Magazine
Capacity:
Know the Data.
Know Your Setup.
There’s a lot of noise around magazine capacity. Legislation. Restrictions. Debate.
Before the politics — there’s the data.
And the data tells a clear story.
According to the NSSF Detachable Magazine Report (1990–2021), nearly one billion detachable magazines are in circulation across the United States.
Total detachable magazines in circulation — pistols + rifles
Hold more than 10 rounds — approximately 717 million units
10 rounds or fewer — approximately 246 million units
Rifle magazines with 30+ round capacity alone account for an estimated 448 million units. Pistol magazines over 10 rounds add another 209 million.
The so-called “high capacity” magazine isn’t an outlier.
It’s the standard.
The debate over capacity limits often ignores what manufacturers consider factory standard. Here’s what ships in the box:
| Caliber / Platform | Typical Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9mm (full/compact) | 15–17 rounds | Factory standard |
| 9mm (subcompact) | 6–10 rounds | Prioritizes concealability |
| .40 S&W | ~13 rounds | Full size |
| .45 ACP | ~10 rounds | Full size |
| .22 LR | ~10 rounds | Varies widely |
| AR-15 / MSR | 30 rounds | Standard issue from manufacturer |
A full-size Glock 17 ships with 17 rounds. An M&P9 ships with 15 to 17. These aren’t extended configurations. That’s stock.
As of 2026, 14 states plus Washington D.C. restrict magazine capacity. The other 36 states have no restrictions.
| State | Capacity Limit | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| California | 10 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
| Connecticut | 10 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
| Hawaii | 10 rounds | Handgun only |
| Maryland | 10 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
| Massachusetts | 10 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
| New Jersey | 10 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
| New York | 10 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
| Rhode Island | 10 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
| Washington | 10 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
| Colorado | 15 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
| Vermont | 10 rds rifle / 15 rds handgun | Both |
| Delaware | 17 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
| DC | 10 rounds | Handgun & Rifle |
The federal ban from 1994 to 2004 reduced large-capacity magazine use in crime to around 10%. Once it expired, that number climbed back to 22% by 2010. No federal restriction is currently in effect.
Know the law for every state you carry or travel through.
If you’re building an armory — not just stacking gear — capacity is part of the equation.
Knowing what’s standard for your platform means you can stage your setup correctly. Store your mags intentionally. Know what you’re running and why.
That’s the difference between a gun wall and an armory.
- Organized.
- Intentional.
- Built with purpose.
HexCore Mounts exist to help you build that.
Designed and Manufactured in the USA // hexcoremounts.com
