Let’s Talk About Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad for Glock 9mm/.40 Magazine
The Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad for Glock 9mm/.40 Magazine promises to enhance your Glock’s magazine capacity and improve reload speeds. Offered by Taran Tactical Innovations, it claims to add up to six rounds for 9mm magazines and five rounds for .40 S&W magazines while facilitating faster reloads. This base pad also boasts durable construction and easy installation, piquing my interest as someone who regularly uses Glocks in competitive shooting and tactical training scenarios.
My primary reason for seeking out this product was to increase my magazine capacity without sacrificing reliability. I had grown tired of constantly reloading during drills and wanted a solution that would provide a competitive edge. I was looking for a magazine extension that was robust, easy to install, and would not negatively impact the balance or handling of my Glock.
Upon unboxing the Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad, my initial impression was positive. The base pad felt solid and well-made, with a noticeable heft that suggested durable construction, and the hard anodized finish looked professional and resistant to wear. It exuded a sense of quality and attention to detail, a welcome change from some of the cheaper, plastic alternatives on the market.
I considered other magazine extensions, such as those from Magpul and Strike Industries. I opted for the Taran Tactical Innovations base pad due to its reputation for reliability and the positive reviews I’d read regarding its ease of installation. The Taran Tactical Innovations design seemed more robust and less prone to failure compared to some competitors.
My first impression was one of excitement. The build quality and promise of increased capacity combined with quicker reloads definitely stoked my enthusiasm to try it out at the range. I was hoping this would be the upgrade I needed to improve my performance in practical shooting competitions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad for Glock 9mm/.40 Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad at my local outdoor shooting range during a scheduled practice session for an upcoming USPSA match. I ran it on my Glock 17 and Glock 22, using a mix of factory ammunition and my own reloads. The conditions were sunny and dry, providing an ideal environment for testing.
The base pad performed admirably under these conditions. The added weight did, in fact, help empty magazines drop free more consistently, shaving valuable fractions of a second off my reload times. Installation was straightforward and required no special tools as promised, which was a significant plus.
Getting used to the slightly longer magazine took only a few repetitions. The only initial issue I encountered was the tendency to over-insert the magazine slightly, causing a momentary lockup; however, this was easily corrected with a slight adjustment to my technique.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad has held up remarkably well. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, even after numerous drops onto concrete and gravel surfaces. The hard anodized finish has proven to be highly resistant to scratches and corrosion.
The base pad requires very little maintenance. A simple wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean. I have noticed that after extended periods of use, the retaining pin can sometimes loosen slightly, but this is easily addressed with a quick tap to ensure it’s fully seated.
In comparison to my previous experiences with other magazine extensions, the Taran Tactical Innovations base pad stands out for its reliability and durability. It consistently feeds ammunition without issue and has not experienced any of the cracking or breaking that I’ve seen with cheaper alternatives. It certainly outperforms anything I’ve used before.
Breaking Down the Features of Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad for Glock 9mm/.40 Magazine
Specifications
The Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad for Glock 9mm/.40 Magazine boasts several key specifications. It is compatible with Glock 9mm and .40 S&W magazines, adding +6 rounds to 9mm magazines and +5 rounds to .40 S&W magazines. It is CNC machined from aircraft aluminum and features a hard anodized finish.
These specifications are crucial for optimal performance. The aluminum construction and hard anodized finish ensure durability and corrosion resistance, extending the life of the product. The increased magazine capacity reduces the frequency of reloads, a significant advantage in competitive shooting or tactical situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad performs its job exceptionally well. It reliably increases magazine capacity, facilitates faster reloads, and maintains consistent feeding. Its only minor drawback is the potential for over-insertion with improper technique.
Its strengths are its increased capacity and reliability, while an improvement would be designing it to be even more resistant to over-insertion. It definitely meets my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement in my shooting performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad boasts a robust design and solid build quality. Its aircraft aluminum construction gives it a noticeable heft without being excessively heavy, and it feels comfortable in hand. The base pad also includes an easily installed patented push pin design.
The design is very user-friendly with a very minimal learning curve. Even novice shooters will find it simple to install and use effectively.
Durability & Maintenance
The hard anodized aluminum construction ensures the Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad is highly durable and built to last. With proper care, it should withstand years of use, even in demanding environments.
Maintenance is straightforward and requires minimal effort. A quick wipe-down after each use is typically sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad does not come with any additional accessories, as it is a standalone product. However, it is compatible with standard Glock magazines and magazine pouches.
It can also be combined with aftermarket magazine wells for even faster reloads. It also pairs well with high-performance magazine springs to ensure reliable feeding with the increased capacity.
Pros and Cons of Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad for Glock 9mm/.40 Magazine
Pros
- Increased Magazine Capacity: Adds +6 rounds for 9mm and +5 rounds for .40 S&W, reducing the need for frequent reloads.
- Faster Reloads: The added weight helps empty magazines drop free more easily, resulting in quicker reload times.
- Durable Construction: CNC machined from aircraft aluminum with a hard anodized finish for exceptional durability and corrosion resistance.
- Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward installation process that requires no special tools.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Adds a professional and customized look to your Glock pistol.
Cons
- Price: Relatively expensive compared to some other magazine extensions on the market.
- Over-Insertion Potential: Can be over-inserted if not installed properly.
Who Should Buy Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad for Glock 9mm/.40 Magazine?
The Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad is perfect for competitive shooters, law enforcement officers, and tactical training enthusiasts. Anyone who relies on their Glock in high-pressure situations will appreciate the increased magazine capacity and faster reload speeds. It is also excellent for those looking to upgrade the aesthetics of their firearm.
Those on a tight budget or who are simply looking for a basic magazine extension might want to consider cheaper alternatives. It may not be suitable for concealed carriers who prioritize minimal bulk and weight.
A must-have accessory would be high-performance magazine springs to ensure consistent feeding with the increased capacity. Aftermarket magazine wells can further enhance reload speeds.
Conclusion on Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad for Glock 9mm/.40 Magazine
The Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad for Glock 9mm/.40 Magazine is a high-quality upgrade that delivers on its promises. While it may be more expensive than some alternatives, its durability, reliability, and performance justify the price. It is a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about improving their Glock’s magazine capacity and reload speed.
The price is justified by the quality of materials, the precision machining, and the enhanced performance it provides. It’s an investment in reliability and speed.
I would absolutely recommend the Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad to anyone looking to enhance their Glock’s performance. If you’re ready to take your Glock to the next level, invest in the Taran Tactical Innovations +5/6 Base Pad. You won’t be disappointed.