Magazine (firearms) - High Capacity Magazines

High Capacity Magazines

The term high capacity magazine is used to describe magazines that exceed a specified definition of "normal" capacity. In many jurisdictions, magazine capacity of certain firearms is legally restricted, such as it was under the United States' Federal Assault Weapons Ban, which defined a magazine capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition as a high capacity ammunition feeding device. This law expired in 2004 and there have since been multiple attempts to renew it with no bill reaching the House floor for a vote. An attempt to only renew the limitations on large capacity magazines also failed. Currently, in the United States, six states limit magazine capacities. The limits range from 10 rounds to 20 rounds.

Magazine capacity is often limited by the design of the firearm in such cases as internal, tubular, or rotary magazines. In cases such as a detachable box magazine, capacity is limited only by its design. Many pistol and rifle magazines classified by gun control laws as "high capacity" are the factory standard magazines originally designed for use with their respective firearms. Reduced capacity magazines were created in response to enactment of the bans.