That's mostly dependent on body type, carry position and the holster being used. I carry a Glock 19 sized pistol in the AIWB position. I don't wear baggy shirts and it conceals just fine. If a person is bigger around at the belt line than they are at the shoulders and chest, that's going to make it a lot harder. All I can say is that, for a person who isn't fat, concealing a Glock 19 or similar is absolutely doable with little or no wardrobe change. I do it and a know a dozen or more other guys who do it.
Are magazine extensions worth it?
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Styx
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Agreed. Most thinner and/or smaller people I see conceal a G19 sized gun do so AIWB. For me personally, even if I was skinny and could pull AIWB off, I wouldn't do it. It's so darn uncomfortable and inconvenient compared to a 3 o-clockish postion especially when bending, driving, sitting, etc. I got a lot of respect for those of you who carry in the manner.
Tallball
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I don't have it in front of me just now, but IIRC the small "pinky" extension I got for my G43 makes the grip about 1" longer in the front and then slopes down towards the back.
In my case, this doesn't make it any harder to conceal.
It's not like I stuck a 30 round magazine in it that's a foot long.
In my case, this doesn't make it any harder to conceal.
It's not like I stuck a 30 round magazine in it that's a foot long.
Styx
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That's what I use to get a full grip w/o sacrificing concealablity.
tipoc
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This is my opinion, obviously, other folks will do what they like so don't get irritated. It's true that I am the smartest guy I know but then I spend a lot of time alone.
We're talking concealed carry here. The hardest thing to conceal on a handgun is the butt.If I want the gun concealed to a certain degree I don't make that job harder consciously.
If I can use a bigger gun with a higher round count then i do that. A S&W M&P 9 is a larger gun than a Shield. I won't try to turn the latter into the former by adding a 5 round+ extension. Now the one round factory extension with the pinky grip I don't mind and it has it's place.
We're talking concealed carry here. The hardest thing to conceal on a handgun is the butt.If I want the gun concealed to a certain degree I don't make that job harder consciously.
If I can use a bigger gun with a higher round count then i do that. A S&W M&P 9 is a larger gun than a Shield. I won't try to turn the latter into the former by adding a 5 round+ extension. Now the one round factory extension with the pinky grip I don't mind and it has it's place.
The Sig P365 with the flat base 10 round mags is hard for me to shoot well. Put in the 12 round mag and I can shoot it just fine. I carry it with the 12 round mags.
My Canik TP9SFX came with +2 mag extensions. To me that seems the "right" magazines for that pistol. There are +4 and +6 extensions available for it. I see no use for those.
My Canik TP9SFX came with +2 mag extensions. To me that seems the "right" magazines for that pistol. There are +4 and +6 extensions available for it. I see no use for those.
The Evangelist Cowboy
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Save the money you'd spend on worthless trinkets and buy ammo and a training class.
Plan2Live
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I just put Pearce pinkie extensions on the 11 round magazines for my XDm 3.8 Compact. I've always felt like that pistol needed a slightly longer grip. If I could have installed a +1 or +2 extension I would have gone that way, not because I feel like 11 rounds isn't sufficient but why not kill two birds with one stone?
rdnktrkr
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With my Shield45 I carry with the regular mag and carry 2 +1 mags, that way it is easily concealed, I do shoot the +1 mags better.
Trunk Monkey
member
I've been to multiple training classes and I have quite a bit of ammunition (always room for more of course) and extended magazines do serve a purpose
The Evangelist Cowboy
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Good for you I guess?
Stevie-Ray
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Love em. Especially for range duty. I'm one of those that seem to shoot a Glock 26 and 29 as well or better than the 17 or 20. There's many of us. So to have the option of higher capacity I have 2 of each of the 17 and 20 mags. I don't care for "pinkie" extensions, especially the ones that don't allow for extra capacity. Mostly, I carry the below guns with standard capacity, but have upon occasion carried the higher caps. I don't have an issue firing either without the use of my pinkie.
I've never thought that, and if expecting to carry the firearm in question, will always go with the smallest model available. You can generally always add capacity this way, but you can't lighten or shorten it. Below is my 29 and 26 in range, and/or serious mode, the "Baby Glocks" supersized.
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Normally I do not use magazine extensions, especially if they increase capacity potentially reducing spring pressure.
An exception would be a +0 pinky rest base on a Glock 26/27 living under a 10 round mag limit.
Glock 26/27 with pinky rest > Glock 19/23 with neutered 10 round mag.
An exception would be a +0 pinky rest base on a Glock 26/27 living under a 10 round mag limit.
Glock 26/27 with pinky rest > Glock 19/23 with neutered 10 round mag.
mcb
Member
New magazine springs are always an option. Depending on the magazine and how long the extension and the original spring it may or may not be necessary. I am running +4 extension on my double stack 1911 with the original springs and have not had any issues. When I put extension on my XD I did have to replaced the OEM magazine springs with longer springs to get reliable function. Magazine spring are nearly a consumable if you shoot alot. My XD is on its third set of magazine springs.
Olon
Member
If I bought a gun only to learn that I couldn't shoot it well with the grip size, I may opt for the pinky extension. I'd probably go with that over something that extends capacity unless I could get a stiffer spring with it. Personally I know I don't shoot those tiny ones that well so I don't buy them. I can see how they'd be worth it for somebody with one carry gun that doesn't quite work for them and limited resources.
My m/o is to leave my carry gun alone, though. Right now my G23 is bone stock and if I ever do modify it, it would be something simple like night sights.
My m/o is to leave my carry gun alone, though. Right now my G23 is bone stock and if I ever do modify it, it would be something simple like night sights.
Buzznrose
Member
Have you tried the Magpul 12 round Glock mag? My favorite carry mag for my G26
Trunk Monkey
member
Yes, I have several. The only issue I have with them is they have a tendency to hang up on the meat of my hand when I drop the magazine.
Trunk Monkey
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I was responding to your implication that people substitute magazine extensions for training to gain competence.
The Evangelist Cowboy
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The OP in a prior thread has mentioned already his hesitancy to carry and if he did to not carry with one in the chamber. An individual like this would benefit from more training than anything else and yes most people buy more things in lieu of getting training thinking it will help them be better shooters. The folks on THR are a minority of gun owners while we maybe able to benefit from gadgets for whatever application we need this person needs training more than he needs to be into buying accessories.
Buzznrose
Member
Understand...I have the same issue with most smaller handguns like my G26 and Shields.
You don’t have the same issue with the Glock OEM and extension?
Trunk Monkey
member
Everything you just said is very true. I guess I just took your other post a little personally My apologies.
Trunk Monkey
member
No. I think the reason is the metal lined OEM magazines are heavier.
FWIW I have a bunch of Magpul magazines for my 19 and I have no problem with them.
The Evangelist Cowboy
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My apologies if it came off that way.
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