Magazine Numbering

[KentF]

Thanks for sharing, great photographs. Re. the number on the magazine baseplates in the second photograph. What do people usually use to number the magazines? The one set looks like some sort of label and the other looks like it might be a paint marker.

How many here actually do number their magazines?

[JV_]

hombre gris: I'm splitting your post in to a new thread, it seems like a good topic for everyone.

The above post was in response to this picture:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v176/forty5r/TLG/IMG_8547.jpg


How many here actually do number their magazines?I use a silver sharpie or white auto touch up paint. I always number them ... and occasionally add my initials. It helps me with two things:

Identifying them in training classes where multiple people could be shooting the same gun.

Keep tabs on malfunctioning magazines and when I perform maintenance on them, like change out springs or followers.

[Frank B]

I do it, too, for the same reasons as stated above.

[orionz06]

http://www.supaflymag.com/2009/December2009/sharpiepaintpens.jpg

[ToddG]

Same. I initial and number them, usually with a paint pen of some kind.

[willowofwisp]

I use a paint marker, red.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5374403764_1037e87bb6.jpg

[jslaker]

I use a paint marker, red.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5374403764_1037e87bb6.jpg

I really dig that.

[MattInFla]

I use a paint marker. IDPA number goes along magazine body, with a number on the basepad.

Matt

[VolGrad]

I mark my mags (all my gear actually) with my initials using a fluorescent paint pen (orange, of course).

I don't number my mags. If I have a malfunction that I think is mag related I simply put that one in a pocket apart from the rest and check it later. I could care less what # is on it ... it's the one in my pocket. I know I couldn't remember which # was potentially bad anyway by the end of the day.

[JV_]

I know I couldn't remember which # was potentially bad anyway by the end of the day.Write it down when you go back to load mags. I have a section in my round count log for malfunctions (on my computer), I jot it down on an index card while on the range.

[Wheeler]

I mark my mags (all my gear actually) with my initials using a fluorescent paint pen (orange, of course).

I don't number my mags. If I have a malfunction that I think is mag related I simply put that one in a pocket apart from the rest and check it later. I could care less what # is on it ... it's the one in my pocket. I know I couldn't remember which # was potentially bad anyway by the end of the day.

Just curious, do you have to special order those orange paint pens over there in Dawg country? :)

Wheeler

[Bratch]

I label with initials and numbers. I also set aside a group of mags for carry that after getting proven reliable do not get used in training, these have a "C" added to them as well.

I'm using a "White Out" pen with success, the point is fine enough to write on the base pads.

[SmokeJumper]

I use the Sharpie paint pen as well. I number the mags for my personal guns as a reference when magazine issues arise. I initial my work gun mags because we all carry the same guns and well, mags tend to grow legs and walk off during range sessions.

[lindertw]

mostly use spray paint to mark all my gear; had a stencil made at a local graphics shop:

http://i910.photobucket.com/albums/ac306/lindertw/stencil-1.jpg

[fuse]

mostly use spray paint to mark all my gear; had a stencil made at a local graphics shop:

http://i910.photobucket.com/albums/ac306/lindertw/stencil-1.jpg

We have a winner. Really really cool.

[VolGrad]

Write it down when you go back to load mags. I have a section in my round count log for malfunctions (on my computer), I jot it down on an index card while on the range.

So do you continue to use the questionable mag until you get back to write down the # or do you separate it out on the spot? That's a serious question. If you separate it out immediately (stop using it when it starts to hiccup) then we accomplish the same thing, right?

Not being argumentative or close minded, just asking.

[JV_]

So do you continue to use the questionable mag until you get back to write down the # or do you separate it out on the spot?In a class or on the range, I continue to use it after I've written it down. It could be a fluke, it could a serious issue, either way - I need more data points.

[TAP]

So do you continue to use the questionable mag until you get back to write down the # or do you separate it out on the spot? That's a serious question. If you separate it out immediately (stop using it when it starts to hiccup) then we accomplish the same thing, right?

Not being argumentative or close minded, just asking.

I make a mental note of the mag number if I have a feed problem but I keep the mag in my training rotation. If a second issue arises and it is associated with that mag, I will cull the bad mag it for further evaluation.

[Jay Cunningham]

mostly use spray paint to mark all my gear; had a stencil made at a local graphics shop:

http://i910.photobucket.com/albums/ac306/lindertw/stencil-1.jpg

Cool, but you still add a designator for individual mags, right?

[John Ralston]

When I number mags, I put a mark (with one of those sharpie paint pens) next to the round count witness mark on the back or side of the mag (for most pistols). On SS 1911 mags I just take a small drill bit and hit the surface (I don't go all the way through), right next to the number. The #1 mag doesn't get marked at all - figure it is still marked in a way.

It is easier for me, and especially with the 1911 mags - you can't wash it off accidentally.

