Balance and Magazines

Brass63 said:

Sixto’s (and others) assessment of Springfield XD’s as being/feeling top-heavy got me thinking.
When designing their guns, do manufacturers plan the balance of their guns based on a full, half-full or empty magazine?
(Or maybe it’s of no concern to them at all?)
I know that the balance of my XD 45 changes considerably between an empty mag and one fully loaded.
Do those of you who shoot competitively ever notice any change in accuracy as you shoot your way through a full magazine?
Or is this issue of balance a minor/mute one, having little or no impact on the shooter?

Click to expand...

I couldn't say on most of this, and I'm a Glockster to boot. Thing is...the magazine is in your hand when you are shooting. It may be covered by the grip and all, but it's where no difference in weight should be of any issue with balance of the pistol as a whole. The weight of a fully loaded magazine compared to a near empty magazine should not affect the "balance" of a pistol if good engineering is involved. (period). I do shoot competitively at least once a month with my Glocks. Only change in accuracy would be affected by me and not a fully loaded or near empty magazine. It has to be in the design rather than user adaptability. Doesn't it?