Magazine Lips

Magazine Lips are small components at the top of a GBB magazine that determine how the top BB is held in place and released at the right moment towards the nozzle and hop-up unit. Despite their simple appearance, they therefore have a direct influence on BB feeding. If a magazine lip becomes damaged, worn or deformed, BBs may be held incorrectly or fed out of the magazine irregularly.

Go straight to the relevant information:
• Why choose high-quality magazine lips?
• What types of magazine lips are available?
• What do magazine lips do during the firing cycle?
• How can you tell if a magazine lip is worn or damaged?
• What causes damage to magazine lips?
• Which magazine lip is suitable for your magazine?
• Top brands
• What should you look out for when replacing magazine lips?
• What should you look out for when buying Magazine Lips?
• Frequently asked questions about Magazine Lips

At Airsoft-Legends, you’ll find magazine lips from Action Army, CowCow Technology, KJ Works and WE Airsoft. The range consists mainly of replacement and aftermarket magazine lips for various GBB magazines. As the shape and dimensions vary from magazine to magazine, it is important to always choose a model that is specifically suitable for your magazine and platform.

Why choose high-quality Magazine Lips?

The Magazine Lip holds the top BB in a fixed position until the nozzle removes it from the magazine during the firing cycle. To achieve this, the shape, spacing and position of the lips must correspond precisely to the magazine and the GBB design used.

If this fit is incorrect, the BB may be held too loosely or, conversely, too tightly. This can lead to feeding problems and place unnecessary strain on both the BB and the nozzle. A well-fitting magazine lip therefore primarily ensures a controlled transfer of the BB from the magazine to the hop-up chamber.

Well-fitting Magazine Lips offer a number of benefits:

A magazine lip is usually replaced because the original part is damaged or worn. It is therefore not advisable to simply check whether a magazine lip can be physically fitted to the magazine. The position of the BB in relation to the nozzle must also remain correct.

What types of Magazine Lips are there?

In principle, Lips magazines all fulfil the same basic function, which means this category has fewer different component types than, for example, GBB Springs or Valves. The main differences lie primarily in their design and compatibility.

Original Replacement Magazine Lips

Many magazine lips are designed to be direct replacements for the original part on a specific magazine. This type is particularly useful when the existing magazine lip has become damaged and you wish to restore the magazine to its original function.

With parts of this kind, the stated model compatibility is more important than their appearance. Lips magazines from different GBB magazines may look very similar, whilst small differences in shape or mounting points mean that they are not interchangeable.

Aftermarket Magazine Lips

As well as original replacement parts, aftermarket magazine lips are available from brands that specialise in GBB upgrades and replacement parts. These may be intended as an alternative to the original part or for use within a specific GBB configuration.

Compatibility remains the key consideration for aftermarket Magazine Lips too. A part must fit the magazine correctly and keep the BB in the correct position relative to the nozzle.

Magazine Lip sets

In certain magazines, the upper section consists of several components which, together, are responsible for holding and guiding the BB. In such cases, a manufacturer may offer these components as a set.

When checking a set, always verify which components are included and which warehouse they are intended for. A complete set is not automatically compatible with other warehouses on the same platform.

What does Magazine Lips do during the firing cycle?

The Magazine Lip acts as the final guide for the BB before it is fed from the magazine into the hop-up chamber. The BB must be held firmly enough to prevent it from escaping the magazine of its own accord, whilst at the same time being able to be released at the right moment.

Broadly speaking, the following takes place during the feeding cycle:

• The magazine spring pushes the BBs upwards towards the magazine lips.
• The upper BB is held in place by the Magazine Lips.
• As it moves forwards, the nozzle moves into position to pick up the top BB.
• The BB is conveyed out of the warehouse via the Magazine Lips.
• The next BB is then pushed upwards by the magazine spring and held in place once more.

The magazine lip works in conjunction with several other components, but has a fairly specific function of its own: to position the BB correctly and release it in a controlled manner. Problems elsewhere in the feeding mechanism can therefore cause similar issues, so it is advisable not to automatically assume that the magazine lip is the cause.

How can you tell if a magazine lip is worn or damaged?

Lips magazines are subjected to mechanical stress during every firing cycle as BBs pass along the component and the nozzle moves very close to or between the feed opening. After prolonged use or as a result of damage, their original shape may change.

