-capacity and high-capacity magazines are more common, but low-capacity magazines often replicate the real-steel version capacity. 

Although exact counts vary depending on the platform and what’s readily available, low-capacity airsoft magazines tend to hold 50 rounds or less, while mid-capacity magazines contain anywhere from 60 to 250 BBs. 

As you might have guessed, high-capacity magazines hold upwards of 250, some edging past the 1,000-round mark. Keep these counts in mind as you look for additional magazines for your chosen airsoft gun. 

Low-Capacity (Low-Cap)

Low- or standard-capacity magazines help players stick to a more realistic load out than mid- or hi-cap magazines. The internals of a low-cap magazine include a shorter spring and feed tube. Players often carry a speed loader with them when running a low-cap magazine, as you’ll need to refill more often than other players with higher-capacity mags. 

Mid-Capacity (Mid-Cap)

If you’d prefer not to carefully count your shots with a low-capacity mag, a mid-cap magazine can help you enjoy gameplay without worrying about running out of ammo. You may still need a speed loader if you’re playing longer games. However, the extra rounds can make it easier to go the full length of a game (or a few) without worrying about reloading. 

The one advantage mid-cap magazines have over hi-cap mags lies in the construction of the internals. With a mid-cap, you don’t get the rattling noise that is common in hi-cap mags that stem from a less-than-full magazine. You can also customize mid-cap magazines to suit your style or purchase mags with extra features, like a load indicator or rubber baseplate. 

High-Capacity (Hi-Cap)

Hi-cap magazines hold the most BBs for near-endless gameplay. Most hi-cap magazines have an open cavity for a body and a winding wheel on the bottom. This wheel compresses the internals so the BBs feed into the gun when you shoot next. Different types of hi-cap mags include the following:

• Box mag: Shaped like a box, these airsoft mags replicate real-steel magazines. 
• Drum mag: Designed for specific guns, including light machine guns (LMGs), drum mags can make you feel invincible on the airsoft field. 
• Dual mag: A dual mag consists of two box magazines, which allows you to have twice as much ammo. 
• Cartridge mag: While not necessarily realistic, these drum mag-esque mags hold upwards of 2,000 BBs. 

Unfortunately, hi-cap magazines that are partially drained have a signature sound similar to maracas or a box full of breath mints. If you’re attempting to be sneaky, hi-cap mags can be a dead giveaway if you’re not careful. However, you can also find auto-winding hi-cap mags that keep the sound down and save your finger pads.

Airsoft Magazine Custom and Replacement Parts

Airsoft magazines can often fail due to the wear and tear of internal components. RedWolf is your source for replacement magazine parts from a KUNG FU Airsoft Tokyo Marui Hi Capa 5.1 GBB Magazine Inlet Valve Set to Alpha Parts VFC M4 Gas Magazine / 40mm Grenade Inlet Valves. 

Mag bases, like the AIP Tokyo Marui Hi Capa GBB Airsoft Puzzle Magazine Base or the Pro Arms KILLER Style Magbase for SIG Sauer M17 / M18 / XCarry GBB Airsoft, are an easy way to customize your airsoft gun to fit your gaming style or identify a magazine if you drop or lose it on the field.