Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension Review

First Impressions of Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension

The Glock 43 is a fantastic pistol for concealed carry, but its biggest drawback is its limited 6-round capacity. The Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension aims to solve this problem by adding three extra rounds while maintaining a similar profile to the factory magazine with a pinky extension. I was eager to try it out and see if it lived up to the hype of increased capacity without sacrificing reliability.

My search began with a need: more rounds in my Glock 43 without significantly increasing its size for everyday carry. I wanted something that felt like a natural extension of the grip, not an unwieldy add-on. The promise of a Shield Arms magazine increasing capacity by 50% while keeping the factory feel was too good to pass up.

Upon unboxing, the Shield Arms Blem Z9 felt solid and well-made, despite being a “blem” unit. The steel construction gave it a reassuring heft, and the Powercron finish looked durable, though it did have a minor cosmetic imperfection as expected. It seemed comparable in size to my factory Glock 43 magazine with the pinky extension, making me optimistic about its concealability.

I considered other options like the MagGuts +2 spring kit for the factory magazine or extended magazines from other manufacturers. However, I ultimately chose the Shield Arms Blem Z9 because it offered the highest capacity increase without requiring modification to the original magazine body. The all-steel construction also appealed to me as potentially more durable than polymer alternatives.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The increase in capacity was appealing, but I was aware of potential reliability issues sometimes associated with aftermarket Glock magazines. I hoped the Shield Arms Blem Z9 would perform as advertised and provide a reliable, higher-capacity option for my Glock 43.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Shield Arms Blem Z9 at my local shooting range, focusing on drills that simulated real-world concealed carry scenarios. These included rapid draws, reloads, and controlled pairs at varying distances. I also tested the magazine with different types of 9mm ammunition, ranging from standard 115-grain FMJ to 124-grain +P hollow points.

The magazine performed surprisingly well initially. It seated positively in the Glock 43, and the rounds fed smoothly during the first few magazines. However, after about 50 rounds, I experienced a few failures to feed with the 115-grain FMJ ammunition.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Shield Arms Blem Z9 has shown both strengths and weaknesses. The magazine has become more reliable after the initial break-in period, but occasional failures to feed still occur, particularly with lighter bullet weights. I noticed that the Powercron finish has started to show some wear around the feed lips and magazine catch.

Cleaning the magazine is relatively straightforward, but it requires a dedicated magazine disassembly tool. Compared to the factory Glock magazine, the Shield Arms Blem Z9 demands more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance. While the increased capacity is a definite plus, the occasional reliability issues prevent it from completely replacing my factory magazines for defensive use.

Breaking Down the Features of Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension

Specifications

The Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension boasts several key specifications. It has a 9-round capacity, offering a 50% increase over the stock Glock 43 magazine. It is designed to be the same length as the OEM Glock 43 magazine with a pinky extension.

The magazine features a steel construction and a Powercron finish. It comes with an easy-to-remove, impact-resistant base pad and offers three base pad color options: Black, Grey, or Red. Shield Arms recommends replacing the factory plastic magazine catch with their steel version for optimal reliability.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Shield Arms Blem Z9 is to increase the Glock 43’s capacity. While it does achieve this, the performance is not without caveats. The magazine is generally reliable but can be prone to occasional failures to feed, especially with lighter bullet weights.

The increased capacity provides a significant advantage in terms of firepower, but the potential for malfunctions detracts from its overall usability. The need to upgrade the magazine catch adds an extra cost and complexity to the upgrade. Despite the imperfections, the increase in capacity is very nice to have.

Design & Ergonomics

The Shield Arms Blem Z9 is designed to mimic the dimensions of the factory Glock 43 magazine with a pinky extension. The steel construction feels robust and well-made. The easy-to-remove base pad simplifies cleaning and maintenance.

However, the added weight of the steel magazine can be noticeable compared to the polymer factory magazine. Some users may find the steel construction less comfortable for concealed carry. The magazine has a slight learning curve to ensure proper seating in the magazine well.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction and Powercron finish of the Shield Arms Blem Z9 suggest good durability. However, the finish can show wear and tear over time. The magazine requires regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance and prevent malfunctions.

The magazine’s steel construction should provide a longer lifespan than polymer alternatives. However, the springs and feed lips may eventually require replacement after extensive use. The durability of this item is expected to be very high because of these design considerations.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Shield Arms Blem Z9 itself doesn’t offer many customization options beyond the base pad color. However, Shield Arms strongly recommends using their steel magazine catch for optimal reliability. This magazine catch replaces the factory plastic version and is designed to better engage with the steel magazine body.

The Shield Arms Blem Z9 is compatible with most standard Glock 43 accessories, such as holsters and magazine pouches. Some users may also choose to replace the factory base pad with aftermarket options for improved grip or aesthetics.

Pros and Cons of Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension

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Who Should Buy Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension?

The Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension is perfect for Glock 43 owners who want to increase their firepower without significantly increasing the size of their pistol. It’s suitable for concealed carry, range use, and home defense. It is best suited for individuals comfortable with aftermarket modifications and willing to maintain their magazines diligently.

Individuals who prioritize absolute reliability above all else should perhaps skip this product. Those who are unwilling to replace the factory magazine catch or who primarily use lightweight ammunition may also experience less satisfactory results.

The must-have accessories include the Shield Arms steel magazine catch and a magazine disassembly tool for cleaning. A high-quality gun belt and holster are also recommended for comfortable and secure concealed carry.

Conclusion on Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension

The Shield Arms Blem Z9 Glock 43 9 mm Luger 9 Round + 3 Round Magazine Extension offers a compelling solution for those seeking increased capacity in their Glock 43. While it may not be a perfect replacement for factory magazines due to potential reliability issues, its benefits are undeniable.

At $36.99, the price is reasonable, especially considering the increased capacity and steel construction. However, the added cost of the steel magazine catch should be factored in.

I would cautiously recommend the Shield Arms Blem Z9 to Glock 43 owners who understand its limitations and are willing to invest in proper maintenance and accessories. It’s a worthwhile upgrade, but not a foolproof one. If you’re looking for more rounds in your Glock 43 without a significant size increase, give the Shield Arms Blem Z9 a try, but be sure to pair it with a steel mag catch for best results!