European-style mag release

[Lonestar49]

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Well, from my standpoint, using my Sig P232 380 with Euro mag thumb release, they do take more time, being a 2-step process to take out.

First one must engage the thumb release, then with the same hand, pull out the mags, as they don't fall out, like side mag release button systems mostly do, requiring shooting hand/if right hand shooter in my case, to push button, and mag falls out free and clear, as the support hand is pulling reserve/s mag out and putting (straight up) and back in smoothly and quickly.

As opposed to my P232's Euro mags, and thumb release, requiring the support hand to engage the thumb release, then same hand to "pull it out" and then the same hand to put the reserve mag, "at a slight angle" to start it in, then it goes straight up in, and if one doesn't get the first angle-in just right, more time ticks off the clock.

Not to mention, if my 380 has a feed jam, and the mag has to be released and come down a tad, in order to cycle the slide, can really eat up a lot of time when you have a stove pipe jam and the pressure is greater on the magazine, takes a lot of "push of the button, then pull down a tad", far more effort and time to make it all happen to clear the jam, cycle the slide, and have inserted the magazine all the way back up in in.. Never run into a time delay with straight in and out, with side release mag button systems, time wise, with any jams, ever..

I'll take standard side mag buttons with free release and drop of mags, and straight up, and in reassertion, (no thought process) mags over Euro mag systems any day.. using my P232 380 as my experience with them.


Ls

 

[Tom Servo]

I've got no real problem with a heel-mounted release, though I do prefer the American style. I'm of the school that says, "if I have to change magazines under stress, I've already lost the fight" anyhow.

One thing I did notice, though. I was observing a security company's training class. Most of the folks grew up on revolvers, and they were being transitioned to Glock 17s. When drawing and firing from the hip, almost half were accidentally dropping their magazines, because their thumbs were hitting the release.

 

[9mmepiphany]

they do take more time, being a 2-step process to take out.

i was refering to the OP question abut the heel release of the HK P7PSP and the post, prior to my last post, referencing a "tactical mag change"

the release on the PSP is such that it is a single motion to release the mag, with your hands completely clear of the mag base, and then the mag ejects out of the gun...you just shove the fresh mag, already in your hand, straight into the mag well.

in a tactical change, you have to retain the mag in the gun anyway...you just catch it as it comes out before inserting the full mag

 

[Lonestar49]

My bad..

Quote: I was refering to the OP question abut the heel release of the HK P7PSP and the post, prior to my last post, referencing a "tactical mag change"
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Yep, missed that, OP's type gun, so take my words to be "in general" in some type Euro mag release systems with heel or thumb releases, specically with my Sig P232's


Ls

 

[don95sml]

If you use your pistol for games such as IDPA, etc., the U.S. style mag release has a definite advantage in speed of changing magazines. For self-defense carry, it doesn't make any difference because you will likely only have time for a few shots anyway if you have not already made a hasty retreat like you should.

 

[Shadow1198]

Honestly, I think the complaints about the heel mag releases are mostly a non-issue when it comes to self defense. Actually, after having now owned a handgun with one (H&K P9S), I have come to the conclusion that, for my tastes, I prefer it for a self defense or carry gun. It really isn't that much harder to remove the mag. Also, in all honesty, if you (speaking generally) are emptying an entire mag and trying to do speedy IPSC style mag changes, you might want to think about improving your shot placement and or upping the caliber. If the question was focused on competition though, that's a whole other story and a button release would have obvious benefits.

Personally, I love the added relief of knowing that with my P9S I will never accidentally release the mag when carrying, I mean I just don't even ever have to think about that as it will never be an issue. Peace of mind goes a long way, especially when it comes to a carry gun.

 

[PX15]

FWIW:

I'm a lefty.. I actually prefer the European heel mag release over any pistol with a mag. release on the left grip, or in that area.

Just personal preference.

JP