The Colt Mustang 380, a diminutive powerhouse in the world of concealed carry pistols, has garnered a dedicated following for its blend of reliability and compact size. However, one common desire among Mustang 380 owners is an increase in magazine capacity. This article delves into the world of extended magazines for the Colt Mustang 380, exploring their benefits, drawbacks, and what to consider before purchasing one.
Why Choose an Extended Magazine?
The standard Colt Mustang 380 magazine typically holds six rounds. While sufficient for many situations, an extended magazine offers several key advantages:
-
Increased Capacity: The most obvious benefit is the added firepower. Extended magazines often increase capacity to 7 or even 8 rounds, providing a significant advantage in self-defense scenarios.
-
Enhanced Self-Defense Capability: More rounds translate to a greater margin of error and potentially more opportunities to neutralize a threat. This is particularly important in high-stress situations where accuracy can suffer.
-
Improved Training Opportunities: Extended magazines allow for more extensive practice at the range without constantly reloading, leading to improved marksmanship and faster reload times.
Considerations When Choosing an Extended Magazine
While the benefits are clear, choosing the right extended magazine for your Colt Mustang 380 requires careful consideration:
-
Reliability: Not all extended magazines are created equal. Some aftermarket magazines may experience feeding issues or malfunctions. Thorough research and reading user reviews are crucial to ensure reliability.
-
Concealability: While an extended magazine increases capacity, it also increases the overall size of the pistol. This might compromise the Mustang's excellent concealability, especially for individuals with smaller builds.
-
Print: The added length of an extended magazine can make it more prone to "printing," or showing the outline of the firearm under clothing. This is an important consideration for concealed carry.
-
Cost: Extended magazines often command a higher price than standard capacity magazines. This is something to factor into your budget.
-
Legality: Always check your local and state laws regarding magazine capacity before purchasing an extended magazine. Some jurisdictions have restrictions on the number of rounds a magazine can hold.
Finding the Right Extended Magazine
The market offers several brands producing extended magazines for the Colt Mustang 380. Before making a purchase, meticulously research reviews and compare features from various manufacturers. Pay close attention to user experiences regarding reliability, feeding issues, and overall quality. Look for magazines crafted from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand rigorous use.
Conclusion: Balancing Capacity and Concealability
The decision to add an extended magazine to your Colt Mustang 380 is a personal one. It involves carefully weighing the advantages of increased capacity against potential drawbacks to concealability and potential reliability issues. By conducting thorough research and considering your individual needs and circumstances, you can make an informed choice that best suits your concealed carry requirements. Remember to always prioritize safe handling and responsible gun ownership practices.
