Are We Wrong About Capacity?

Published on June 26, 2026
Duration: 15:58

This video explores the firearms community's fascination with magazine and firearm capacity. Hickok45 discusses how even on hunting rifles like his Ruger Hawkeye in .35 Whelen, he opted for an extended floor plate to increase capacity. He contrasts this with the revolutionary capacity of the Glock 17 upon its release and the impact of high-capacity, compact pistols like the SIG P365. The discussion extends to revolvers, noting the preference for 7-round cylinders over 6-round ones, and questions whether this obsession is justified or simply a 'want' rather than a 'need'.

Quick Summary

Firearms enthusiasts often exhibit an obsession with magazine capacity, driven by the 'better to have it and not need it' principle and the practical benefits of fewer reloads. Firearms like the Glock 17 and SIG P365 revolutionized capacity expectations, while even hunting rifles and revolvers see aftermarket modifications for increased rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Ruger Hawkeye & Capacity Question
  2. 00:13Shooting the .35 Whelen
  3. 00:55The Obsession with Capacity
  4. 01:12Confessions of a Capacity Enthusiast
  5. 01:35Ruger Hawkeye Capacity Modification
  6. 02:06The 'Want' vs. 'Need' for Capacity
  7. 02:30Hunting Rifle Capacity
  8. 02:54Sponsors: Alabama Holster, Rent-A-Gun
  9. 03:07The Glock 17 Revolution
  10. 03:55Early High-Capacity Handguns
  11. 04:16General Desire for Plenty
  12. 04:42SIG P365: A Game Changer
  13. 05:41Capacity in Revolvers
  14. 06:15AR-15 and 300 Blackout Capacity
  15. 06:40Reasons for Liking Capacity
  16. 07:16The 'Better to Have It' Principle
  17. 07:42Range Fun and Reloading
  18. 07:57Discipline for New Shooters
  19. 08:11Are We Wrong About Capacity?
  20. 08:22FBI Stats and Defensive Shootings (Brief Mention)
  21. 08:42Need vs. Want: Capacity
  22. 08:52Final Thoughts on Capacity
  23. 09:11Sponsors: Talon Grips, Ballistol
  24. 09:35Social Media & More Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are firearms enthusiasts often obsessed with magazine capacity?

The obsession with firearm capacity stems from a combination of factors, including the 'better to have it and not need it' mentality, the practical advantage of fewer reloads during range practice, and the historical impact of high-capacity firearms like the Glock 17 and SIG P365.

Can magazine capacity be increased on hunting rifles?

Yes, it's often possible to increase magazine capacity on hunting rifles through aftermarket modifications. For example, an extended floor plate can be added to a bolt-action rifle like the Ruger Hawkeye to allow for additional rounds in the magazine.

How did the Glock 17 change perceptions of handgun capacity?

The Glock 17, introduced in the 1980s, was revolutionary for its time by offering a standard 17-round capacity in a polymer-framed pistol. This significantly raised the bar for handgun capacity and influenced subsequent firearm designs.

Is higher capacity always necessary for self-defense or hunting?

While higher capacity can offer a psychological advantage and reduce the need for frequent reloads, it's not always strictly necessary. Many experienced individuals suggest that for most self-defense and hunting scenarios, standard capacities are often sufficient, and the obsession may be more about 'want' than 'need'.

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