In GBB magazines, the following symptoms may indicate that the magazine lips are damaged or worn:

• BBs no longer stay in the warehouse.
• BBs can fly out uncontrollably from the top of the magazine.
• Misfeeds or double feeds occur regularly.
• The top BB is visibly askew in the magazine.
• The feed port shows cracks, chipped edges or obvious deformation.
• During the cycle, the nozzle comes into contact with the magazine lip.
• Feeding problems are occurring at just one specific warehouse, whilst other warehouses are operating normally.

This final point is particularly useful when identifying the cause. If the same replica operates without any problems with other storage systems, it makes sense to carefully check the problematic storage system first.

Don’t just focus on the magazine lip. Contamination, damaged BBs, a problem with the magazine spring or follower, and a misaligned magazine can all cause feeding problems.

Practical tip

Do you have several magazines for the same GBB replica, and is only one of them causing regular feeding problems? If so, compare the position and shape of the magazine lips with those of a magazine that works properly. This makes it much easier to spot any small cracks, warping or differences in the distance between the lips.

What causes damage to Lips magazine?

Lips are relatively small components, but are constantly subjected to mechanical stress during use. BBs are pressed against the lips by spring pressure and move past the feed port during each firing cycle. In addition, the nozzle passes very close to the component, meaning that misalignment or a damaged nozzle can cause additional wear.

Loading and unloading magazines can also affect their service life. If BBs are pressed against the magazine lips with considerable force, or if the magazine is subjected to stress during transport, small cracks or deformations may occur.

Common causes of damage include:

• Prolonged mechanical stress caused by intensive use.
• A nozzle that does not move correctly past the feed opening.
• Forcing BBs into the magazine whilst loading it.
• A warehouse that collapses and lands on its roof.
• Dirty or damaged BBs that cause extra resistance.
• Wear and tear around the points where the BB is held in place.
• Incorrect reassembly following maintenance or dismantling.

A Magazine Lip that is visibly damaged does not necessarily have to be completely broken off. Even small hairline cracks or slight deformation may be enough to alter the position of the top BB.

You should therefore check the shape of the feed opening in particular and, if possible, compare it with an undamaged one.

Which Magazine Lip is right for your warehouse?

At Magazine Lips, compatibility is more important than almost any other selection criterion. The dimensions, mounting points and shape of the feed opening are tailored to a specific magazine and the position of the nozzle within the relevant GBB platform.

Just because a part looks almost the same, that doesn’t mean it will work properly.

Lips magazine for Hi-Capa magazines

Hi-Capa magazines are manufactured by several different manufacturers and are also widely used in modified GBB pistols. As a result, various magazine lips are available for both original and aftermarket magazines.

When using a Hi-Capa, always check the make and model of the magazine for which the Magazine Lip is intended. For example, a part designed for a KJ Works magazine may not necessarily fit in the same way as a version designed for a different Hi-Capa magazine.

With custom Hi-Capa builds, it is also advisable to check whether the nozzle and magazine position still match the original configuration.

Lips magazine for AAP-01 magazines

The Action Army AAP-01 uses GBB magazines, in which the magazine lip must position the top BB correctly in relation to the nozzle and bolt assembly.

As the AAP-01 is often modified with aftermarket parts, it may be useful, in the event of feeding problems, to check not only the magazine lip but also the connection between the magazine, the nozzle and the hop-up unit.

When replacing a part, always choose a Magazine Lip that is explicitly suitable for the relevant magazine or platform.

Lips magazine for other GBB magazines

With other GBB pistols too, such as models from WE Airsoft or KJ Works, magazine lips can vary significantly depending on the magazine series. Even within a single brand, different models may use a different upper structure.

You should therefore pay attention not only to the brand of the replica, but above all to the exact model for which the part was designed.

When choosing a Magazine Lip, these points are the most important:

• Brand of the warehouse.
• Model or platform for which the warehouse is intended.
• Shape and width of the feed opening.
• Mounting points and any fixing screws.
• Compatibility with the nozzle design used.
• Product specifications as provided by the manufacturer.

A magazine lip should fit correctly onto the magazine without any force being required. If fitting is only possible by applying force to parts or by adjusting them, there is a good chance that the design is unsuitable.

