First Impressions of Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension
In the world of Glock customization, magazine extensions are a dime a dozen, promising increased capacity and improved grip. The Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension aims to deliver exactly that, with a focus on durability and a sleek, low-profile design. As someone who’s spent countless hours tweaking and optimizing Glocks for various applications, from competitive shooting to everyday carry, I was eager to see how this extension stacked up against the competition.
I was on the hunt for a magazine extension that offered a bit more capacity without significantly impacting the concealability of my Glock 26. Capacity is always a consideration, but adding excessive length to the grip of my subcompact Glock defeats the purpose of its compact dimensions. The promise of a +2 extension in a relatively slim package piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing the Herrington Arms extension, I was immediately impressed by the clean lines and solid feel of the 7075 Aluminum. The Cerakote finish (I opted for the Sniper Grey) was evenly applied and appeared durable. Compared to polymer extensions from Magpul or even some aluminum offerings from Strike Industries, the Herrington Arms felt noticeably more robust and refined. While others may offer more aggressive texturing, this one focused on a streamlined aesthetic. My initial impression was one of quality and attention to detail, with a touch of minimalist elegance. This initial excitement was, however, tempered by a bit of dread, knowing that initial user feedback indicated possible install difficulty.
Real-World Testing: Putting Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension was at my local indoor range. I wanted to gauge its reliability with various 9mm loads, ranging from standard 115-grain FMJ to heavier 147-grain hollow points. I installed the extension on a Glock 26 magazine, a process I’ll detail later, and loaded it up. The first few magazines cycled flawlessly. The added grip length felt natural and provided a more secure hold, especially during rapid fire drills.
The extension performed admirably in a relatively controlled environment, without any failures to feed or eject. However, I did experience one minor issue: after a few magazines, the extension seemed to develop a slight wobble. It didn’t affect the gun’s function, but it was noticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Herrington Arms extension has proven to be relatively reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through the modified magazines, including training sessions in light rain and dusty conditions. The finish has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear despite repeated magazine changes. Cleaning the extension is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a CLP-soaked cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to my experience with some cheaper polymer extensions that tend to crack or deform over time, the Herrington Arms extension’s aluminum construction instills confidence. While the initial wobble persisted, it didn’t worsen and remained a purely cosmetic issue. However, the challenging install mentioned in the user feedback remained a source of annoyance whenever I swapped it between magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension
Specifications
Manufacturer: Herrington Arms crafts this extension from durable 7075 Aluminum. This material is known for its strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring longevity without adding unnecessary bulk.
Magazine Capacity: It adds 2 Rounds to your Glock 19, 17, or 26 magazine. This modest increase can be crucial in a self-defense situation or competitive shooting scenario.
Caliber: Designed specifically for 9mm Luger, it ensures optimal feeding and reliability with this common pistol caliber.
Gun Make & Model: It is compatible with Glock 17, Glock 19, and Glock 26. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any Glock owner’s arsenal.
Condition: Factory DEMO.
Gun Type: Pistol.
These specifications are more than just numbers; they translate directly to the extension’s performance and usability. The aluminum construction contributes to its durability, while the +2 capacity offers a practical advantage.
Performance & Functionality
The Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension performs its primary function – increasing magazine capacity – effectively. The added rounds provide a slight but noticeable advantage in shooting scenarios where every bullet counts. The extension’s low-profile design doesn’t significantly impact the overall size of the Glock 26, maintaining its concealability.
The biggest strength is its durability and aesthetic appeal. The aluminum construction feels solid and looks great. The main weakness, however, lies in the installation process, which can be unnecessarily difficult, as well as that slight wobble which can be a cause of concern. Overall, it meets expectations for a premium magazine extension, albeit with a few minor drawbacks.
Design & Ergonomics
The Herrington Arms extension boasts a clean, minimalist design that seamlessly integrates with the Glock’s aesthetics. The aluminum construction provides a solid, weighty feel in the hand, enhancing the overall grip. While the extension doesn’t feature aggressive texturing, the slightly extended grip surface offers a more secure hold, particularly for shooters with larger hands.
There’s a noticeable learning curve with the installation, which requires a significant amount of force and precision. Once installed, however, the extension feels secure and doesn’t interfere with the gun’s handling.
Durability & Maintenance
The Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension is built to last. The 7075 Aluminum construction and Cerakote finish provide excellent resistance to wear and tear. With proper care, this extension should provide years of reliable service.
Maintaining the extension is simple. Regular cleaning with a mild solvent and lubricant is all that’s required to keep it in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Herrington Arms extension doesn’t come with any additional accessories. The primary customization option is the choice of Cerakote finish, allowing you to match it to your Glock’s frame. It’s designed to work with standard Glock magazine springs, eliminating the need for aftermarket replacements.
Pros and Cons of Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension
Pros
- Durable 7075 Aluminum Construction: Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.
- Sleek, Low-Profile Design: Seamlessly integrates with Glock aesthetics and maintains concealability.
- Enhanced Grip: Provides a more secure hold, particularly for shooters with larger hands.
- Compatible with Glock 17, 19, and 26: Offers versatility for Glock owners with multiple models.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Available in multiple Cerakote colors for customization.
Cons
- Difficult Installation: Requires significant force and precision, potentially frustrating some users.
- Slight Wobble: Some users have reported a minor wobble after installation, although it doesn’t affect function.
Who Should Buy Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension?
The Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension is perfect for Glock owners who prioritize durability, aesthetics, and a slight increase in magazine capacity without significantly impacting concealability. It’s ideal for concealed carriers, competitive shooters, and anyone looking to enhance their Glock’s performance and appearance.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who are not mechanically inclined or have difficulty with intricate installations, or anyone sensitive to minor cosmetic imperfections like a slight wobble. Additionally, those seeking a more substantial capacity increase might prefer larger, more aggressively textured extensions.
A must-have modification is a magazine disassembly tool to facilitate the challenging installation process.
Conclusion on Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension
The Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension offers a compelling blend of durability, aesthetics, and functionality. While the challenging installation and potential wobble are minor drawbacks, the overall quality and performance of this extension make it a worthwhile upgrade for many Glock owners. At $50.99, the price is justified considering the high-quality materials and construction.
I would personally recommend it to anyone seeking a premium magazine extension that enhances their Glock’s capabilities without compromising its concealability or aesthetic appeal. If you’re willing to invest a bit of time and effort in the installation process, the Herrington Arms Glock 19/26 2 Round Magazine Extension is a solid choice that will likely serve you well for years to come.