Since Berettta 92 mags seem to be the basis...

[TSH77769]

Since Beretta 92 series mags seem to be the basis for or similar to several other pistols and are able to be adapted/modified to work in several other pistol s...

Why doesn;t someone like Mec-Gar make a mag with the extra notches already done?

For example, Beretta 92 series mags can be modified to fit XD's with a mag cathc cut on the front. They can be used in the Cougars with a second mag catch cut on the side, etc. etc.

So why couldn't Mec-Gar make an 18rd (flush fit in the 92) mag that had the catches for the 92, the Cougar, and the XD (protrudes slightly), perhaps including a magazine skirt to fill the gap when used in the XD?

That would so freaking phenomenally outstanding!!

tsh77769

 

[Jim Watson]

Because they would sell fewer magazines.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

You'll find that a LOT of mags designed to hold 9mm or .40 rounds are very nearly the same size and shape. It's not something that's UNIQUE to Beretta mags...

Just having multiple notches for the mag release MIGHT work in some cases with some guns, but that might not be enough -- as a number of guns have the notches in the roughly the same part of the mag tube, but at different positions or heights, and the openings themselves are often a diferent size and shape. That would make inserting and dropping the mags a complicated process if there were several holes in the mag tube in the same general area -- both when locking the mag in place and when dropping it for a reload.

I suspect that the follower shape and how the follower interacts with the slide stop to hold the slide open with the last shot will be different with different guns. (I know that was the case with some CZ clone mags I once bought -- they worked beautifully but wouldn't lock back the slide.) Even if the notches in the mag tube hold the mag in the right position, the mag might not function properly when the last round is gone. I wonder too, if where and how the round, when stripped from the mag, hits the feed ramp might be an issue from one type of gun to another, if you're using a "universal" mag.

It might be possible, but I'm not sure its worth the effort.

 

[JTQ]

Heck, I don't think Beretta 92 mags even work in a Taurus PT92. They are not that universal.