A magazine consists of several main parts.
Each has its specific purpose, some can be replaced for better weapon function. Some must even be replaced if we want to upgrade the weapon with a
magwell:
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Body: the main part into which cartridges are inserted, usually made of polymer, aluminum, or steel.
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Spring: pushes the follower up inside the magazine body and thus feeds cartridges into the chamber. It most often undergoes wear, its strength decreases and feeding problems occur.
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Follower: the plastic part on top of the spring onto which cartridges sit.
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Base pad: holds the spring and follower inside the magazine body. Shooters often change this part of the magazine. Why?
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For better resistance to impact when dropped.
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For better weight distribution, where a heavier base plate improves weapon handling due to weight distribution.
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They help increase magazine capacity.
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Some have ergonomic features for a more comfortable grip.
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A common reason is also the installation of a magwell on the weapon – to allow magazines to be inserted afterwards, it is necessary to replace the base plates with ones that are compatible with the magwell.
You can choose from quality original magazines for these CZ models with us:
Pistol magazines:
Rifle magazines
Why replace a magazine or get another one
A magazine plays a key role for the correct and reliable functioning of the weapon. After each use or training you should clean it well. Nevertheless, a magazine can be damaged by a fall, by imprecise insertion, or by rough handling. A common reason is also limited quantity – usually only 2 magazines come with the weapon. If you want to have more at hand, you simply need to buy them.
There can be several reasons to look for a spare magazine:
1. Wear
The magazine is subject to wear, or deformation even during normal use. It can deform also during a fall, impact or rough handling.
2. Reliability
A new magazine is the most reliable and reduces the risk of a malfunction during shooting.
3. Convenience for competition and training
Having multiple magazines which you gradually swap is much more convenient than having one and constantly topping it up.
4. Increased capacity
A longer magazine holds more cartridges.
Base pads often also help increase capacity.
How to choose a magazine
There are several criteria you should consider before selecting a new magazine.
Type of weapon
Compatibility with the weapon type is the most important factor for proper magazine selection. Some magazines can be used across several CZ models. For better clarity we divided magazines into four groups:
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Magazines for polymer CZ models (CZ P-10 series, CZ P-07 and CZ P-09),
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magazines for full-size CZ 75 models (including CZ Shadow 2 and CZ 75 SP-01),
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magazines for compact-size CZ 75 (CZ 75 Compact and CZ 75 P-01), and
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magazines for CZ TS 2 and other Tactical Sports models (including CZ TS Czechmate, CZ TSO and CZ 75 Tactical Sports).
Magazines for the CZ 2075 RAMI form a separate group; this model does not share magazines with other CZs.
Magazines differ among other things in length. In some cases a longer magazine can be used in a shorter CZ, but never the other way around, because a shorter magazine will not seat deeply enough and therefore will not feed a cartridge into the chamber.
We address the issue of magazine compatibility by model in detail in the CZ Magazines Compatibility Guide, where you can find exactly which magazine can be used in which model.
Caliber and length
A magazine is always intended for a specific caliber (9×19, .40 S&W, .45 ACP).
A longer magazine increases capacity, however protrusion can worsen ergonomics and make gripping more difficult.
Capacity
Capacity determines how many cartridges fit into the magazine. You can choose magazines with a capacity of 10–21 rounds.
Material
For some firearms you can choose magazines made from different materials.
Each material has its advantages, but the material of magazines is not considered as much as, for example, the material of grips.
Polymer
Advantages: lightweight, resistant to corrosion and chemicals, affordable price
Disadvantages: more prone to wear, deformation and damage during handling
Recommended use: training, concealed carry, economical solution
Steel
Advantages: durable, strong, long service life, withstands impacts and frequent use, stable shape, hard to deform
Disadvantages: heavier, susceptible to corrosion if not properly maintained
Recommended use: defense, professional use, long-term deployment
Aluminum
Advantages: lighter than steel, yet still durable
Disadvantages: bends under rough handling, more easily damaged than steel
Recommended use: sport shooting, competitions
Purpose
In some cases a lighter magazine with larger capacity will serve better, other times you will prefer smaller capacity.
Based on our experience we have several tips for you:
Concealed and EDC carry
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shorter magazine with a lower profile,
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lightweight base plate (i.e., not brass).
Range training
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affordable and durable magazines (steel, nickel) with higher capacity,
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multiple magazines for more convenient training so you do not have to constantly top up and can focus better on your performance,
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ideally with a heavier base plate (predominantly brass) for better weight distribution and reduced recoil.
Sport shooting
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high capacity, fast and reliable feeding, rigid material (aluminum, steel, nickel).
TIP: increase magazine capacity by using a suitable mag pad and use a magwell for easier swapping. More magazines are also useful.
How to care for a magazine so it lasts long
Proper maintenance will extend the life of the magazine and ensure its reliability.
Cleaning
Clean the magazine after every training, competition and use.
Disassemble it according to the instructions, wipe the body and base pad from dust, powder residue and excess lubricant. Clean the inside of the body, the follower and the spring with a soft brush or cloth.
Lubrication
Use a quality lubricant and apply it in a thin layer. Excess grease unnecessarily attracts dust.
Storage
Store magazines in a dry and dark place.
If you will not use a magazine for a long time, store it empty so as not to unnecessarily stress the spring.
Pre-use inspection
Check that the base plate is not cracked and that it seats correctly. Inspect the spring and the follower.
Compatible magazine
Attempting to insert into an incompatible weapon may cause damage. Rough handling is also harmful to magazines – they can deform overall or crack the base plate.
Multiple pieces
If you have multiple magazines, they should be rotated regularly. It is useful to have several spare springs on hand.
