Many firearm “magazines” hold 11 rounds or more, offering high capacity

Gun owners are foiling another bid by President Joe Biden and Democratic states to impose limits on firearms and accessories.

At issue are high-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Many states have tried to enforce laws on a 10-round limit, but gun groups have claimed that devices holding more bullets are very common, a word some courts have translated to mean covered by the Constitution.

It turns out they are very common.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, in a first-of-its-kind report, said nearly 1 billion pistol and rifle magazines have been produced since 1990, and over 700,000,000 in use are “large capacity,” holding over 10 rounds.

“An estimated 963 million magazines were produced and entered the commercial market between 1990 and 2021. Of the estimated 963 million magazines, approximately 74%, or 717 million magazines, have a capacity of 11+ rounds,” NSSF said.

Several states have tried to limit the size of magazines in a form of gun control. Larger magazines are popular among target shooters but have also surged as concerns grow about safety.

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In California, for example, courts have twice struck down magazine size limits. But the courts haven’t been consistent. In Rhode Island, a ban has stuck. The matter is likely headed to the Supreme Court.

“Consumer preferences of 11+ capacity magazines are reflected in the manufacturing activity of the firearm industry,” the report shared with Secrets said. “Changes in legislation outlawing or granting access to these magazines may change overall market proportions but the preference to have more ammunition available is clear.”