Magwells

A reload under time pressure fails at one point: the magazine meets the edge of the grip instead of the opening. A magwell is a funnel fitted to the base of the grip that widens the entry, so the magazine is guided home even when your hand arrives a few millimetres off line.

What a magwell gives you

Surer reloads. The flared opening catches the magazine and steers it in. A steadier gun. Aluminium adds weight low in the grip, which helps the muzzle settle and lets empty magazines drop free. A consistent hold. The larger base gives the heel of your hand a stop, so you grip the gun the same way on every draw.

Standard, Tactical and Open

Several magwells come in more than one version. The Glock gen 5 and the Springfield and HS Produkt XDM have a standard and a Tactical version; the Tactical magwell for the Glock 17 gen 5 works only with Toni System base pads from +1 round and the standard backstrap. The Beretta 92X Performance has a Standard and an Open version, and the Canik Rival-S two widths, 39.5 mm and 44 mm. Each product page states which base pads and backstraps its version needs.

Plan grip, magwell and base pads together

The magwell surrounds the bottom of the magazine, so the base pad has to pass through it. Many magwells need matching Base pads, and on the 1911 the magwell is made either for Vibram or for X3D grips from Grips. Choosing the three as one set saves a second order.

Find your gun

A magwell is shaped to one frame: on the Glock, for example, the gen 5 G17 (also G34 and G45), the G19 gen 5 and the G19X each have their own. Choose by brand: Magwells for 1911, Magwells for Beretta, Magwells for Canik, Magwells for FN, Magwells for Glock, Magwells for HK, Magwells for HS Produkt, Magwells for Springfield, Magwells for Tanfoglio and Magwells for Walther. All are machined from aluminium by Toni System in Italy.

Frequently asked questions

Are magwells allowed in competition?

It depends on the division. Several divisions limit magwell size or magazine length, and some allow no external magwell at all. Check the current rulebook before a match.

Do I need new base pads with a magwell?

Often yes. The product page lists which base pads pass through each magwell; the Tactical Glock magwell, for example, needs Toni System pads from +1 round.

Does a magwell fit my holster?

Most magwells add size only at the base of the grip, below the holster. Check deep concealment or retention holsters before you buy.