First Impressions of Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension
The Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension promises to boost your Glock’s firepower without sacrificing reliability or adding significant bulk. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the tactical gear world, I’m always on the lookout for practical upgrades that genuinely enhance performance. My primary goal was to increase my Glock 17 magazine capacity for range training and competition without needing to constantly reload.
I’d grown tired of fumbling with magazines during drills and wanted a simple, effective solution. Other extensions I’d tried were either bulky, unreliable, or both. The Cross Armory extension caught my eye with its claim of being the “lightest weight +5 on the market” and having a “lowest profile.”
Upon receiving the package, the Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension felt solid, a good sign. The CNC machined aluminum had a clean, professional finish. Comparing it to a Strike Industries extension I had laying around, the Cross Armory definitely felt more compact and less likely to snag. Initial impressions were positive – I was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension to my local range for its initial trial by fire. I tested it on my Gen 4 Glock 17 using 115gr FMJ ammunition. Installation was relatively straightforward, although the included instructions could be clearer. The first few magazines cycled smoothly, but I quickly encountered a recurring issue.
Around the 7th or 8th round, I experienced several failures to feed. This was particularly noticeable when the magazine was fully loaded with the extended capacity. This happened consistently throughout the first 100 rounds, regardless of the magazine I used, which was concerning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds, the reliability issues persisted with the Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension. While it functioned okay with only a +2 or +3 round increase, pushing it to the advertised +5 capacity resulted in frequent failures to feed. The aluminum body showed no significant wear and tear, maintaining its finish. Cleaning was simple, just wiping it down after each range session.
Compared to the Magpul GL9 magazines I usually run, the Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension was a significant disappointment. While the Magpul mags are polymer, they run flawlessly regardless of round count. I’d hoped for better performance, especially considering Cross Armory’s claims of reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension
Specifications
The Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension boasts several key specifications:
- Manufacturer: Cross Armory
- Fabric/Material: Aircraft Grade CNC Aluminum
- Magazine Capacity: 5 Round (Claimed)
- Gun Make: Glock
- Model Generation: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Weight: 1.35 oz
These specs seem promising on paper. The aircraft-grade aluminum should provide durability without adding excess weight. The compatibility with multiple Glock generations offers versatility. However, the “5 Round” capacity claim proved to be misleading in my testing.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of a magazine extension is to increase ammunition capacity without compromising reliability. Unfortunately, the Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension fell short of this goal. Its performance was inconsistent, particularly when fully loaded to the advertised +5 capacity. This led to frequent failures to feed.
On the plus side, when loaded to only +2 or +3, it functioned marginally better. This suggests the spring might not be strong enough to reliably feed all rounds. The fit and finish were good, but that doesn’t compensate for the reliability issues.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension is sleek and low-profile. The aluminum construction provides a solid feel without excessive weight. It integrates well with the Glock frame and doesn’t significantly impact the grip.
Installation is relatively simple, requiring only basic tools. However, the overall ergonomics don’t compensate for the functionality problems.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction suggests decent durability. After several range sessions, the Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension showed no significant signs of wear and tear. The finish remained intact, even after being dropped on concrete.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down after use. The simple design makes it easy to clean.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Being a magazine extension, customization options are limited. It is compatible with most Glock magazine wells, but its primary function relies on its ability to reliably feed ammunition.
The compatibility with various Glock generations makes it versatile. However, this versatility is negated by its inconsistent performance.
Pros and Cons of Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension
Pros
- Sleek and low-profile design.
- Lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Compatible with Glock Gen 1-5 models.
- Potentially increases magazine capacity (though not reliably to +5).
Cons
- Unreliable feeding, especially when fully loaded to +5 capacity.
- Misleading advertising regarding actual capacity increase.
- Spring tension may be insufficient for reliable feeding.
Who Should Buy Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension?
This product might be suitable for someone looking for a minor capacity increase (e.g., +2 or +3 rounds) in a compact package, and who is willing to accept potentially reduced reliability. It could also appeal to those who prioritize aesthetics over performance.
However, anyone needing a reliable high-capacity magazine extension for competition, duty, or self-defense should skip this product. They should instead invest in a more proven and reliable alternative, such as extended magazines from reputable brands like Magpul or ETS. A stronger magazine spring might help, but that’s an additional cost and modification.
Conclusion on Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension
The Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension promises much but delivers little in terms of reliable performance. While the design and materials are decent, the inconsistent feeding issues are a significant drawback. The advertised +5 capacity is misleading, as it rarely functions reliably at that level.
At $39.20, the price is not justified given the product’s shortcomings. There are more reliable options available at a similar price point.
I would not recommend the Cross Armory +5 Magazine Extension. The reliability issues outweigh any potential benefits. Invest your money in a proven magazine solution that you can trust when it matters most.