I've long known it's a good idea to number your mags so you can keep track of usage, in case one gets wonky, etc., but I never got around to it.

More recently I ran into a different kind of problem: Went into my safe and realized I'd gotten a little (?) lazy/sloppy. There were mags sitting out in random places all over the place.

That's when I realized I had a problem. As I started picking these up I'd go "What the heck pistol do these go with?!?!

Oh boy

Plus I may get into one-or-another practical pistol shooting competition thing and I believe I'll occasionally be dropping mags on the ground doing reloads. I've read you're expected to leave them there until after the course-of-fire and pick them up afterward. So identifying yours might be a good idea?

"Permanent" marker won't work, I know. On the polymer mags for my Kimber Rimfire Target I tried labels from my Brother label-maker. Those look neat and clean, but ISTM there's a chance those could come loose at a Bad Time and cause trouble with reloading. So that may not be a great idea.

Metallic silver Sharpie.

The metallic Sharpies are paint pens, not traditional ink markers.

It's decently long-lasting, but it'll still wear off over time. It happens gradually, though. Just keep an eye on them, and touch up the markings as needed.

(Standard black Sharpies do still work on some magazines, like parkerized/phosphated magazines. Basically any textured and lighter-colored magazines.)

Pretty much like this. I use either Skilcraft or Testors paint markers.

Different base pads for different pistols.

Yes, metallic Sharpies.

Never marked any of my mags (probably several dozen by this point). I may have to look into these sharoies. Seems like a good idea, if for nothing other than making life easier in case someone else has to dispose of my collection some day.

For the sharpies I find the solver is the best for marking mags. It’s not permanent by any means but it’s pretty good and easy to reapply.

I have applied wife’s nail polish on base pads before. That is pretty close to permanent but it’s a pain in the ass. Silver metallic Sharpie.

Hopps#9 does a decent job in removing the paint/sharpie if you ever need to re-label them.

I also use a silver Sharpie and use Hoppe’s 9 if the need arises to remove /modify it. Let me add that on my GLOCK 9mm range mags (19 & 34) I use blue sims mag baseplates.

I use a paint pen come in may colors (I use white or orange normally) and last a very long time. I would guess (but I've never had too) that a little contact cleaner would remove it, but really can't see why.

I have access to the laser marker at work.

I was making little labels but have now been using a silver sharpie. Much easier and lasts awhile.

I use a label maker for my mags. and holsters. It's a more expensive way of keeping track but I like the neatness of the labels because my printing is terrible.

I've been using a silver sharpie.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
Metallic silver Sharpie.

Same

My Sig mags are color coded with a dot of paint
On the bottom , You can see which mag goes with what gun quickly, it also helps identify it as your mag if someone picks it up, during a match or on the bench with other shooters gear.

Numbering has worked well using a silver sharpie
Or on occasion a target paster on the bottom with a note or number written on it.

My Revolver speed loaders have their tops colored with model paint then a Black or Silver Sharpie number on that.

I use a white paint pen... or should that be "Caucasian" paint pen? Anyway, I tried gold and silver Sharpies, but they didn't hold up near as well as the paint pen does, so I've stuck with it!

Sharpie also has some extra fine paint pens you can get at most craft shops.

Another vote for silver sharpie. I like that it's fairly temporary so I can re-number if I toss a mag without having to scrub on them. Also gives me some metric of how much use the mags have seen since marked.

quote:

Originally posted by vthoky:
I have access to the laser marker at work.

Yeah, work tools can be handy. I used to have access to a milling machine.

One of the disadvantages of being retired.

quote:

Originally posted by Chowser:
I was making little labels ...

quote:

Originally posted by marksman41:
I use a label maker for my mags...

Neither of you ever had a problem with the labels coming loose or scrunching-up and interfering with the mag dropping or insertion?

quote:

Originally posted by marksman41:
It's a more expensive way of keeping track but I like the neatness of the labels because my printing is terrible.

Eh, it's not that expensive and it is a lot neater.

Otherwise it looks like it's paint pen or silver sharpie.

Thanks, everyone, for the feedback.