Top brands featured in Lips magazine

At Airsoft-Legends, you’ll find magazine lips from Action Army, CowCow Technology, KJ Works and WE Airsoft. These brands offer replacement or aftermarket versions for various GBB magazines and platforms.

However, the brand alone does not determine whether a Magazine Lip is suitable. The stated compatibility is always the deciding factor.

Action Army

Action Army is known, amongst other things, for the AAP-01 and its accompanying GBB parts. Magazines from this brand may be of interest if you wish to replace a damaged part on a compatible magazine or carry out maintenance on an AAP-01 configuration.

Always check which warehouse configuration the part in question is intended for.

CowCow Technology

CowCow Technology specialises in aftermarket parts for popular GBB platforms such as Hi-Capa and AAP-01. Within this range, magazine lips are available as replacement parts for specific magazines or configurations.

At CowCow Technology, it is particularly important to check that the Magazine Lip is compatible with the magazine you are actually using, especially when multiple aftermarket parts are fitted to the same build.

KJ Works

KJ Works manufactures a range of GBB pistols and magazines for which original replacement parts may be available. If the magazine lip on a KJ Works magazine becomes damaged, a suitable replacement can help to restore the original feeding action.

When replacing a part, always check the model number and compatibility with the stock.

WE Airsoft

WE Airsoft manufactures a wide range of GBB pistols and matching magazines. Due to the large number of models, there are various magazine lips, each with different shapes and mounting points.

A magazine lip designed for one WE platform may therefore not be suitable for another WE magazine.

What should you bear in mind when replacing Magazine Lips?

Replacing a magazine lip is not usually a complicated repair, but the part is located directly above the magazine spring and follower. Once the magazine lip is removed, these parts may spring upwards under spring tension.

You should therefore work carefully and check in advance how the top of the magazine is constructed.

Please bear the following points in mind when replacing the part:

• Remove all BBs from the magazine before you start.
• Take into account the tension of the magazine spring and follower.
• Use the appropriate tools for any fixing screws or pins.
• Check the position of the original magazine lip before removing it.
• Clean the top of the magazine before fitting the new part.
• Check that the new magazine lip is fully seated and not under any tension.
• After assembly, check that the BBs are held and released correctly.
• Do not force the nozzle or the magazine if the feed is not working properly after assembly.

After assembly, first check manually how the upper BB sits in the magazine. It must be held in a straight and stable position without springing out of the magazine lips uncontrollably.

Next, carefully test the magazine in the replica. If the nozzle is visibly rubbing against the magazine lip, or if feeding problems arise that were not present before, stop testing and check the assembly and compatibility again.

Please also check the surrounding parts

A damaged magazine lip can sometimes be the result of another problem. For example, if the nozzle is misaligned or damaged, a new magazine lip may become damaged again.

Therefore, if you notice any unusual wear and tear, you should also check the nozzle, the hop-up connection and the position of the magazine in the replica.

If several Magazine Lips are damaged in the same way, it is advisable to first investigate the cause within the replica before fitting a replacement part again.

What should you look out for when buying Lips magazine?

When purchasing new Lips magazines, it is particularly important to determine which magazine and platform the part is intended for. The shape of the lips, the feed opening and the mounting must fit the magazine precisely. A part that looks very similar to the original may still cause feeding problems due to minor dimensional differences.

When selecting Magazine Lips, please bear the following points in mind:

• Magazine compatibility: check which brands and magazine types the Magazine Lip is compatible with.
• Platform: check whether the part is intended for, for example, a Hi-Capa, AAP-01 or another specific GBB platform.
• Fitting: compare the shape of the feed opening and the fixing points with the original part.
• Original or aftermarket: decide whether you want to restore the original configuration or are looking for a suitable aftermarket part.
• Surrounding components: If there has been previous damage, also check the nozzle and magazine position before fitting a new Magazine Lip.

With this category, it is therefore usually not necessary to carry out complex comparisons. The right choice almost always starts with the specific warehouse for which you need a replacement part.

Before placing an order, always check the product description and the stated compatibility.

