Disposable or not? Some say magazines are a consumable, or disposable item. Obviously, in a fight, one is not going to be worried about trying to pick up magazines while on the move. Realistically, unless one is a LEO or active duty military, that fight probably won't ever come. On the other hand I suspect that all of us would be policing the ground for empty magazines once the shooting stopped. I would imagine LEO's have to account for evey magazine. Could be wrong though. While some consider the ammunition magazine disposable, let's face it, most of us don't have hundreds of them gathering dust either.

What are your ideas concerning the role of the lowly magazine? When you purchase magazines do you just look for the cheapest possible price? Is it a disposable item? Or is it a question of reliability first and foremost? Dare I ask; Does the "look" matter (Magpul)?

If you are stockpiling do you want them all to match? Or is it, again, a matter of the most for the lowest price? If you stockpile, why? Is it in hopes of a profit should another ban materialize?

What is the role of the magazine in your eyes?

For me, the magazine is not a disposable item. First of all, they cost too darn much. Especially for my precious Magpul magazines, though they are not always that much more than steel mags if you find them on sale. No, the magazine is regarded in high esteem by this shooter. The priorities look like this:
1. Reliability
2. Accumulation of a stockpile
3. Resale value should a ban be imposed (How desirable do I think a particular brand will be)
4. Appearance
5. Price

So let's hear your thoughts concerning the lowly magazine.