G20 magazine in a G29 issue

[TomJ]

I sold my G20 today to someone using Armslist. He had mentioned that he had a G29 which operated perfectly using G29 magazines but would malfunction when using G20 magazines. All he said was that it jammed constantly with those magazines. He was using X Grip sleeves, so I don't know that over insertion is an issue, if that happens with Glocks. I had a G29 and G20 at one point and my G29 worked fine with the G20 magazines. Has anyone experienced this issue? I'd like to forward any information to him.

 

[crestoncowboy]

I've used them plenty with x-grips. In both 20 to 29 and in 22 to 27. Never had an issue unless the mag was bad.

 

[JTQ]

The late Paul Gomez on this non-issue (9mm version)

 

[TomJ]

The late Paul Gomez on this non-issue (9mm version)

Good video. I didn't think over insertion was a possibility but am at a loss why several G20 magazines using several types of ammo, which is what he told me, would not work reliably in his 29. The 20 I sold him came with 3 magazines. Hopefully he'll have better luck with those, as they functioned perfectly in my 29.

 

[JTQ]

Perhaps the long mag can't keep up with the slide velocity of the little 10mm gun.

Wilson Combat talks about this in their FAQ on compact guns.

https://www.wilsoncombat.com/faqs/

All the mechanical changes are important, but the biggest factor is ammunition selection because it affects both slide cycle speed and the magazine’s ability to lift the cartridge into position for proper feeding. Ammunition loaded with 230gr bullets generate more recoil impulse (especially +P loads) than 185gr loads, and 7 rounds of 185gr ammunition weighs 315gr less than 7 rounds of 230gr ammunition, making the column of ammunition easier for the magazine spring to lift. I hope you see where I’m going here?

 

[Pat Riot]

Perhaps he just has defective magazines? If the mag lips are spread even .010” it might cause feeding issues.

 

[TomJ]

Perhaps he just has defective magazines? If the mag lips are spread even .010” it might cause feeding issues.

I e-mailed him and suggested he try the magazines that came with the 20 I sold him. They worked with the 29 I had. If he still has the problem there's a LGS who's owner is a gun smith. He does a reliability package where he addresses these issues.

 

[jmr40]

I use G20 mags in my G29 all the time, never had an issue. I use 15, 17, and 33 round mags in my G26 and G19 all the time, never had an issue. My Ruger SR9C came with a short 10 round mag that fits flush with the grip and a 17 round mag, never had an issue

 

[Overkill338]

I use 20 mags in my 29 with an X-grip. No issues for me.

 

[tarosean]

which operated perfectly using G29 magazines but would malfunction when using G20 magazines

OEM or knockoffs?

 

[TomJ]

OEM or knockoffs?

He didn't say. I e-mailed him with my suggestions but haven't heard back from him.

 

[shoobe01]

Failure with one mag (or mag type) is a mag issue. He can mess with it, or ****can the mags, or just not cross-pollinate them, but it'a not a gun issue to me.

Anyway, a few other reports I have seen of x-grip issues with extended mags. Failure mode (most often reported as nose diving causing failure to feed) seems to be that gripping causes the bottom of the mag to move to the rear, which rotates the top of the mag forward and down. It becomes ever so slightly out of position and then: stoppage.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

As mentioned, the issue is probably slide velocity. Sub-compacts of all makes and models can have this problem. Shortening up the operation cycle to accommodate such a short slide requires the slide have much more velocity than the full size guns. If the magazine spring is at all weak, it can't get the next round up in time for it to feed. He can try Wolff increased power magazine springs and/or slowing down the slide velocity a little with a heavier recoil spring.