Springfield Armory M1 Garand - Nov 1941

My “How-To” on converting XD(M) Magazines to a 10 rd capacity!

Description:

I converted my standard capacity XD(M) magazines to comply with the California state required limit of 10 rounds.  The magazines need to be PERMANENTLY modified to the new capacity.  I use a two-part hobby epoxy and two pieces of metal per magazine.  These items cannot be removed or changed without the use of several tools.

Disclaimer: These modifications have not been legally approved by the CA DOJ.  Use at your own risk!

Here is how I went about doing it:

1. I bought some 1/2” wide angle braces at True Value

2. You also need: A hacksaw to cut the metal and some two-part epoxy.

All the parts needed to get started...

Insert the mag follower and load 10 rounds of ammunition (use the mag spring to keep the rounds aligned correctly).  Place the metal brace in the magazine until it touches the bottom of the follower.  Mark the metal at the bottom of the magazine.  You will cut it about 1/4” short to make room for the mag spring on the bottom and also to give the follower some play after the 10th round is inserted (but not enough for an 11th round).

I also used a hammer to slightly round the top end of the metal to help the mag spring move freely.  A Dremel would be a better tool if you have one. Be careful not to completely remove the flat edge, this is what the follower uses to stop.

Epoxy the cut metal pieces to the front and rear of the magazine body.  You want to leave some space between the metal piece and the bottom of the mag.  This allows space for the square bottom of the mag spring.  Leave more space for the front due to the bend in the spring used to retain the mag floorplate.  Make sure you install the follower before epoxing the pieces in place and don’t get any stray epoxy on the follower.  Epoxy will ooze out the round counter holes on the backside, so be prepared to wipe it up immediately or sand it off later.

The top of the metal pieces should be placed just about between the holes for the 14th and 16th round.  Closer to the 14th will not give much play once the 10th round is in.  Closer to the 16th might give too much and allow an 11th round.  I hand fit each piece (4 mags) to ensure it was right.

You need to leave a bigger gap in the front for the spring bend.

Spring in the magazine.

Putting on the magazine floorplate.

With it all put together.

10 rounds is all it will hold.

Four complete magazines!

At the range...is it going to work?

SUCCESS!

Both magazines I tested worked perfectly firing about 200 rounds of Winchester White Box and MIWALL commercial reloads.  I modified the two other magazines after the successful test.  Should be a good interim solution until SA makes “official” 10 rounders available for the XD(M) pistol.  These are 9mm mags, but it should work for .40 the same.

Good Luck!