Brandon Breeze
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For those with their Freedom Week XL Mags!
With the release of the X-Macro Magazine, the old XL mags probably just collect dust in your safe, or sit in a dark hole somewhere. Here I cover how to increase capacity on a budget, with OEM Parts!
If you are not a fan of modifying your gear, this may not be the post for you. I wouldn't recommend this mod if you're not familiar with modifying firearms parts that are involved with the function of the weapon.
I tested an inexpensive, quick way to bump older Sig 15-round mags up to 17 rounds without buying a MagGuts kit.
I explain the whole process and ran ~200 rounds through the modified mag (on the first range trip) with no failures.
Quick summary of what I did:
+1 with a spring swap: Put the X-Macro magazine spring into an older XL 15-round mag. That alone yields +1 (15 → 16) because the X-Macro spring compresses/smashes differently and stacks inside itself better. This spring is an OEM Sig spring. You could call it good there if you wanted with all OEM parts and no modifications.
+2 via follower/base mods: To get one more round (and reach 17), I modified the follower and the base area so the follower could sit flat and the spring could seat properly. I trimmed/flattened parts of the follower (matching the angle of the X-macro follower), adjusted the front sweep so it sits flat when compressed, and created a cup/area to accept the X-macro spring. I also flattened the base where the follower rests so everything runs smoothly.
I did contact Sig to see if I could order these parts (x-macro internals) and they said no, the entire magazine is considered a "wear part" and stated to simply order a new mag.
Outside the mag: I used a 10-round magazine baseplate (unmodified), it’s not pretty but it works for fitment if you want a quick OEM baseplate. There are some good 3D Printed options out there that will look more slick if you like.
Test results: Ran ~200 rounds through the 17-round setup, 17 loaded each time and it functioned 100%. Have brought it to the range a few times since then without any issues as well.
How long did it take to modify? Took about 15 minutes to figure out the first one; future ones take less time once you know what to modify.
Why this matters No need to buy a $30+ MagGuts kit if you already have X-Macro parts or old 15-round mags to repurpose. Cost is minimal (or free if you already have the parts). Or do like I did and replace the springs in your x-macro mags with increased power springs and use the OEM x-macro springs in the XL mags as I did here.
Practical for tinkerers who want extra capacity on a budget.
Notes & cautions This is a DIY mod, modify at your own risk. Test extensively before any carry use. I used an OEM Sig spring. Some folks will prefer only unmodified OEM parts, I get that. If you’re purist/concerned, this may not be for you.
Check local laws regarding magazine capacity before modifying/using higher-capacity mags.
If Sig decides to sell the X-macro follower/parts separately in the future, that could make this easier without modifying factory parts.
Video Here:
With the release of the X-Macro Magazine, the old XL mags probably just collect dust in your safe, or sit in a dark hole somewhere. Here I cover how to increase capacity on a budget, with OEM Parts!
If you are not a fan of modifying your gear, this may not be the post for you. I wouldn't recommend this mod if you're not familiar with modifying firearms parts that are involved with the function of the weapon.
I tested an inexpensive, quick way to bump older Sig 15-round mags up to 17 rounds without buying a MagGuts kit.
I explain the whole process and ran ~200 rounds through the modified mag (on the first range trip) with no failures.
Quick summary of what I did:
+1 with a spring swap: Put the X-Macro magazine spring into an older XL 15-round mag. That alone yields +1 (15 → 16) because the X-Macro spring compresses/smashes differently and stacks inside itself better. This spring is an OEM Sig spring. You could call it good there if you wanted with all OEM parts and no modifications.
+2 via follower/base mods: To get one more round (and reach 17), I modified the follower and the base area so the follower could sit flat and the spring could seat properly. I trimmed/flattened parts of the follower (matching the angle of the X-macro follower), adjusted the front sweep so it sits flat when compressed, and created a cup/area to accept the X-macro spring. I also flattened the base where the follower rests so everything runs smoothly.
I did contact Sig to see if I could order these parts (x-macro internals) and they said no, the entire magazine is considered a "wear part" and stated to simply order a new mag.
Outside the mag: I used a 10-round magazine baseplate (unmodified), it’s not pretty but it works for fitment if you want a quick OEM baseplate. There are some good 3D Printed options out there that will look more slick if you like.
Test results: Ran ~200 rounds through the 17-round setup, 17 loaded each time and it functioned 100%. Have brought it to the range a few times since then without any issues as well.
How long did it take to modify? Took about 15 minutes to figure out the first one; future ones take less time once you know what to modify.
Why this matters No need to buy a $30+ MagGuts kit if you already have X-Macro parts or old 15-round mags to repurpose. Cost is minimal (or free if you already have the parts). Or do like I did and replace the springs in your x-macro mags with increased power springs and use the OEM x-macro springs in the XL mags as I did here.
Practical for tinkerers who want extra capacity on a budget.
Notes & cautions This is a DIY mod, modify at your own risk. Test extensively before any carry use. I used an OEM Sig spring. Some folks will prefer only unmodified OEM parts, I get that. If you’re purist/concerned, this may not be for you.
Check local laws regarding magazine capacity before modifying/using higher-capacity mags.
If Sig decides to sell the X-macro follower/parts separately in the future, that could make this easier without modifying factory parts.
Video Here:
. I kid, but good video explanation.
