First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine promises a more budget-friendly alternative to factory HK magazines. The MP5 platform, legendary for its reliability, deserves magazines that won’t compromise performance. This magazine aims to offer that at a fraction of the cost, but does it live up to the legacy?
Living in a state with restrictions on magazine capacity, finding reliable 10-round magazines for my MP5 pistol clone has been a persistent challenge. Factory magazines are expensive, and I was looking for a more affordable option for range use that didn’t sacrifice function. I was drawn to the Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) magazine’s translucent polymer construction and claims of superior durability.
My first impression upon unboxing was mixed. The “Carbon Smoke” color is aesthetically pleasing, and the translucent body allows for quick visual confirmation of round count. The polymer felt relatively sturdy, but not quite as robust as the steel-reinforced feed lips of a factory HK magazine. This difference in material and construction raised a small red flag.
Compared to my factory HK magazines and a couple of older aftermarket options, the ETS magazine felt lighter and perhaps a touch less refined. I chose this magazine over cheaper, no-name brands because of ETS‘s reputation for producing durable polymer magazines for other platforms. I hoped their expertise would translate well to the MP5 platform. Ultimately, I felt cautiously optimistic, eager to see how it would perform under live fire.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine at my local indoor shooting range. The range provides a controlled environment to evaluate magazine feeding and reliability. I ran several magazines worth of 115-grain FMJ ammunition through my MP5 pistol clone.
The initial loading was smooth, and the magazine seated positively into the mag well. However, the first few rounds felt a bit sluggish to feed, with a slight hesitation before chambering. After about 30 rounds, the feeding became smoother, suggesting a possible break-in period was required.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds fired, the ETS magazine has held up reasonably well. There are no visible signs of cracking or significant wear, although the polymer does show some minor scuffing from repeated use. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe down with a dry cloth.
Compared to my factory HK magazines, the ETS magazine does not provide quite the same level of confidence. While it has functioned reliably for the most part, there have been a few instances of failure to feed (FTF). These FTFs were more frequent with hollow-point ammunition, suggesting a potential issue with the magazine’s feed lips. Ultimately, the cost savings came with slightly decreased reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the HK MP5 and its clones chambered in 9mm Luger. It features a 10-round capacity, complying with capacity restrictions in certain states. The magazine body is constructed from a durable, translucent polymer in “Carbon Smoke” color.
This polymer is designed to withstand extreme temperatures and resist cracking under stress. The magazine is designed for use in Rifle type weapons, specified for Heckler & Koch MP5 models. Its translucent body allows the user to easily view remaining rounds.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine performs adequately for range use. Its reliability is generally acceptable with FMJ ammunition, but can be less consistent with hollow-point rounds. The magazine’s primary strength is its affordability, offering a budget-friendly alternative to expensive factory magazines.
However, its weaknesses lie in its slightly reduced reliability compared to factory magazines. This makes it unsuitable for duty or defensive use where absolute reliability is paramount. It generally meets expectations for a budget magazine, but falls short of the performance offered by premium options.
Design & Ergonomics
The ETS magazine’s translucent polymer construction is lightweight and provides a modern aesthetic. The magazine body is easy to grip and manipulate, and the 10-round capacity does not make the magazine excessively long or unwieldy. There is no significant learning curve. The ease of use is similar to a factory magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction of the ETS magazine appears reasonably durable. It has so far withstood several hundred rounds without cracking or significant wear. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a dry cloth or mild solvent. While not as robust as a steel magazine, it should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine does not offer any specific customization options beyond its standard configuration. However, it is compatible with most standard MP5 magazine pouches and loading tools. While no included accessories come with this product from Elite Tactical Systems, aftermarket accessories such as magazine couplers are readily available, but not explicitly designed or tested by the manufacturer for this magazine.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Affordable alternative to expensive factory HK magazines.
- Translucent body allows for easy visual confirmation of round count.
- Lightweight and durable polymer construction.
- Easy to load and seat in the magazine well.
- Functions reliably with FMJ ammunition for range use.
Cons
- Reduced reliability compared to factory magazines, especially with hollow-point ammunition.
- Polymer construction may not be as robust as steel magazines.
- Some users have reported fitting issues with certain MP5 clones.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters and range enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly alternative to factory magazines. It is also suitable for individuals living in states with magazine capacity restrictions. Anyone looking for a cost-effective solution for range training would benefit most from this magazine.
This product is not ideal for individuals who require absolute reliability for duty or defensive use. Those who prioritize premium performance over cost savings should also skip this product. A must-have modification would be thorough testing with your specific firearm and preferred ammunition to ensure reliable feeding.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Heckler & Koch MP5 9mm 10-Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious MP5 owners. While it does not match the flawless reliability of factory magazines, it provides acceptable performance for range use at a significantly lower price point. The price is mostly justified.
I would cautiously recommend it to recreational shooters who prioritize affordability and are willing to accept a slightly increased risk of malfunctions. However, I would strongly advise against using it for duty or defensive purposes. Final thoughts: For range fun on a budget, give it a shot, but always test thoroughly!