Caldwell Shooting Supplies is releasing a universal handgun magazine loader that can take both double and single stack designs. It works via inserting a magazine into the holder, tightening a knob down, then inserting a round at a time into an opening, and squeezing a sort of trigger that presses the round into place while at the same time pushing down on the follower, allowing the round to seat in place, while making room for the next round. While the charger material is polymer, the handle is aluminum, allowing an easier loading experience. MSRP is $34.99, $10 less than the stated MSRP of $45. Scott F. covered this product at SHOT 2017 on Industry Day, but this is the first time the MSRP will be published along with the official press release with more detail on the product.

The new Caldwell Mag Charger Universal Pistol Loader works on almost any style pistol magazines, including 1911 style mags, and loads a large variety of calibers. It works with both single-stack and double-stack magazines. The adjustable side shims align magazines of any width, and the lock knob keeps virtually any size magazine secure. The shims are labeled with numbers for quick and easy adjustment making it easy to switch between different types of magazines. The Universal Pistol Loader will load 9mm, 10mm, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, .45 cal ammo, and some .380 magazines. The design is simple to use;simply drop a round in, squeeze the hand grip and repeat until the magazine is loaded. The Mag Charger Universal Pistol Loader removes the need to ever manually reload a pistol magazine again.

Features Include:

• Robust polycarbonate construction that’s built to last
• Ergonomic die cast aluminum handle for easy use and “no flex” operation
• Adjustable side shims align magazines of any width for optimal use
• Lock knob keeps virtually any size magazine secure
• Twice as fast as loading by hand

One of the more successful magazine loaders out there is the Uplula Loader, with a price tag of just over $30 in most stores and online. However one of the main disadvantages with the Uplula is that you have to get separate versions if you want to load 1911 magazines, or even Ruger Mark I/II/III magazines. With this device from Caldwell Shooting, those disadvantages go away because it has the ability to load most handgun magazines regardless of make and usage.

For a casual day of shooting at the range, the use of a magazine loader probably isn’t going to be necessary most of the time. But for high volume of shooting, such as when taking a class, or participating in something like IDPA where rounds counts can be pushed to 200 rounds, being able to load multiple magazines, over and over again can be an excellent advantage. Even if you are physically able to, just having the cut down on time is sometimes worth it.