It’s frustrating when firing-line time comes to a screeching halt to fill magazines. It turns high-volume range sessions, everything from informal plinking with friends to advanced training, into a gap-filled affairs.
Wise tactical retailers address the situation by stocking extra magazines for those guns that sell well in their stores, along with a few other popular firearms. Offering an on-the-shelf solution for customers who own others, however, is a financial challenge. A generous inventory of those could be an investment that rarely turns over, if at all.
There is a modestly priced solution, one that brings with it a subtle advantage for retailers. Quality aftermarket magazine extensions are relatively inexpensive, will add capacity and, in some cases, are the only alternative for less popular or older pistols.
Installation at the counter is fast and requires no tools, although safety glasses are required. Perhaps best of all, doing so will likely increase ammunition impulse buys.
There are dozens of versions available today. For demonstration purposes, we’re using a Springfield XD 9 mm NATO magazine. You know which versions are more in demand locally. Regardless of model, the process is nearly identical.
It goes without saying, although we’re saying it for emphasis — some regions have regulations that limit magazine capacity. Exceeding that cartridge count is not an option if your business operates in one of those restrictive areas. Floorplates that don’t alter that volume may be an option, however. Check the law when in doubt.
The steps are simple and straightforward. When dealing with the entire pistol — whether brought in by the customer or a brand-new purchase — keep the gun pointed in a safe direction and engage the manual safety (if it has one). Then drop the magazine, remove cartridges if there are any inside and place them away from your immediate work surface.
Lock the slide back and ensure no round remains in the chamber. Use a light if needed to get a solid look. When the gun has been deemed safe, set it aside, too.
You’re ready to discuss magazine extension options once those basic safety requirements are done. When a compatible version has been agreed upon, open the package and review instructions — if needed. Then inventory and inspect parts.
There is a spring involved, so don safety glasses and grasp the owner’s original magazine with one hand. Turn it over, look at the bottom and find the hole in the baseplate. Use an index finger, stout pen or other item to apply firm downward pressure through it, or on the protrusion that rises slightly above.
While doing so, apply the baseplate from its back until it begins to slide off. Stop applying pressure in its hole once travel has begun. Use your free hand’s thumb to cover and control the now-visible floorplate and maintain it there until the baseplate is completely off. Now you can slowly release pressure on the piece, allowing the spring to fully expand. Forget this and things will go airborne.
Although not mandatory, while the spring is exposed, it’s a good time to ensure there’s no debris in the magazine. While apart, it’s an ideal time to at least tap out the biggest chunks of dirt and debris.
Now place the new floorplate in proper alignment. In this model’s case, the end of the spring passes through a small hole that holds it firmly in place during installation or removal.
Depress the floorplate and spring until flush with the bottom of the magazine. Hold the compressed duo, then slide on the new baseplate. Push firmly and fully until it stops.
Expect an audible and tactile “click” when the baseplate and floorplate properly lock. In many cases, a protrusion shows through the baseplate hole. Now’s a good time to check for tautness of fit and to inspect for any grime-inviting gaps.
Check once again that the owner’s pistol chamber is unloaded, then release the slide and insert the magazine. Check that cosmetics are up to par and, while pointing in a safe direction, determine if the upgraded magazine drops and inserts freely and properly.
Now you’re ready to let the customer give it a ride, safely of course. Double check that the added length does not interfere with their grip, and inquire about ease of reaching controls and comfort.
Once they’re satisfied, hand them back any cartridges that arrived with the gun. Then remind them the upgrade needs a range session to ensure it still feeds their self-defense and practice loads with unfailing reliability. That, of course, is the ideal time to point them toward your ammunition aisle.
