SHOT Show 2024 is here and who would we be if GunMagWarehouse attended and didn’t find the latest and greatest in magazines? Magazines are rarely the star of the show, but there’s always a few that eke out. We’ve captured the best five new mags from SHOT 2024.
Magpul T-MAG
Magpul makes the P-MAG, so what is the T-MAG? If “P” stands for polymer, what does “T” stand for? Translucent! Taking a cue from our European allies and Lancer, Magpul has created the T-MAG. This fully translucent magazine looks much like the sought-after E-MAG design. The T-MAG uses the same proven reliable geometry and shape as the Gen 3 P-MAG. While optimized for the AR-15 platform, the T-MAG will probably work fine on anything using STANAG mags.
The T-MAG features an olive-drab hue to it, probably to dampen the bright and reflective nature of brass. We all wanna look cool, but don’t want to give up our position. Accordingly, the T-MAG’s hue helps you blend in and avoid standing out. The T-MAG series has the same gas gauge style numerical imprints for approximating ammo left in the mag. But to be fair, it’s pretty obvious with a clear magazine.
The T-MAG is compatible with all manner of Gen-3 PMAG aftermarket goodies. This includes different floor plates to draw the mag easier, add a few extra rounds, or even add a bipod. Magpul has always done magazines right, so the T-MAG is pretty unlikely to let us down. The folks at Magpul told us to expect T-MAGs to hit the shelves in Spring of 2024.
Magpul AMAGs
Yep, Magpul is mentioned again. This shouldn’t surprise us since the company has revolved around magazines for so many years. However, what’s not expected are metal magazines. The AMAG is Magpul’s first attempt at producing a metal magazine. The first AMAG offering will be for the P320 series handguns, but I won’t be surprised if they release M&P models. While polymer mags exist for these guns, metal mags are the standard. The P320 mag makes sense given its popularity and wide adoption, especially after becoming the primary handgun for the United States military.
The AMAG comes with all the usual features: high-visibility anti-tilt follower, stainless-steel spring, and a flared floorplate that’s easily removable for cleaning. Magpul’s signature dot matrix also makes an appearance.
Magpul’s AMAG promises to offer a little competition to SIG’s rather expensive pistol magazines. The AMAG is currently available at GMW for $34.99. The AMAG might be an interesting experiment that ultimately contributes to lowering the price of magazines from SIG, Beretta, Smith & Wesson, and others. Maybe it will come full circle and we’ll have a metal AR mag next year.
ETS Omega Magazines
ETS Group is the company behind affordable polymer mags for Glocks, SIGs, M&Ps, and more. ETS (Elite Tactical Systems) makes all kinds of different polymer magazines and provides affordable options for even the unusual like Glock 20 and 21 magazines. While ETS has always been a polymer magazine company. However, with the Omega series, ETS blended metal and polymer to provide a more durable and reliable — but still affordable — option.
Inside the magazine, the metal portion sinks nearly halfway down the magazine. Beyond feeding reliably, the magazine also drops feed without a single issue, which is sometimes a problem with ETS magazines. Omega magazines still use the same proven ETS polymer body, and it’s compatible with all other ETS gear. The floorplates are great, easy to remove, and wider, so they’re easy to retrieve from your magazine pouch.
At this point, ETS Omega magazines are available for the Glock 17 only. The Omega’s retail price is $25.99 but it’s available now at GMW for cheaper.
Fostech .50 BMG Drum
What’s the American attitude toward ammo? More is better, right? Unfortunately, for most 50-caliber rifles, their capacity is limited. Historically, the Barrett 82/107 series leads the way with 10-round mags. The problem with fitting more rounds in the magazine isn’t a lack of will or want; it’s that the cartridges are huge. These massive .50 BMG rifles are too heavy to really hold and shoot, so the shooter uses a bipod on a table or in prone. If the mag is too long, it’s impossible to get into the prone position. Fostech has basically said: to hell with that, let’s make a .50 BMG drum mag!
Drums might be wider, but they aren’t longer. Coincidentally, the 20-round Fostech drum holds 20 rounds of .50 BMG in, or close to, the same vertical space as a 10-round magazine.
What’s the point? Well, you can LARP the Call of Duty loadout you’ve always wanted or, maybe, you want to make Space Marines? I also heard someone mention high-speed dudes using Barrett’s from helicopters or something like that. Either way, we now have a 20-round option to throw a ton of lead down range with fewer reloads. This is America, after all.
Mission First Tactical Translucent EXD Magazines
Oh boy, another AR mag. In my opinion, we can’t have enough and the massive aftermarket has made the AR affordable for all. Mission First Tactical (MFT) has an interesting history. Initially, they made waves with their micro-sized rail-mounted admin light and minimalist stock, used by some of America’s most lethal warfighters. They’ve since expanded into AR magazines. For this year, MFT is releasing translucent EXD magazines.
The translucent polymer EXD magazines are coming in quite a few different colors. Why? Well, why not? MFT makes tons of custom magazines with various graphics, so they aren’t afraid to make things just because. According to MFT, the EXD series are:
Crafted from a military-grade proprietary copolymer construction, these are not your traditional Poly Carb Mags. The new MFT Translucent EXD Magazines are resistant to heat, cold, UVs, harsh chemicals, and drop impact, even in extreme temperatures. The magazines will not crack, become brittle, or discolor over time. No lip reinforcement is required.
While I don’t quite know what that necessarily means, it sounds nice. Polymer magazines are well-proven, and I think most people are sold on their capability. While they might be new, most of MFT’s stuff tends to be fairly affordable. So, another economical, transparent option on the market doesn’t sound bad to me.
Load ‘Em Up
Another year, another batch of new mags for our favorite platforms. Every time you think magazines are figured out; they remix, revise, and produce something new, more reliable, and better for your favorite firearm.
