Hello Everyone,

Just looking for some opinions on these two magazines from those who own or have owned both.

I have, have extensively used, and like both. The 18-rounders are a little more flush to the bottom of the pistol frame and are marginally easier to fit in magazine pouches. That's it. There's not enough difference in weight or balance to matter.

quote:

P226 Mec Gar Magazines: 18 vs 20 Rd. Which do you prefer, and why?

Both are reliable. So, take that out of the equation.

Preference: 20-rounder. I don't carry the P226, so, just more capacity for range use. And, it's a good mag to load up 100 rds (= 5 mags). Weird, I know, but I don't like oddball number (like 17, 18, 19).

If I were carrying the P226, then I'd take the 18-rounder.

I like the 18rd mags for mine. Flush fitting, easier for carry.

I prefer the flush fit 18 rounders. I have a wide collection of 15, 17, 18 and 20s. Some are really old, some are new.

My training magazines are all flush fit so I tend to gravitate toward the flush fit 18s.

18's FTW! Flush-fit so one in the gun and a spare is 36+1 of firepower for no extra size. Not too shabby.

18rd flush fitting metal base plates for me as well.

Flush fit 18's

18 rounders for me.

Very timely post. I’m about to get a couple of 226s and wanted to verify the best flush fit mag.

I carry my 226s alot & prefer the 18 rounders. They’re not exactly a flush fit. The base plate sticks out, kinda like the mags on Glocks.

I prefer the flush fit 18rd mags in the gun itself. It makes it a bit smoother for carry. I put the 20s in my mag pouch.

What’s a good price for them? Where?

I like the look of the 18's and are easier to carry. I do use the 20's as range mags and spares for the "what if" moments. They are both good to go.

quote:

Originally posted by ruger357:
What’s a good price for them? Where?

Greg Cote always has a good selection and great prices

I use both, but mainly the 18 rounders for USPSA competition. The flush fit allows my P226 to fit into the production division measuring box.

18 rounder in the pistol, and the 20 rounders as spares.

I prefer the extra length for reloads so as to not catch skin and gloves between the mag and mag well. The extra rounds are just gravy.

I keep a 226 with WML & a 20 rounder in a lock box as my go to pistol beside my bed and have 2 more 20 rounders as reloads. I keep another 226 loaded with an 18 rounder in a lock box at my office desk with a 20 and 18 rounder as roloaders.

I have never had any problems with any them. As others have stated the 18 rounders will fit fairly flush but I like the fact that 20 rounders will carry the 2 extra rounds plus you can not help but seat the mag in an emergency.

When I carry my 226 WG, I have a Mec Gar 18 round in the gun, I just prefer the flush fit of the 18 rounder.

I prefer the 18s because of the flush fit.