Why are double feed mags so rare in handguns?

mmattockx

mmattockx

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I am sure I have seen this discussed before, but it was long ago...

Handgun mags are almost universally a single feed. They may be a double stack design below the lips, but they taper into a single, central feed. Rifle and SMG mags long ago went to double feed and that design is considered standard these days, yet handguns still haven't gone there. I like how easy it is to load AR and other double feed rifle mags and would appreciate that on my handguns as well. So, why are double feed mags so uncommon in handguns?


Mark
 
mmattockx said:
I am sure I have seen this discussed before, but it was long ago...

Handgun mags are almost universally a single feed. They may be a double stack design below the lips, but they taper into a single, central feed. Rifle and SMG mags long ago went to double feed and that design is considered standard these days, yet handguns still haven't gone there. I like how easy it is to load AR and other double feed rifle mags and would appreciate that on my handguns as well. So, why are double feed mags so uncommon in handguns?


Mark
Click to expand...

It has to do with size and reliability. A double feed magazine would require a wider slide and very well engineered feed ramps. A single stack presents the round directly in line with the chamber, meaning it will feed much easier and have an inherently higher level of reliability. The Chinese CF98 and Russian GSH-18 do use double feed magazines, however, the slide is noticeably wider than other 9mm handguns.
 
Plus there's the whole concealment issue as well. I dunno actually. The Glock uses pretty wide magazines but I think the dimensions of the mechanism won't allow it without the frame and slide being widened. Or the frame at least. The Glock is already pretty big.
 
It may be something to do with feed path. Styer GB:
GB1.jpg
 
Blastattack said:
The Chinese CF98 and Russian GSH-18 do use double feed magazines, however, the slide is noticeably wider than other 9mm handguns.
Click to expand...

I think the Viking does as well. At least the mags look like double feed in pics, I've never handled one in person. The size thing shouldn't be much of an issue for full size service pistols, they don't see much concealed carry use anyway.


Phat Eagle said:
Get a maglula and don't fret any longer...
Click to expand...

I have a loader but it is still a nuisance compared to simply stacking rounds into an AR mag. Maybe I just like the design better, I don't know.


TylerM said:
Plus there's the whole concealment issue as well. I dunno actually. The Glock uses pretty wide magazines but I think the dimensions of the mechanism won't allow it without the frame and slide being widened. Or the frame at least. The Glock is already pretty big.
Click to expand...

The size and width is an issue for small guns, but nobody is concealing a full size double stack service pistol anyway.


Juster said:
It may be something to do with feed path. Styer GB:
GB1.jpg
Click to expand...

That may be the answer, but it doesn't explain the many SMG's using the double feed design with pistol cartridges.


Mark
 
There are also many SMGs using the single feed double stack magazines as well (Sten, PPSH-41 etc.). It all depends on the SMG. The reality is it is easier to engineer a single feed bolt and receiver than it is to make a double feed one (which is why most quick to manufacture SMGs use the single feed double stack magazines). Most SMGs at this point are more or less the end of the evolution of the SMG (unless there is some major technological breakthrough) which is why double stack is more common on modern SMGs (like how double stack is more common on virtually everything excluding pistols).
 
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