How to Load an Airsoft Magazine

Airsoft magazines are the backbone of replica firearms for use in Airsoft play or training. To get the most out of your Airsoft experience, it is essential to understand the basics of magazine loading. This article will go in-depth to explore the eight central themes of magazine loading: materials, capacity, types, windings, filling, awareness, maintenance, and safety.

Materials

Airsoft magazines come in many materials. Commonly, magazines are constructed of polymer plastic or metal alloy. Magazine weight and durability are largely determined by material type. Plastics are lighter and provide some flexibility that metals cannot, but are less resistant to wear and tear. Metal magazines, on the other hand, are heavier and more expensive, but they provide a greater degree of durability. Both metals and plastics can be upgraded with aftermarket accessories such as outer shell wrap and magazine paint.

Capacity

The capacity of an Airsoft magazine dictates the number of rounds it can safely contain and pressure it can handle while being fired. Standard capacity mags usually carry up to 400 rounds depending on material type. Mid-caps are average sized magazines of 250-400 rounds but generally don't require a wind-up spring action for loading. Low-caps hold between 30-120 rounds and require manual mag winding to load rounds into the chamber. High-caps hold between 600-2,000 rounds and may not fit all Airsoft gun models due to their long size.

Types

Airsoft magazines come in three primary types: mid-cap, high-cap, and low-cap. Mid-cap magazines are normally constructed of polymer or alloy and provide an average magazine size with minimal winding. Low-cap mags are much smaller than mid-cap mags and require manual winding for loading. High-cap mags come in either metal or polymer construction and are much larger than mid-caps. These mags must be wound for loading and are too long to fit most Airsoft gun models.

Windings

Manual winding is required for high-cap and low-cap magazines. Winding is accomplished by using an external spring mechanism to move BBs from the magazine into the chamber of the Airsoft gun. Winding is necessary to cycle BBs through the gun during use and is done by pressing and twisting the winding key into the base of the magazine. This key is usually included with Airsoft purchases and must be turned counter clockwise until BBs are present in the gun.

Filling

Filling the magazine is typically done with a speedloader or directly with individual BBs. Speedloader bottles hold more BBs compared to regular airsoft BB containers, allowing for faster loading of mags and fewer stoppages for extra BBs. It is recommended to use silicone-coated BBs for Airsoft play. Plates or nozzles are used during BB loading to ensure that the correct amount of BBs are entered in the magazine and that BBs are not spilled in the magazine chamber.

Awareness

Always be mindful of the gun and magazine during use. Before reloading the magazine, check the gun to make sure it is unloaded and no BBs are in the chamber. While winding the magazine, keep your finger away from the manual screw or spring pin. Avoid handling the magazine roughly when reloading, as this can damage the internals and cause malfunction. Pay attention to any unusual sounds during usethese can indicate that the magazine is not functioning properly.

Maintenance

To ensure that your Airsoft magazine continues to run smoothly, it is important to carry out regular maintenance. After-use cleaning should be done with a conventional fabric cloth and appropriate cleaning solutions. Wipe away dust and debris from the internal mechanism and outer shell of the magazine. The magazine must be cleaned and inspected for wear or damage regularly. Internal springs can be lubricated using a light weight gun oil to ensure corrosion protection and reduce friction between the moving components.

Safety

It is important to never shoot a magazine with loose BBs inside. It is also important to never leave a magazine loaded with BBs. BBs that remain in the magazine chamber can cause unsafe and unpredictable outcomes while shooting. Furthermore, airsoft BBs should never be handled like real bullets. Never aim the gun directly at people or animals, and always wear safety gear such as a face mask and eye protection while shooting.

Final Word

Airsoft magazines come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is important to understand how to use and maintain the magazine correctly in order to get the best performance and extend the life of your magazine. Exercising the 8 central themes discussed in this articlematerials, capacity, types, windings, filling, awareness, maintenance, and safetywill help to ensure safe and enjoyable Airsoft play.

Reference:

https://www.evike.com/tactical-gear/air-soft-magazines/