This one is #3

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5531663547_bb053080e3_z.jpg

I do like the stencil idea for marking gear though...

[jslaker]

When I number mags, I put a mark (with one of those sharpie paint pens) next to the round count witness mark on the back or side of the mag (for most pistols).

That's fairly clever, John. My HK mags don't have witness holes until 4, though, so I guess it's paint pen to the baseplate for me still. :)

[John Ralston]

That is true about most double stacks, but you can still put 2 dots on the back (or side) for #2, 3 dots for #3, then start putting them next to the correct number. Number 1 still has nothing.

There is also no rule that says you have to start at number 1 - I gues if you have more than 11 HK Mags you might run out of witness holes ;)

[orionz06]

To distinguish all of my mags I have had to resort to over marking. I fill in the S&W logo on the front, I fill in the mag number that corresponds to the magazine number, and I mark the baseplate. I also use pink, it is very visible.

[David Armstrong]

I don't mark the baseplate, I number the magazine body itself, usually with a silver paint pen for dark mags and a blck Sharpie for light colors.

[lindertw]

Cool, but you still add a designator for individual mags, right?

no, I keep a roll of masking tape in my range bag and put a small piece on any problem mags for later inspection.

[Kyle Reese]

For AR mags, I use a sharpie designating my initials, mag number and in some cases ammo type (MK 262 Mod 1) or (MK 318 Mod 0).

Pistol mags? Silver sharpie on M&P / Glock mags designating initials and mag number.

Very unsophisticated, but it helps me keep track of my mags. ;)

[jetfire]

I number as well; but I also use a zero-index. The first mag is always #0, because that mag becomes the "control" magazine for reliability testing.

[Beamish]

I number as well; but I also use a zero-index. The first mag is always #0, because that mag becomes the "control" magazine for reliability testing.
What makes it the "Control"? Do you use it less? Always download it?

With any given group of OEM Mags there is no reason to expect any one is more suitable as a control than another; and if they are all used the same way there is, again, no reason to expect any one to be more reliable than the other.

[jetfire]

I originally started the system with 1911s. Back when I first did it I had one Wilson Combat mag that I used as my reliability standard by which all other mags were measured, since 1911 magazines can be a real mixed bag. With mags for modern production guns like my M&P, I still use the zero index mostly out of habit and vanity these days.

Also, I still have that Wilson mag, and it's still running.

[45R]

Those are my mags in the picture...so yes I number them all :)

[m91196]

I run painters tape with numbers on Glock mags.
If there is a problem I pull the tape off and it won't be used during the training/match.

[MD7305]

On my pistol mags, I put my initials and what ever number the mag is on the bottom of the baseplate.

On my carbine mags, I put my initials on one side and the mag number on the other side.

Training mags are marked with hot pink paint pens and duty mags are marked with lime green paint pens.

I get asked all the time on-duty what the "letters and numbers on my gun are." When I explain that it's an inventory/identification system used to track and isolate problematic mags I get the funniest looks. Plus, with mags in my department that have been in service for 15 years I choose to purchase and use my own and I don't want to swap my new mags for someone else's old beaters.

[Frank B]

On my pistol mags, I put my initials and what ever number the mag is on the bottom of the baseplate.


I put the gun serial # at the mag body and a number on the baseplate, so I know a certain mag belongs to a certain gun. I do this with my company guns as well as my private ones.

[SELFDEFENSE]

On the bottom of the baseplate I put the mag number for that gun (1,2,3....).
On the left portion of the mag baseplate I put the name of the gun (M9, G19, etc.).
On the right portion of the baseplate I put the mag capacity (10, 15, etc.).

[Chris Rhines]

Rifle and pistol magazines get marked on the body or basepad with a white paint pen. The mark I use is CJR Mx. CJR for my initials, M for (M)atch or (P)ractice, x for the index number. Carry magazines get drawn from the Match pile. Failures with Match magazines result in the magazine either being trashed or demoted to the Practice pile. I haven't had enough failures with a Practice magazine to downcheck it yet, but I'm sure it'll happen.

-C

[GearScout]

I use a simple 1-9 numbering system on my mags. This just helps me rotate mags and ID them if there's trouble. I found metallic Sharpies work well for $2.30/2-pack.
33
http://www.amazon.com/Sharpie-Metallic-Permanent-Markers-39108PP/dp/B00009RAX4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1301885516&sr=8-2-spell

[t1tan]

http://i543.photobucket.com/albums/gg456/t1tan19/1c8d4086.jpg

[MattNRA]

I just use a paint pen...
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss16/M4gerySBR/numberedmags.jpg

[JDM]

Necrothread.

http://tapatalk.com/mu/a6cd0921-49f4-3a81.jpg

Automotive touch-up paint.

They aren't numbered because I haven't had any problems, but they are pretty distinct and easy to pick out while I'm at the range.

Oh and only the training magazines get marked. The three I use for carry are unmarked.