First Thoughts on the 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin promises an extended capacity for the ubiquitous Glock pistol, potentially offering a significant advantage in situations where increased firepower is crucial. Offered at the enticing price of $18.99, these aftermarket magazines present an affordable solution to those seeking to boost their Glock’s round count. As a seasoned tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I was naturally curious to see how these magazines would perform in real-world scenarios, especially given the mixed feedback from existing users.
For years, I’ve relied on standard capacity magazines for my Glocks, primarily for concealed carry purposes. However, I’ve been increasingly interested in having higher capacity options available for range days, training scenarios, and potentially home defense situations. I have a Glock 17, a couple of Glock 19s, and even a compact Glock 26. I was looking for a reliable, high-capacity magazine that could fit all of them.
Upon receiving the 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin, my initial impression was mixed. The polymer body felt reasonably sturdy, although not quite as robust as the factory Glock magazines. Compared to OEM Glock magazines, the aftermarket versions felt slightly lighter, which initially raised concerns about their overall durability. The KCI magazines seemed to be attempting to replicate the look and feel of the OEM Glock magazines. However, side by side, the differences in finish and material quality were noticeable. I also considered other high-capacity Glock magazines from Magpul and ETS, but ultimately chose the KCI due to their lower price point and the promise of compatibility with multiple Glock models. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I hoped these magazines would live up to their potential, but I was also prepared for the possibility of encountering some issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin primarily at an outdoor shooting range. This allowed me to evaluate their performance in a controlled environment while also exposing them to typical outdoor conditions. I used a variety of 9mm ammunition types, including standard FMJ rounds, hollow points, and some +P loads, to assess compatibility and reliability.
The magazines performed adequately in dry conditions. Loading was relatively easy, although the spring felt noticeably weaker than the OEM Glock magazines, especially when nearing full capacity. One immediate issue was that one of my Glock 19s would not accept the magazine, echoing the experience of another user. The magazine locked into my Glock 17 and my other Glock 19 without issue, but the fitment in the one Glock 19 was far too tight to allow the magazine to seat correctly. I experienced a few failures to feed with the Glock 17 when rapidly firing. These failures were primarily caused by the magazine not keeping up with the slide’s cycling rate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin showed some signs of wear, particularly around the feed lips and the magazine catch. The polymer body held up reasonably well, but the spring tension seemed to weaken further over time. This led to an increase in failures to feed, especially with +P ammunition.
Cleaning and maintaining the KCI magazines was straightforward. I disassembled them, cleaned them with a standard gun cleaning solvent, and lubricated the spring and follower. Compared to my experience with OEM Glock magazines, the KCI magazines require more frequent cleaning to maintain reliable feeding. The OEM magazines seem to be more resistant to fouling and debris. Ultimately, the KCI magazines did not outperform my expectations. While they offer a higher capacity at a lower price point, their reliability and durability are not on par with factory Glock magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is an aftermarket magazine designed to increase the capacity of 9mm Glocks.
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 33 rounds
- Origin: Aftermarket (KCI)
- Material: Polymer body with a steel spring
- Compatibility: Glock 17, 19, and 26 (though some fitment issues have been reported)
These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s functionality and usability. The 33-round capacity offers a significant increase in firepower. However, the aftermarket origin raises questions about the magazine’s reliability and durability compared to OEM Glock magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin performs adequately under ideal conditions.
It successfully feeds and chambers rounds in most Glock pistols. However, its reliability is inconsistent, with failures to feed occurring more frequently than with OEM magazines, especially during rapid firing. The magazine’s strengths lie in its increased capacity and low price. Its weaknesses are its inconsistent reliability and questionable long-term durability. The magazine meets basic expectations for an aftermarket magazine. However, it falls short of the performance and reliability of factory Glock magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin features a polymer body that is similar in design to OEM Glock magazines.
The build quality is acceptable for the price, but the materials feel less robust than those used in factory magazines. The magazine is easy to load and insert into the Glock pistol. However, the extended length of the 33-round magazine can make it less comfortable to carry concealed. The magazine is relatively user-friendly. However, the inconsistent fitment in some Glock models can be a concern.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin‘s long-term durability is questionable. The polymer body seems reasonably sturdy, but the spring tension tends to weaken over time. This can lead to feeding issues and reduced reliability. The magazine is relatively easy to maintain and repair. Disassembly and cleaning are straightforward, and replacement springs are readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin does not come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with most standard Glock magazine pouches and carriers.
There are limited customization options available for this magazine. However, users can replace the spring with aftermarket springs from companies like Wolff to improve reliability. The magazine is not designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. But it works seamlessly with any standard Glock magazine pouch or carrier.
Pros and Cons of 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity (33 rounds).
- Low price point makes it an affordable option for those seeking high-capacity magazines.
- Compatible with Glock 17, 19, and 26 models (with some reported fitment issues).
- Easy to load and disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
- Allows for more range time between reloads, enhancing training sessions.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability, with failures to feed occurring more frequently than with OEM magazines.
- Questionable long-term durability, particularly concerning spring tension.
- Fitment issues reported with some Glock 19 models.
Who Should Buy 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for range shooters and recreational shooters looking for an affordable way to increase their Glock’s capacity for fun and training. It can also be useful for home defense scenarios where a higher round count might be beneficial.
However, this magazine is not recommended for law enforcement, military personnel, or anyone who relies on their Glock for self-defense in high-stakes situations. Its inconsistent reliability makes it unsuitable for duty use or any scenario where failure is not an option. A must-have modification would be to replace the factory spring with a higher quality aftermarket spring from a reputable manufacturer like Wolff. This will likely improve the magazine’s reliability and longevity.
Conclusion on 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The 17, 19, 26 33RD MAGAZINE 9MM For Glock – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin offers an affordable way to increase the capacity of your Glock pistol. However, its inconsistent reliability and questionable long-term durability are significant drawbacks.
The price is justified for recreational use. But the compromise in reliability makes it unsuitable for serious applications. I would personally recommend this magazine with reservations. Only if you are willing to accept the risk of occasional malfunctions and are primarily using it for range fun. Ultimately, I would advise investing in factory Glock magazines or higher-quality aftermarket options for duty, self-defense, or any situation where reliability is paramount. Consider your needs and intended use carefully before making a purchase.