First Impressions of The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock
The The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock aims to enhance the functionality and durability of Glock magazines. These basepads are machined from aluminum and hard anodized for increased longevity. They promise improved handling and easier magazine stripping, piquing the interest of Glock enthusiasts looking for an edge.
I was driven to this product seeking enhanced magazine handling and durability for my Glock 19. Factory Glock baseplates, while functional, felt somewhat flimsy and difficult to manipulate under stress. I wanted a basepad that could withstand rough handling and facilitate faster, more reliable reloads.
Upon unboxing, the The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock presents a robust and refined appearance. The aluminum construction provides a reassuring heft compared to the polymer factory basepads. The hard anodized finish appears durable and should hold up well against scratches and wear.
Compared to competitors like Strike Industries or Taran Tactical Innovations basepads, the The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock offered a more minimalist design and a focus on practical functionality over aesthetics. Other options often focus on capacity increases, which I didn’t need; I preferred enhanced grip and durability. I chose The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock because of its balance of durability, improved grip, and a no-nonsense design.
My first impression was positive; I was excited to install the basepads and test their performance at the range. The build quality seemed excellent, and the design suggested improved magazine handling. I was particularly interested to see how the ergonomic design would aid in magazine stripping under pressure.
Real-World Testing: Putting The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock at my local outdoor shooting range during a practical pistol training session. The range offered various scenarios, including rapid-fire drills, malfunction clearances, and reloading under time constraints. The weather was slightly damp, adding a realistic element of challenging conditions.
The basepads performed admirably in all conditions, providing a noticeable improvement in grip and handling. Even with wet hands, the textured surface ensured a secure purchase during reloads. The magazine stripping design proved effective, allowing for quick and decisive removal of magazines when simulating malfunctions.
The initial installation was straightforward, requiring no special tools or modifications to the magazines. The basepads locked securely into place, providing a snug and wobble-free fit. There were no immediate issues or surprises; the basepads performed exactly as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, including multiple range sessions and dry-fire practice, the The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock has proven to be a reliable and durable upgrade. There are no signs of wear or tear on the hard anodized finish. The basepads continue to provide a secure grip and facilitate easy magazine stripping.
The aluminum construction has proven its worth, withstanding numerous drops onto concrete and gravel surfaces without any damage. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove dirt and debris. The basepads have required absolutely no maintenance other than an occasional cleaning.
Compared to my previous experience with factory Glock basepads, the The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock represents a significant improvement in both durability and functionality. The enhanced grip and easy magazine stripping have improved my reload times and overall confidence in handling my Glock. I have been thoroughly impressed with their performance.
Breaking Down the Features of The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock
Specifications
- Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum – This ensures high strength and lightweight properties, providing excellent durability without adding unnecessary bulk.
- Finish: Hard Anodized per Mil-A-8625, type 3, Class 2, then Teflon sealed – The hard anodized finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance, while the Teflon seal enhances lubricity and reduces friction.
- Compatibility: Glock 9mm, .40, and .357 Mags – This broad compatibility makes the basepad a versatile upgrade for various Glock models.
- Ergonomic Design – Designed for concealment comfort and positive purchase during loading or forceful stripping from the pistol.
- Smartly Sized – Allows forceful removal of the magazine using clothing or other gear when the off-hand isn’t available.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the basepad’s durability, functionality, and overall user experience. The aluminum construction and hard anodized finish ensure long-lasting performance under demanding conditions. The ergonomic design and thoughtful sizing enhance handling and improve reload efficiency.
Performance & Functionality
The The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock excels at its primary job: enhancing magazine handling and durability. The improved grip facilitates faster and more reliable reloads, even in wet or slippery conditions. The ergonomic design allows for easy magazine stripping when clearing malfunctions.
The primary strength lies in its durable construction and functional design, providing a noticeable improvement over factory Glock basepads. A minor area for potential improvement could be a slightly more aggressive texture for even greater grip security in extreme conditions. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a magazine basepad upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the aluminum construction providing a solid and reassuring feel. The weight is slightly heavier than the factory polymer basepads, but the added heft contributes to a more secure grip. The ergonomics are well thought out, providing a comfortable and natural feel in the hand.
The basepad is very user-friendly, requiring no special tools or skills for installation. The design is simple and intuitive, with no learning curve. It integrates seamlessly with Glock magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock is built to last, with the aluminum construction and hard anodized finish ensuring excellent durability. It can withstand years of use under demanding conditions.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. The hard anodized finish resists corrosion and wear, ensuring long-lasting performance. No repairs should be required under normal usage scenarios.
Accessories and Customization Options
The The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock does not come with any included accessories, as it’s a standalone upgrade. The basepad is compatible with standard Glock magazine pouches and carriers.
There are no specific customization options available directly from The Gun Company. However, users can apply aftermarket grip tape or stippling to further enhance the texture, if desired. Its compatibility with standard Glock magazines means it works with various magazine extensions if capacity increases are sought.
Pros and Cons of The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock
Pros
- Enhanced Grip: Provides a secure and confident grip during reloads, even in wet conditions.
- Increased Durability: The aluminum construction and hard anodized finish ensure long-lasting performance.
- Easy Magazine Stripping: Facilitates quick and decisive removal of magazines when clearing malfunctions.
- Simple Installation: Requires no special tools or modifications to the magazines.
- Minimalist Design: Focuses on practical functionality over unnecessary aesthetics.
Cons
- Slightly Heavier: Weighs slightly more than factory Glock basepads.
- Texture Could Be More Aggressive: A more pronounced texture might improve grip in extreme conditions.
Who Should Buy The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock?
The The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock is perfect for: competitive shooters seeking faster and more reliable reloads; law enforcement or military personnel needing enhanced magazine handling in high-stress situations; and Glock owners looking for a durable and functional upgrade to their factory basepads.
Individuals primarily concerned with minimizing weight or who prefer the feel of polymer basepads might want to skip this product. Those looking for significant magazine capacity increases might also find other options more suitable.
A must-have accessory is a quality magazine pouch that accommodates the slightly increased thickness of the basepad. Some users may also find that adding aftermarket grip tape enhances the texture to their preference.
Conclusion on The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock
The The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock is a well-designed and durable upgrade that delivers on its promises. The enhanced grip, increased durability, and easy magazine stripping make it a worthwhile investment for Glock owners seeking improved performance. It offers a tangible improvement over factory basepads, enhancing both handling and reliability.
At $32.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials, construction, and performance benefits. It’s a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can significantly improve a Glock’s functionality.
I would personally recommend the The Gun Company Magazine Basepad 2 for Glock to any Glock owner seeking a durable and functional upgrade to their magazines. It’s a well-made product that performs as advertised and offers excellent value for the money. Enhance your Glock magazines today with this excellent basepad!