Magazinguide

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Introduction:

In this guide we will show what magazine types there are, what advantages and disadvantages they have and how to maintain them. We will only cover AEG magazines, as these are the most common magazines and the basic design is identical for spring-loaded or gas magazines

The magazine types:

In general, there are 3 types of magazines: low caps, mid caps and high caps. Caps is the abbreviation of Capacity, which stands for capacity. Low, Mid and High are translated as Low, Medium and High, so you can tell from the name how many BBs will fit into the magazine However, magazines are not only differentiated on the basis of capacity, but also differ in design and offer corresponding advantages and disadvantages

Low Caps:

In low cap magazines, the BBs are arranged one behind the other in the magazine; in terms of live fire weapons, low caps could be called a "single stack" magazine Typical capacities: M4: 45 - 85 BBs AK: 70 BBs G36: 50 BBs MP5: 50 - 70 BBs Advantages: - No jamming of the BBs - Less sensitive to dirt - Stable construction - Cost effective - Low maintenance - No rattling of the BBs inside - No need to wind up Disadvantages: - Low capacity - Loading tool is required Due to the single stack design, Low Caps are not only more dirt resistant than other magazines, but also less picky about the BB type, you can shoot almost all BB types with it. The magazines are also inexpensive and do not require frequent maintenance, usually just removing surface dirt is enough Since the BBs sit tightly behind each other under spring tension, the magazine does not make any rattling noises during handling. LCs also tolerate rougher handling. The low capacity is a disadvantage of the magazines, you have to change the magazine more often and therefore always carry enough spare magazines. It is possible to load the LCs by hand, but this makes little sense, so a loading tool is recommended, this must of course be carried additionally A special subspecies of the lowcaps are the so called "Real Caps", these simulate the actual capacity of the live weapons and are 30 rounds for the common types of weapons. These are usually made of plastic and very cheap to have, they have the same advantages and disadvantages as low caps, but are mostly used only at hardcore MilSim events and there partly even mandatory

Mid Caps:

Mid Cap magazines have the BBs staggered in relation to each other in the magazine, related to live fire weapons, Mid Caps could therefore be called a "double stack" magazine Typical capacities: M4: 100 - 200 BBs AK: 110 - 180 BBs G36: 100 - 140 BBs MP5: 95 - 120 BBs Advantages: - Higher capacity than low caps - No rattling of BBs inside - No need to wind Disadvantages: - More sensitive to dirt - Mostly more expensive than Low Caps - BBs can jam - Partly high maintenance - Loading tool is needed Mid Caps have a higher capacity than Low Caps, the BBs are offset to each other and also under spring tension, so no rattling noises occur during handling. Due to the double stack design, MCs are often sensitive to the BB type, so-called "rough" BBs with a rough surface can usually not be used, even BBs with higher tolerances can cause problems. To ensure that the MCs always run perfectly, it makes sense to treat them with silicone spray Penetrating dirt can quickly cripple the magazines, so cleaning at regular intervals, or at the latest when the magazine no longer feeds bullets, is useful. As with the LC, a loading tool is required to load the MC.

High Caps:

With High Cap magazines, BBs are stored loosely in a reservoir, then a wind-up mechanism feeds them into the Feeding Tube and energizes the magazine spring Typical capacities: M4: 150 - 500 BBs AK: 500 - 1000 BBs G36: 260 - 470 BBs MP5: 200 - 250 BBs Advantages: - Higher capacity than Mid Caps - No loading tool necessary Disadvantages: - Winding necessary - Mostly more expensive than mid caps - Rattling of BBs in reservoir - Sensitive mechanics - Often not allowed on games High caps are ideal for speed games due to their high capacity, and they can also be filled quickly without a loading tool Depending on the magazine, it must be reloaded after about 50 rounds to maintain the tension in the magazine. This is usually done by a serrated wheel on the bottom of the magazine. High caps are usually more expensive than mid caps due to the mechanics inside, but it is common that a high cap is included with the purchase of an airsoft gun. If the HC is partially emptied, the BBs in the reservoir rattle when you move with the gun in your hand, this can not only be annoying for the player himself, but also give away his position to the opponent. The mechanics inside are sensitive to dirt and rough handling quickly causes them to break down. Also, when using a highcap, you should never rest the weapon on the ground with it (often done by beginners), because otherwise dirt can get into the mechanism HCs are often not allowed on games, even those without mil sim content A subspecies of the High Caps are the Drum Mags. These are usually used on machine guns and can reach capacities of up to 5000 rounds. The rewinding is often controlled automatically by a microphone and thus offers an almost infinite supply of ammunition. In games, these magazines are often only allowed on MGs, but they are also available for assault rifles and submachine guns. They have the same advantages and disadvantages as HCs but are much more expensive due to the technology

