New gun owner...need advice

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LCJR

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I just bought my first handgun, a Ruger SR9. I'm looking to get a couple extra magazines, but I'm actually not sure how to do that. Do I have to buy a specific magazine that fits this specific gun? Or do all Ruger 9mm clips fit this gun? Or are there other (less expensive) brands that would work?
 
You need to buy factory Ruger magazines (not clips) that are specific to that model firearm. Linked below are just a few examples of retailers who sell them. A google search will turn up many more. You can also buy them directly from Ruger from their online store, but will likely pay more.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1366247443/ruger-magazine-ruger-sr9-9mm-luger-steel-blue

http://www.brownells.com/magazines/handgun-magazines/magazines/magazine-17-round-sr9-prod40201.aspx

http://www.cdnnsports.com/magazines/sr9-9mm-17rd-ruger-fact.html#.VGZIq_nF98E
 
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You'll need to buy magazines made specifically for the SR9. I'm not sure if 3rd party MFR's make magazines for that gun... I bought all my magazines from Ruger.

Don't try to cheap out on magazines... it's one of the leading causes of malfunctions in semi-autos.
 
Top Gun Supply is my go to place for magazines, but they don't carry Ruger SR9 mags. At least they are not listed.

The other thing to concern yourself with is some states have mag capacity limits that may make some SR9 mags illegal in those states. Know what your state laws are before you order.
 
If you just bought it new, they should give you a discount at "shop ruger" when you register the warranty.
 
And be sure you get the full size SR9 mag and not the shorter one for the SR9c.

I think you picked a good first handgun. My first was a Ruger P-95 and I've had good luck with SR9 and SR9c. Enjoy.
 
As everyone said:

-You will need to buy Ruger SR9 mags (also the same as the SR-9E if that comes up)

Will NOT fit:

-SR9c mags
-P95 mags
-P89 mags
-P85 mags
-Any P-series mags
-Any mags that do not say "Ruger SR9" anywhere on them or the packaging
 
You definitely need to buy magazines specifically labeled to fit the SR9, and shoot it a lot!:) Think of it like ammo, you wouldn't shoot .40 in your 9mm so don't put a generic "Ruger-XX" mag in your SR9. As far as aftermarket mags, I have had good luck with Mec-Gar in other guns, I don't own an SR. I would probably stay away from Pro Mags they are made cheap and I didn't have much luck with them, YMMV. Often overlooked, the magazine is an integral part of the gun and not an accessory. Even the best guns can be rendered junk with a junk mag.
 
Some other thoughts on spare magazines are:

Designate two or three mags as training mags only and use those exclusively when practicing combat reloads, malfunction drills, etc. when you will be dropping mags in the dirt, on concrete, etc. No need to abuse your carry mags.

Keep some mags loaded and others empty and rotate them occasionally to minimize spring compression.

Learn how to take them apart and clean them regularly.

Always carry at least one spare mag.
 
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Some other thoughts on spare magazines are:

Designate two or three mags as training mags only and use those exclusively when practicing combat reloads, malfunction drills, etc. when you will be dropping mags in the dirt, on concrete, etc. No need to abuse your carry mags.

Keep some mags loaded and others empty and rotate them occasionally to minimize spring compression.

Learn how to take them apart and clean them regularly.

Always carry at least one spare mag.
Yeah best to train with the same mags you carry. If they work they work and you'll know it. If you don't practice with your carry mags.....you might find out one won't work, the hard way.

You don't have to unload mags or rotate them.. Springs wear out from repetitive loading and unloading....not from sitting compressed for long periods of time. Captain 1911 is right on the money....it is a myth that won't die.
 
Yeah best to train with the same mags you carry. If they work they work and you'll know it. If you don't practice with your carry mags.....you might find out one won't work, the hard way.

I train with my carry mags enough to know they work, but that's it. The mags that I really train with get pretty abused by falling on concrete/dirt/rocks/mud, getting stepped on, etc, and I see no need to subject my carry mags to that sort of torture. YMMV.
 
Well, the original question has been answered as to which one you need, but something to consider is the state you live in. If there are magazine restrictions in your state, be sure and get the 10-round version to avoid any issues there.

Welcome aboard sir, both to gun ownership and to THR.
 
Agreed. I love mine, and I normally can't get excited about plastic-framed pistols
 
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