New to magazines, or shopping for a new gun? Start here. A magazine is the part that feeds your gun, and it causes more malfunctions than anything else on the firearm. Picking good ones and keeping them working is one of the easiest ways to make any gun more reliable.
Step 1: Know what your gun takes
Every magazine is built for a specific gun or family of guns. Check the model, caliber and generation before you buy. An AR15 magazine and an AK47 magazine both hold 30 rounds of rifle ammo, but they will not swap. Start with Magazine Types and Magazines by Gun.
Step 2: Buy quality, and buy enough
Factory or proven brand magazines are worth the money. Plan on at least three for a defensive pistol and five or more for a rifle. Magazines are the part that wears out, and they are the first thing to vanish from shelves when a ban is in the news.
Step 3: Load, carry and care
Loaders save your thumbs, pouches keep spares where you can reach them, and a little cleaning keeps everything feeding. See Loading and Carrying and Magazine Care and Storage.
Step 4: Know the law
Some states limit magazine capacity. Read Extended Magazines to see where those limits came from, and check the law where you live before you buy or travel.
Got a question that is not covered here? Ask it at Ask Gun Questions.com.