How do I use my MakerShot magazine loader on a pistol style magazine?
There is a rhythm to effective loading, as with any tool. Practice makes perfect. Insert a single round to start manually. Push down with the loader and start feeding the next round under the feed lips. Without letting go of the round lift the magazine loader upward and continue pushing the round all the way to the rear until its fully seated. Repeat this process until loaded. Here is a great tutorial using the S&W M&P Shield magazine.
How do I use my MakerShot magazine loader on a rifle or carbine style magazine?
This varies from the pistol style with narrow magazine feed lips. Essentially the rounds are placed on top of the previous round and “clicked” into place by pushing down on the loader. Lift and repeat until fully loaded. Good examples of these loaders include the AR-15 rifle, FN Five-seveN pistol, and the CZ EVO 3 and Sig Sauer MPX carbines. The MPX loader is used here in this tutorial.
My MakerShot loader doesn’t fit on my magazine properly.
We are committed to helping you get what you meant to order. First, check your receipt. We make loaders that are custom fit to specific firearm models, not generic loaders by caliber! Here are some common ordering errors.
S&W M&P Shield in 9 mm (single stack) when you meant to order a S&W M&P Shield PLUS in 9 mm (double stack). Or vice versa.
S&W M&P Shield
The S&W M&P Shield magazines (6-8 rounds) are thinner than the S&W M&P Shield PLUS double stack magazines (10+ rounds).
S&W M&P Shield Plus
The S&W M&P Shield PLUS magazines are true double stack mags, and are wider than both the Shield and Shield EZ magazines.
S&W M&P Shield in 9 mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP (single stack mag) when you meant to order S&W M&P Full Size or Compact in 9 mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP (double stack mag). Or vice versa.
S&W M&P Shield
The S&W M&P Shield magazines in 9 mm and .40 S&W are under 10 rounds each, thinner, and a different size than other S&W magazines.
S&W M&P / M&P Compact
The S&W M&P and M&P Compact magazines are at least ten rounds each and much larger than the M&P Shield magazines.
S&W M&P Shield in 9 mm (single stack) when you meant to order a S&W M&P EZ Shield in 9 mm (single stack with magazine follower tab). Or vice versa.
S&W M&P Shield
The S&W M&P Shield magazines in 9 mm and .40 S&W are larger than the S&W M&P 9 Shield EZ magazines.
S&W M&P Shield EZ
The S&W M&P Shield EZ magazines are single stack, low capacity magazines that are thinner than other S&W magazines.
Springfield Armory XDS / XDE in 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP when you mean to order a Springfield Armory XD 9 mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. Or vice versa.
Springfield Armory XDS / XDE
Springfield XDS and XDE single stack magazines in 9 mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP are much thinner than the XD double stack magazines.
Springfield Armory XD
Double stack Springfield XD magazines are much larger than the XDS and XDE single stack magazines.
Springfield Armory XD 9 mm when you meant to order a Springfield Armory XDM 9 mm (“megazine”). Or vice versa.
Springfield Armory XD
Springfield XD double stack magazines in 9 mm and .40 S&W are actually thinner than the XDM variants.
Springfield Armory XDM
Springfield XDM magazines are larger capacity in 9 mm and .40 S&W than the XD mags. The .45 ACP XD / XDM magazines are the same.
Springfield Armory EMP 9mm (smaller mag front to back) when you meant to order a full sized 1911 9mm loader. Or vice versa.
Springfield Armory EMP
Springfield EMP magazines are smaller front to back than traditional 1911 magazines in order to accept 9 mm and .40 S&W rounds.
1911 9mm
A full sized 1911 magazine, which normally takes .45 ACP, is downsized to accept 9 mm with a spacer in the back of the magazine.
Bersa Thunder Plus .380 ACP (double stack) when you meant to order a Bersa Thunder .380 ACP (single stack) loader. Or vice versa.
Bersa Thunder Plus .380 ACP
Bersa Thunder PLUS magazines are double stack, and much wider than the Thunder magazine.
Bersa Thunder .380 ACP
Bersa Thunder .380 ACP magazines are single stack and much narrower than the Thunder PLUS variant.
Of course, mistakes can still happen on our end. If you feel that you have ordered the correct loader for your specific make, model, and caliber, but it still doesn't fit, please contact us for a replacement.
I received two loaders with the same markings.
Our process maps over a dozen key dimensions of a magazine to model a loader with the best fit possible. Manufacturers make guns that shoot the same caliber of bullets, and so rarely that means the key dimensions between magazines are so similar that the algorithm produces duplicate geometry. No worries though, simply contact us on whatever platform you ordered from for a hassle free refund.