Glock mag releases

[piece of meat]

one thing ive noticed, as a relative noobie trying out gun models left and right, is that the mag release buttons on glocks are horrible.

i tried out a few models at the range prior to buying (as the glocks always win on paper, but trying them IRL is the final test) and i noticed that when i push the mag release with the thumb it is mushy as hell,sometimes i push it all the way in and nothing happens. i figured it must just be the uncared for rental guns with tens of thousands of rounds.

then my friend bought a new g19 (on my recommendation), upon handling it i love it except that when i push the mag release nothing happens. had to literally jam it in unnaturally to get the mag to reluctantly slide down.

since then ive had an XD (where i had to literally use two hands to force the ****ing mag release to eject the mag) and tried several other glock models at the range, all of which the mag seemed extremely hesitant to come out even when the button is depressed fully.

the reason this is an issue to me is that when i push the nice extended mag release of my cz75b, there is a clear 'break' and the the mag shoots instantly out. consistently, every time. apply pressure, the mag shoots out. this would actually be a big deal in a real life 'event'...i could instantly pop the mag out of the cz and slam another mag in and the slide will automatically chamber the 1st round..meanwhile with the glock id be pushing the button in and the mag would (only at COMPLETE DEPRESSION) would reluctantly, slowly slide slowly down.

anyone else notice this besides me? its the little things that count, and ive deifinitely noticed this and its a big time drawback to the line imo.

 

[REAPER4206969]

That is one of Glock's benefits, and one of the reasons it is my EDC.

 

[2ndAmFan]

Never had that problem with a Glock. The mags drop quickly and reliably with a quick push on the mag release.

 

[piece of meat]

That is one of Glock's benefits, and one of the reasons it is my EDC.

so, the fact that it has a mushy, slow mag release and replacement is a good thing?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

It is, without question, a little more difficult than the S&W M&P or the CZ PCR (which is purposely slightly extended compared to other CZ models), but by no means impossible. I've never had any difficulty with my own G19, once I got used to it. And I found it far easier than a Ruger P90, which has a tiny serrated tab that you push forward. Keep in mind that if a mag release is too easy to activate, it may release itself if you touch it with your thumb while shooting, in some tight holsters, etc. No doubt, with the abundance of Glock gadgets out there, you should be able to find a slightly extended release if you wish.

 

[Sapper771]

I have never experienced a problem with the standard mag releases on my Glocks. They are short for reasons already explained. You can always install the extended mag release and go from there. IIRC, Larry Vickers also has an extended mag release available that is longer than the standard release, but shorter than the extended.

I took an extended mag release and filed it down to where i wanted it. It has worked well for the last 6 months. YMMV

 

[GLOOB]

That is one of Glock's benefits, and one of the reasons it is my EDC.

+1

The rounds already in the gun are the ones most likely to save your bacon. I'd rather have those for sure over a button that reacts with ESP to my lightest touch. When it comes to a mag release, the stiffer the better, IMO. When the time comes to change a mag, my thumb will just have to deal with the awful amount of presssure it takes. I'll reward it later with a sponge bath and a manicure, if I come out alive.

Glock mags are the thickest out there. The mag catch notch is deeper/longer than possible on most any other magazine. That's why there's more travel to the button. The Glock release is actually quite secure without requiring an overly heavy button press. It's more of a constant pressure + distance before it releases.

I recall watching an outtake from a movie, where the guy draws and points the gun, only to have the magazine drop out and hit the floor! I've actually done this once, with my DP-51. (I hit the very light mag release button with my middle finger wrapping all the way around the frontstrap. And yes, it had that clear "break" and the mag shot right out, so you'd love this gun! )

 

[Fieldstone]

The earliest GLocks actually had a dropless feature. The Gen 2,3,4 are considered "dropfree", which implies you push the button and the mag falls out. I have some sticky mags. They are not in the tactical bag, they are in the range bag.

The feeling of the long push may come from the positioning difference of the release. My Beretta allows my thumb to be right on the button. My Glock makes me wish I had a longer thumb sometimes. THis has to do with the position of the button and the depth of the grip.

Stay with it, it may cause you to change your mag change regiment a little. Do it a 1000 times and you will never know the difference.

 

[Frozen North]

I don't think there is anything wrong with mine. The mags drop out more easily when empty that when full, that is nice. I think the button is in a spot that it is easy to press, but not where you would bump it on the draw or accidentally press with your thumb. I think it is a good deal that is dang near oops proof.

 

[JTQ]

piece of meat wrote,
mag release of my cz75b, there is a clear 'break' and the the mag shoots instantly out

On a basic CZ75B, doesn't the mag just drop about an inch and is retained within the pistol and you need to pull the mag out. I believe it is designed by CZ that way to avoid losing your mag during a combat situation. I realize other CZ model do have drop free mags.