Thumb vs Heel mag release

[dashootist]

Wow, I like heel mag release! I've always been told heel mag release is slow. Having finally tried it, I say no; it's faster than thumb...for me anyway. I think it's because I have short fingers. I can't get used to the thumb release on my 1911--awkward because it's out of reach of my thumb; result is inconsisent reload, mag doesn't drop sometimes, hard to find the little button. But the Makarov's heel release is great. It works everytime, the same way, no surprises.

 

[fatcat4620]

I would rather have the thumb, but dont have a problem with the heel.

 

[KBintheSLC]

Use what you like and what works for you. I prefer a thumb release in general.

 

[mgmorden]

I have very small hands, and I tend to prefer thumb, but with a caveat: I prefer an ambidextrous "thumb" mag release. I too can't reach a release with my thumb due to the small hands, but if the gun had a left handed release (despite me being right handed), I can very easily hit the left hand release with my middle finger. Heel release is MUCH slower than that for me. Even if using a right hand only thumb release I think it's still faster then heel, even with me having to shift the gun in my hand to drop the mag.

 

[RedAlert]

I have a P220 with a heel release, a P230 & P232 with heel release and a Sig P229 with the button release. While I prefer the thumb release, I don't find the heel release to be a problem. I don't participate in any shooting activities that require speedy mag exchange so the mag release style isn't a problem for me. YMMV

 

[bigfatdave]

I have monster paws, and the ideal mag release for me is the Walther PPS/P99/P22 flipper thingy under the trigger.
But I prefer a button to heel, even though I can make heel work. Keep in mind that not all heel releases are the same, also, while pretty much all buttons are pretty much the same. If you've found a system that works for you, that's all that matters.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The fastest heel release is the one on the H&K P-7 (PSP) because it pushes forward to release and forcefully ejects the mag.

The most convenient mag release located behind the triggerguard are the ones used by Walther and H&K ...levers/paddles.

The easiest to reach buttons, behind the trigger, I've ever used, and highly recommend for folks with shorter fingers, are the reversed mag releases on the Sig 220/226/229 or the Beretta 92/96

 

[chicharrones]

I like the Walther trigger guard release much better than the button or heel. It is just super easy to use.

I don't even use my thumb on the button type release because my thumb just can't get good leverage. I have to use my middle finger from my shooting hand wrapping around. My favorite button release is the ambi-dexterous Springfield XD type.

 

[Jed Carter]

Only one with a heel release, SIG P232. I prefer drop free magazines, and I have to pull the mag out of the P232. Makes for a slow reload, in my experience.

 

[huntershooter]

Are you kidding?

 

[No4Mk1*]

I frequently drop my Kahr P9's mag while shooting by accidentally touching the mag release, so for small auto's I prefer heel releases or more resistance in a thumb release. I will try to avoid guns with ambidextrous buttons as I see that as just another way to lose my mag while shooting.

 

[Brass Rain]

I'm left-handed and with auto-loaders I actuate the thumb magazine release with the second joint of my middle finger. Works just great. If I ever end up using one with a truly ambidextrous magazine release, I'd probably end up using my middle finger on the left-side release anyway.

 

[Guns and more]

Actually, the best is the one on the H&K P-30.
It's built onto the trigger guard.
Take your trigger finger, press down on the trigger guard, and it plops out.
Genius.

I learned to like the heel type after disassembling an old H&K model 4 about 500 times trying to make it work. I hooked my left index finger around the front of the mag base, then actuated the release the lever with the left thumb.
Now, the one on my Seecamp seems normal.

On the button type, my thumb is not at an angle to press down.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Actually, the best is the one on the H&K P-30.
It's built onto the trigger guard.
Take your trigger finger, press down on the trigger guard, and it plops out.
Genius.

There is a lot to recommend using your trigger finger to activate the magazine release...for one thing, you'll know your finger isn't on the trigger. This works on button releases too if you are a southpaw or have a switchable mag release.

I'd almost forgot about the Beretta 92(S), with it's heel release. Very fast to use with a little practice

 

[KodiakBeer]

I can't get used to the thumb release on my 1911--awkward because it's out of reach of my thumb; result is inconsisent reload

Use the thumb of your left hand. I can't reach the mag release of a 1911 either, but it's never slowed me down. I have both hands on the gun and just press the release with my left thumb.

 

[BlindJustice]

Most eUropean pistols had the magazine heel release. That's one
of the major changes they made to the Beretta 92 to make
it qualify for the early 80s Joint Services 1911 replacement
trials.

R-

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Thumb release you use typically with your dominant hand while the heel requires both to release and is still slower.

 

[dashootist]

Every now and then my magazine fail to slip out after pushing the thumb release button and cause slow reload.

 

[PabloJ]

I do not mind either type. I would say that of the ones used the Mauser HSc has the worst magazine release one can get.

 

[bigfatdave]

Thumb release you use typically with your dominant hand while the heel requires both to release and is still slower.

This is true, but a heel release can't be activated by sitting on it while holstered. I've had to modify a holster after a grip change left the mag catch button more exposed.
Of course the HK/Walther flipper is still superior, it doesn't snag, only needs a single finger to activate, won't (can't!) drop the mag while the gun is in the holster, gives visible & tactile indication of a half-assed mag insertion, and befuddles the inexperienced endlessly for laughs.

PabloJ, it might just be me, but the waaaaaaayyy back button on Beretta mouseguns is the most non-intuitive release I've ever seen, what's so bad about the HSc version? Pictures don't reveal the horror, at least I'm not getting it.

 

[earlthegoat2]

You need a lot of exposure to heel mag releases to become used to them in the US they just are not that common except on European surplus guns. Once you get used to them they are every bit as good as the thumb release. Personal preference is all it is.

I lean towards the thumb release since that is readily available.

I got pretty good with teh HK P7 PSP and could manipulate that fast enough for the difference to be negligilble in competition shoots.

 

[Lvl21nerd]

i like a heel mag release on a smaller gun just so i can keep a better grip when releasing the mag...smaller guns with thumb releases sometimes get sorta 'fidley' for me...