I just got a new M&P 9 Pro, which came with two magazines. I shoot USPSA, so I ordered three more at $35 a piece. However I want to shoot a match on Thursday. What to do?
I got to thinking: I have five 17 round magazines for my Ruger SR9c, also made by Mec-Gar, which look quite similar to the S&W magazines (I refuse to write or say "mag" or "ammo").
So I decided an experiment was in order. I took one of the the Ruger magazines and my trusty Dremel, and ground the front right of the body to create a ramp for the S&W magazine catch. The magazine wouldn't go into the pistol without pushing the catch button otherwise. The Ruger has and ambidextrous catch that uses a hole on the front of the body which obviously won't work. So, again, I took the Dremel with a cutoff wheel, and cut a notch on the side.
My new hybrid magazine seems to work perfectly. Snap caps fed perfectly, and the slide stays open when the last round is gone. The upshot is that these are high quality, OEM magazines, not garbage, that are significantly less expensive than Smith's. You used to be able to get these in two packs for less than $40, which is also less than the suggested price of ONE genuine article.

I don't know man. There's a couple of issues. I see. One, you're praising your modified magazines and it doesn't appear you've even tested them with live rounds yet? If they work as intended, good for you man, since you need them asap.

Also, I don't know where you ordered your magazines, but a quick search revealed much cheaper options. Especially if you're buying 3.

Magazine- M&P 9mm Full Size at Quantico Tactical


I know I was able to order some from Botach a few weeks ago for $19 shipped, per mag.

So far, S&W is nothing compared to H&K mags, lol.

Try Cheap Guns, Bulk Ammo, Gun Parts & Accessories - Cheaper Than Dirt! $15 for 10 round mag for the MP Shield 9mm

$25 factory 17 rounds

SMITH&WESSON FACTORY M&P9 FULL SIZED 17 RD 9MM 194400000 (BULK) [194400000 (BULK PACKAGE)] - $24.95 : Greg Cote, LLC

CDNN SPORTS - SMITH WESSON MP 17RD 9MM MAGAZINE - MAGAZINES

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If you're using Ruger magazines in an S&W, they aren't "OEM magazines." They're OEM magazines when used in the Ruger they're intended for. You feel there's something wrong with using the words "mag" or 'ammo," but using a magazine in a gun it wasn't intended for is AOK? Best of luck.

Watch for deals. I've bought a bunch of used police trade in's S&W OEM 15 round .40 S&W mags for ~ $15 to use as range mags. Then later I saw brand new S&W OEM mags $15 on special so I bought those also. Both these deals were earlier in 2016 and at Natchez Shooters Supply. I have not seen any deals this low lately, but imagine that more will be along.

In the big picture, the price of a magazine is very small -- especially when compared to the price of one or two boxes of ammunition. OEM magazines will always work best and you want your pistol to be at its very best at all times. Don't skimp on any working part of your gun. Just skip a few cups of Starbucks if you need the money.

Not sure I agree. Especially with companies like Mecgar and Magpul out there.

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Retired Career Security Guard

I said this before but you can't even legally buy FS M&P magazines in Colorado and they're still readily available. How hard could it possibly be to buy them from your LGS ?

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Retired Career Security Guard

Then there's 1911's, where magazines like Wilson Combat and Tripp tend to work better than most factory mags. Let's maybe say that quality mags made for your gun are going to works best, as opposed to something for another gun, jury rigged to (cross fingers) work in your gun.

I buy only inexpensive mags for my 1911: $10.00 or less. About 10% won't function flawlessly in ALL my 1911's: those get thrown out.

I've never found a reason to pay for premium magazines.

Wow. The OP paid over $100 for OEM mags, but they weren't going to arrive in time for a match he wanted to shoot. "What to do?" He said.

So he modified some similar mags to use in a match. Problem solver. Good job. I hope they worked fine for you.

He obviously believes in the quality of OEM mags. He has a preference for certain terminology. Fine. Doesn't hurt anything or anyone.

Cut this guy some slack.

I've bought 3 cheaper pro mags for my FS40 pro and they were very unreliable. One wouldn't function at all. They sit in a box. I don't even bring them to the range anymore.

OEM $22

Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm 17 Round Magazine – Mag Commander

OEM used $17

USED Smith & Wesson S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17-Round Steel Factory Magazine

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Something really smart

Thanks to Steved13 for mentioning the mag commander site! Got a good deal as above for my M&P.

mag mag mag. ammo ammo ammo. LOL!

What is the price of reliability

Try GunMag warehouse for about $20 at Smith & Wesson S&W M&P Shield 9mm Luger 8-Round Stainless Steel Factory Magazine