There are a lot of reasons why you might want to disassemble your OEM Glock magazine. Regardless if you want to install a magazine extender, extended grip, or just need to clean your mag. This guide will show you 4 different ways to disassemble your magazine.
The main challenge with taking apart OEM Glock mags is getting around the retaining ears or tabs that prevent the baseplate from sliding off the magazine and trying not to damage or wear them down in the removal process. Damage to these ears and to your magazine tube is very common so be careful when removing your baseplate.
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MagCamWizard™:
The MagCamWizard™ applies controlled pressure to the magazine tube, allowing for easy baseplate removal without risking damage to the retaining ears, magazine tube, or baseplate. It's easy to use and efficient.
Steps:
1. Insert the magazine into the MagCamWizard™ (MCW) so that the baseplate sits flush against the device
2. Press to disengage interior spring plate to from the baseplate by inserting the displacement tool into the hole in the baseplate. With +2 magazines, push this plate into the tube of the magazine, about 1 inch.
3. Clip down the arms of the MCW so they are flush against the device while the spring plate fully disengaged.
4. Slide the baseplate halfway off with the displacement tool still inserted.
5. Remove the disassembly tool and finish sliding the baseplate off. Be sure to maintain control of the magazine spring when removing the plate.
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Forced Plate Removal:
This method is the most difficult but requires next to no tools. It can cause damage to the retaining ears and the baseplate. The damage caused from this can make the baseplate slide freely when not under tension, leading to potential failures. All you need is a punch or screwdriver and a little effort.
Steps:
1. Press the spring plate into the magazine tube.
2. place the magazine on the edge of a table with the baseplate hanging off the surface.
3. Push down hard until the baseplate starts to slide off (retaining ears may be damaged during this step)
4. Remove your punch or screwdriver and finish sliding the plate off. (Be sure to maintain control of the magazine spring when sliding the baseplate off)
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C-Clamp Method:
This method uses a C-clamp to apply pressure to the sides of the magazine tube, compressing the retaining ears and allowing for easier baseplate removal. While this method can work, it risks damaging the magazine's polymer casing and metal structure.
Steps:
1. Press the spring plate into the magazine tube
2. Place the C-clamp on the magazine tube just above the baseplate and centered on the magazine.
3. Tighten the C-clamp to compress the retaining ears. Be careful to not over-tighten, as this can crack the magazine tube.
4. Begin sliding off the baseplate, sometimes getting it to slide over the retaining ears can take some effort.
5. Remove the tool used to press in the spring plate, and finish sliding the plate off. (Be sure to maintain control of the magazine spring)
6. Remove the C-clamp. -
Vice Grips Method:
This relies on applying pressure to the magazine tube using vice grips or channel locks. While it can be effective in disassembling the magazine, it is very easy to damage the outside of the magazine tube because the teeth will bite into the plastic when clamping.
Steps:
1. Press the spring plate into the magazine tube
2. Adjust your vice grip to just smaller than your magazine tube
3. Clamp your vice grip onto the magazine tube or hold the channel locks to apply pressure just above the retaining ears. This will likely leave teeth marks on your magazine tube.
4. Begin sliding off the baseplate, sometimes getting it to slide over the retaining ears can take some effort.
5. Remove the tool used to press in the spring plate, and finish sliding the plate off. (Be sure to maintain control of the magazine spring)
6. Remove the vice grip.
There are a lot of different methods and tools for removing OEM Glock magazine baseplates. While some methods like using C-clamps or vice grips may work, they pose risks of damage and require time and attention. On the other hand, solutions like the MagCamWizard offer a safe, easier, and foolproof way to remove the baseplate without damage to the magazine.
