Magazine releases

What an extended magazine release does

The magazine release is the button or lever that drops your magazine out of the gun. Factory releases are intentionally small and recessed — designed to avoid accidental activation during holstering or handling. The trade-off is that reaching them during a reload often requires a small shift in your grip, which takes time and breaks your hand position at exactly the moment you want it to stay consistent.

An extended release sits closer to where your thumb already is. You press it without adjusting your grip, the magazine drops, and your hand is already moving toward the next one.

Who notices this most

Any shooter who practises reloads regularly will feel the difference. It is particularly relevant for shooters with smaller hands, where the standard release can sit just slightly too far from a natural thumb position to hit cleanly without moving the hand. It is also a common choice for competition shooters, where reload speed directly affects how a stage scores.

If you have ever caught yourself shifting your grip to reach the release during a drill, an extended release is the direct solution to that specific problem.

What to consider

• Size – extended releases vary in how far they protrude. A longer button is easier to hit but more exposed — some shooters find it causes unintended activations during certain draw or reholster movements. If you carry your gun outside competition, factor this in.
• Left-hand use – if you shoot with your left hand or practise ambidextrous reloads, check whether an ambidextrous or reversible release is available for your model.

Compatibility varies by model and generation. Always check the individual product page before ordering.