I have several semi auto pistols I store in racks in my gun safe. Extra magazines get placed on a seperate shelf. I have been using a dremel tool to mark on the magazines which gun they go to.

1. What methods to you use to know which magazines fit which gun?
2. If the magazine fits and lock into the gun does that mean it will work regardless of brand or model it was made for?

thanks.

1) I’ve always done it by memory and that method hasn’t failed me yet!

2) I would never rely on this and I can think of a couple examples in my own guns where they would lock in but never work

For you I would suggest a method that I use — clear plastic fishing tackle boxes. Or perhaps they are better termed “lure boxes”, these are not the tall expandable boxes that open like a short staircase, but rather the single level boxes with the plastic dividers that can be arranged.

I use these and I write labels on the end of what’s in them. Not because I don’t recognize each mag, but so that I know where to put the mags back in their proper slot.

I stack multiples of these boxes, I think I am currently using eight of them. *EDIT* Pictures of my magazines:

I put them small to medium size boxes. The boxes are marked. Stacks better on the shelf too.

Lot’s of my magazines are still in the factory packaging, (I went on a buying spree and bought many, ((too many,)) for everything when CDN had them cheap a few years ago.) The others are in those multi drawer/opaque storage containers. Even though I know what they go to I’ve labeled the drawers with some being duplicate drawers cause there are too many mags for one. This will help “someone else” figure it all out. Hopefully NOT a burglar.

Pretty much if they fit and lock up, (S&W,) it’s a safe bet they will function but some might stick out below the grip if they’re for a larger frame pistol. The Chief Special 45 mags are a bit different and I only use those specific mags for it.

Jim

Magnetic strips for hand tools from harbor freight hung up on wall. Mags stack on, about 20-25 per strip. Even Glock mags “stick” with the metal inserts. Some are marked if they are similar to other mags, but I don’t have a lot of repeat guns so not too much of a problem knowing which goes where.

I use a Sharpie brand permanent marker. I also number them, so I can keep track of any that malfunction.

__________________
Merle, retired
western PA

Re-sealable plastic storage bags.

Different sizes for different quantities of mags.

They conform to the shape of the mags and you can see what's inside.

They also have a write-on label if you can't remember what fits what.

John

Use a label maker. You can place it on one or both sides of the magazine and know what it is for just by a glance.

I put paint identification on the magazines just in case some future owner doesn't like/want permanent (Dremel tool) marks on the mags. The small bottles of porcelain touch-up paint work great. The bottle has a brush in the top for easy marking of the mags.

__________________
Bill

I have a range case for each gun with magazines. Borne out of the need to keep 300blk and 5.56 mags completely isolated. For revolvers, its SpeedBeez range blocks, three per gun class. For magazines, it a Pelican lite case with 10 mags in cut out foam. I preload before the range - I don't like range loading. These are also dedicated range mags. Carry mags are tested independently as is from carry. It helps and once you try it, hard to go back. I still have bulk mags in plastic bins.

Per your second question, consider: Sometimes the magazine meant for the gun, or even the one that came with it, doesn’t work.

My Beretta M9 magazines can be confused with my Macgar Browning HP magazines. As I immigrated to NC from a blue-state, I keep my 10-rounders separate in the event I sell a gun to a blue-state resident.

Mags can be market with labeling tape or magic marker. Police agencies often paint the base plate of range magazines for identification.

I like to keep between 6 and 10 mags for each type of semi auto I own and use a variety of mag pouches to keep it all sorted. Different color MidwayUSA 6 mag pouches work well for 9mm double stacks. My single stack 9mm Ruger and MK IV mags are in inexpensive Ruger pouches (an absolute bargain on the Ruger store site). Single stack .22 and 380 fit in 5 mag .22LR California Competition Works pouches.

Isn't that what Walmart Tupperwear boxes are for.????????

S&W
Browning HP
Sig
Colt
Beretta
AR
CZ 9mm .22 and rifles
Ruger 10/22 Mini-14


With end labels...

I use small colored stick on dots on the magazine floor plates.
This keeps from permanently scratching/marring up the magazines

I'll echo onto the tackle box suggestion for storing magazines and small parts in general. I've found great ones at art supply stores like Michaels with movable dividers to store larger pieces too.

I store most of my mags in California Comp Works mag holders. I apply grip tape die cut numbered base pads on competition mags and marker numbers on occasional shooter mags.
Bought different colors to try to dumb it down for myself, but still have managed to bring dbl stack 9mm mags to an event with a 40S&W.

I currently have a couple of plastic shoe boxes full of mags. I typically use a silver sharpie to put the make & model on the back of the mag.

I think I'll look into those lure boxes too.

Does the magnetic strip hold a loaded magazine Jerry B? I can see that working nicely on the inside of the safe that doesn't have the door pouches, or maybe inside of the cabinets that hold my reloading supplies and ammo.

I place them on magnetic strips designed for knives and wrenches in my safe. About ten per pistol, labeled above the magnetic strip, along the sides of the safe.
I can store about 100 mags this way as it is, and immediately see if they are loaded or empty, what is in them (hollow points, ball, etc) and grab what I need for CCW or the range. I usually keep three per gun with carry ammo loaded and six or seven with range ammo loaded just to make range days faster. I clean and reload them in front of the tv, and place them back on the magnets.
(not all these pictures are mine but you get the point)

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Easy. I only have one semi-auto pistol.

__________________
Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

my solution to this problem was to "simplify." i have come to the point where all i need and all i have are 45xx and 59xx magazines (guns too). mix them all you want lol

I know which magazines are for which gun just from experience & owning them a while. That said, I own 6 magazines for my Sig P365 that I like to rotate into and out of service every 3 month. Since the six Magazines are all identical I have numbered them on their sides with a fine tipped paint marker.

Paint is permanent, but removable with paint remover if desired. I've seen some guys that label their mag's with a P-touch label maker but personally i dislike any method that could loosen up and get jammed inside the mag. well. The paint marker works perfect for me.

I would only use magazines designed for the specific gun they came with even if some mag's will fit into other guns. The exception would be if you are using mag's from one 1911 to shoot in another 1911. They are meant to both use the same exact magazine and that would be fine. There are also certain Ruger's that were designed to use Glock Mag's - so that would be fine as well as long as they function as intended.

When it come's to magazines I do not buy "second tier" brands! I find that they just cut corners, use thinner or inferior metal to from the mag's, and many use cheap springs for the followers. I always buy OEM magazines (era correct) for each gun I have with the exception being for my 1911's. 1911's will work perfectly fine with almost any well made brand or GI issue. Still I like to stick to quality brands like Colt, Chris McCormick, Wilson Combat, and like.

1) Label machine on the back (not front or side) of the mag.
2) Emphatic no. An 8 round 1911 Government magazine fits nice and locks into a Remington R-1, but try cycling it. Don't ask me how I know this.