Lips magazine within GBB Parts

Lips form the uppermost feeding point of a GBB magazine and ensure that the BB is held correctly before being fed through the nozzle towards the hop-up chamber. As such, they are a small but important component within the overall feeding system of a Gas Blowback replica.

Are you experiencing feeding problems whilst the Magazine Lips are still undamaged? If so, please also check the other parts listed under GBB Parts. For example, a damaged or misaligned GBB Nozzle can also cause problems when feeding the BBs from the magazine. By first identifying which component is causing the fault, you can avoid unnecessarily replacing a Magazine Lip that is working correctly.

Common mistakes in Magazine Lips

Replacing the magazine lips is usually a minor repair, but choosing the wrong part or fitting it carelessly can cause new feeding problems.

These are common mistakes made when selecting and replacing magazine lips:

• Ordering a Magazine Lip simply because it looks the same, without checking whether it is actually compatible.
• Just look at the model of the replica, not the make or type of magazine.
• Continuing to use a damaged magazine lip whilst the feed slot is visibly deformed.
• BBs are forcefully pushed past the Magazine Lips during loading or unloading.
• Allowing the magazine spring and follower to spring out uncontrollably during disassembly.
• Force a new part into place if the fixing points do not align properly.
• Fitting a new Magazine Lip without checking why the original part became damaged.
• Automatically attributing feeding problems to the Magazine Lips when the nozzle or magazine position is the actual cause.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lips Magazine

What are magazine lips?
Magazine lips are the lips on the top of a GBB magazine that hold the top BB in place. During the firing cycle, this BB is carried out of the magazine by the nozzle and fed towards the hop-up chamber.

When should I replace the Magazine Lip?
It is advisable to replace it if the Magazine Lip is cracked, broken off or visibly deformed, and as a result no longer holds or releases BBs correctly. Recurring misfeeds with a specific magazine may also be a reason to check the part.

Can damaged magazine lips cause misfeeds?
Yes. If the shape or spacing of the lips changes, the top BB may become misaligned or be released at the wrong time. This can lead to misfeeds, double feeds or a BB not being fed correctly through the nozzle.

Why are BBs falling out of my magazine?
A damaged or warped magazine lip may prevent the BBs from being held in place properly. Also check that the part is fitted correctly and that there is no damage to the top of the magazine.

Are magazine lips universal?
No. The shape, dimensions and mounting method vary between magazines and manufacturers. You should therefore use a magazine lip that is explicitly stated to be suitable for your magazine or platform.

Can I use a Hi-Capa Magazine Lip on an AAP-01 magazine?
Not without the manufacturer confirming this compatibility. Although certain GBB magazines may share similarities, this does not automatically mean that all Magazine Lips are interchangeable.

Why is my new Magazine Lip getting damaged again?
If a new part gets damaged again so quickly, the cause may lie elsewhere. For example, check whether the nozzle is moving correctly along the Magazine Lip and whether the magazine is positioned correctly in the replica.

Can I replace the Lips magazine myself?
With many GBB magazines, this is a job you can easily do yourself using the right tools. Do bear in mind, however, that the magazine spring and follower may be under tension when the top part is removed.

Which brands of Magazine Lips does Airsoft-Legends sell?
In this category, you’ll find Magazine Lips from Action Army, CowCow Technology, KJ Works and WE Airsoft. Always check the product description to ensure you select the correct version for your magazine.

Advice from Airsoft-Legends

Lips magazines are small, but play a key role in the BB feed mechanism of a GBB magazine. If this component becomes damaged, BBs may be held incorrectly or may no longer be fed reliably into the hop-up chamber.

Our advice is that, in the event of feeding problems, you should first compare how the magazine in question performs in relation to other magazines for the same replica. If only one magazine is causing problems, you can check the magazine lips, follower and top of that magazine specifically.

If the Magazine Lip is actually damaged, always choose a replacement part that is suitable for that exact magazine. You should also check why the original part became damaged, particularly if there are visible signs of contact with the nozzle.

In our Magazine Lips category, you’ll find parts from Action Army, CowCow Technology, KJ Works and WE Airsoft for various GBB magazines and platforms.

Whether you want to replace a damaged Magazine Lips or restore a worn-out magazine to reliable feeding: at Airsoft-Legends, you’ll find the right parts to maintain and repair your GBB magazine.