Disassembly:

Most magazines are constructed so that the inner segment is made of plastic and surrounded by a shell, often made of sheet metal. The inner segment can be pulled upwards out of the casing, consists of two halves and can be opened for maintenance. To remove the casing there are different methods for different types of weapons, here are the most common M4 magazines To separate the case from the inner segment, two plastic lugs must be pressed into the side of M4 magazines, after which the inner segment can be pulled upwards out of the case. AKmagazines AK magazines usually require a metal pin on the top to be removed with a punch MP5magazines MP5 magazines usually also require a metal pin to be removed with a punch G36 Magazines G36 magazines require a screw to be removed from the bottom The parts of highcaps are often under tension, so special care must be taken when disassembling the individual segments

Loading the magazines:

Low and Mid Caps Low and mid caps are loaded in the same way. In the past, loading tubes and rods were used, but nowadays loading tools are usually used, which are available in various sizes and are often included with the purchase of a gun. The magazine is held with the bottom down and the loading tool is pressed into the opening of the magazine, this pushes the stopper spring of the magazine to the side and the BBs can now be filled. The magazine is full when no more BBs can be pushed in, even with stronger pressure. If the pressure is too strong, the magazine or the loading tool can be damaged! For some weapons a special tool is necessary, this is delivered with the weapon High Caps High caps have an opening on the top that must either be opened or pushed open. The BBs have to be filled in there, BB bottles with a pouring tube are suitable for this. You can also pour the BBs directly from the bag into the magazine, but you have to be very careful here, so that nothing goes wrong. Now close the opening again and hold the magazine with the opening upwards. Depending on the type of magazine, you must now either turn the wheel on the underside, wind it with a key, or operate a metal cord to put the BBs under tension. You have turned enough when the noise and resistance changes significantly A BB should now be visible on the Feeding Tube. Never try to load BBs into the Feeding Tube of a High Cap as you would with a Low or Mid Cap ! At the latest when the gun shoots empty, you must operate the winding mechanism again

Care and storage:

AEG magazines do not require any special storage, just make sure that the magazines are not loaded by anything heavy so that they do not deform Normal water is sufficient for cleaning the magazines, ideally compressed air should be used for drying, never place the magazines on a heat source that is too hot (heater, oven...) and under no circumstances use a hot hairdryer, this could deform the magazines and lead to feeding problems Silicone spray should only be used if the magazines are prone to feeding problems and then only in very small quantities. The silicone spray can be transferred to the hop up rubber through the bullets and then affect its function. Always use silicone spray a few days before use so that only a light film remains. If feeding problems of the magazine appear, it makes more sense to change the BB brand

Magazine Accessories:

There are various accessories for magazines, here is a selection of them - Mag Clips: Allow the connection of two or more magazines - Ready Mag: This is an additional slot next to the magazine well, in which a full magazine can be inserted to be able to change it very quickly - Mag Pulls: Mag pulls are attached to the underside of the magazine and make it easier to pull the magazine out of the magazine pouch. Especially useful when wearing gloves - Highcap winders: are held to the highcap's winding wheel and automatically wind the highcap, battery operated - Mag wells: are attached to the magazine well and facilitate the insertion of the magazine - Magazine adapters: Allow the use of magazines that are actually intended for other weapons, e.g. M4 magazines on a G36