First Thoughts on the ETS For Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 22rd 9mm Carbon Smoke – 9mm Caliber, 22 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin
The ETS For Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 22rd 9mm Carbon Smoke – 9mm Caliber, 22 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin is an aftermarket magazine designed to increase the capacity of your Glock pistol while offering a unique aesthetic. Manufactured by ETS (Elite Tactical Systems), this magazine aims to provide reliability, durability, and a clear view of your remaining ammunition. With its extended 22-round capacity and compatibility across multiple Glock models, it certainly grabbed my attention as a potential upgrade for range days and tactical applications.
I’ve always valued having increased capacity in my magazines. The standard 17-round magazines for my Glock 19 are great, but sometimes you just want more rounds without having to reload as often. I’ve also been curious about aftermarket magazines, wanting to find a reliable option beyond factory magazines.
Upon receiving the ETS magazine, I immediately noticed the “Carbon Smoke” translucent polymer. The lightweight design and the clear body that allows you to visually inspect the ammo count were welcome features. Initial inspection revealed a solid build with no obvious defects.
Compared to the Magpul PMAG GL9 and the Glock OEM 17-round magazine, the ETS magazine stands out due to its higher capacity and translucent design. I chose the ETS magazine because of its promise of compatibility with various Glock models, and the user feedback suggesting reliable performance in AR9 platforms. I was excited to see if it would live up to the hype and provide a reliable high-capacity option for my Glock.
Real-World Testing: Putting ETS For Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 22rd 9mm Carbon Smoke – 9mm Caliber, 22 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ETS magazine at my local shooting range. I used it with my Glock 19, Glock 17, and an AR9 pistol that accepts Glock magazines. The weather was clear and sunny, and the range was relatively clean and dry.
The magazine loaded easily into each firearm, locking in securely. I cycled through several magazines in each gun. I noted only one instance where the slide failed to lock back after the last round in the Glock 19.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the ETS magazine, it has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches on the polymer body, which is expected with regular use. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; the baseplate is easy to remove for disassembly and maintenance.
Compared to my experience with Glock OEM magazines, the ETS magazine doesn’t quite match the flawless reliability of the factory magazines. However, given its higher capacity and aftermarket nature, it has performed respectably. I haven’t experienced any catastrophic failures. I still have more testing to perform.
Breaking Down the Features of ETS For Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 22rd 9mm Carbon Smoke – 9mm Caliber, 22 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm. This is a dedicated 9mm magazine, meaning it is specifically designed for this cartridge, ensuring proper feeding and function.
- Capacity: 22 Rounds. The extended capacity allows for more rounds before needing to reload, beneficial in competition or tactical scenarios.
- Finish: Carbon Smoke. The translucent carbon smoke finish allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining ammunition and adds a unique aesthetic.
- Origin: Aftermarket. Being an aftermarket product, it offers an alternative to factory magazines with enhanced features and potentially lower cost.
- Compatibility: Glock 17, 18, 19, 19x, 26, 34, and 45. This magazine is designed to function in a wide range of Glock pistols, increasing its versatility.
- Construction: Advanced Polymer. The advanced polymer is designed for extreme impact resistance, chemical resistance, and UV resistance, ensuring long-term durability.
- Floor Plate: Ergonomically Designed. The floor plate is shaped to be easily grabbed from magazine pouches, crucial for quick reloads in tactical situations.
- Warranty: Lifetime Warranty. The lifetime warranty demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability and reliability.
These specifications contribute to the ETS magazine’s overall functionality and usability. The higher capacity enhances its appeal for various shooting applications, while the durable polymer construction ensures it can withstand harsh conditions. The compatibility with multiple Glock models and the easy disassembly feature make it a versatile and user-friendly option.
Performance & Functionality
The ETS For Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 22rd 9mm Carbon Smoke – 9mm Caliber, 22 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin performs reasonably well, but it isn’t perfect. Accuracy isn’t affected by the magazine itself, as it’s merely a feeding device. Reliability is mostly consistent, although I experienced a single failure to lock back the slide. Usability is excellent due to the easy-to-grab floor plate and translucent body.
The ETS magazine’s strength lies in its increased capacity and compatibility. One notable weakness is the slightly reduced reliability compared to factory magazines. It mostly meets my expectations, but I’d prefer fewer malfunctions.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is satisfactory. The polymer feels robust, and the weight is negligible. The ETS magazine is comfortable to handle. The translucent design is a standout feature.
It is very user-friendly. The magazine is easy to load and insert into the firearm. The floor plate is designed for easy gripping. The slight increase in length due to the extended capacity doesn’t hinder its usability.
Durability & Maintenance
The ETS magazine seems durable enough for regular use. The polymer construction is resistant to impacts and scratches. I expect it to last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care and maintenance.
Maintenance is simple. The baseplate is easily removable for cleaning the magazine body and spring. No special tools are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine itself doesn’t require any accessories. It’s compatible with standard Glock magazine pouches. There are no specific customization options for the magazine body. However, you could potentially replace the spring with a higher-tension spring if needed. Be sure to use bold and italic text where necessary to emphasize important points.
Pros and Cons of ETS For Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 22rd 9mm Carbon Smoke – 9mm Caliber, 22 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Extended 22-round capacity. This significantly increases the number of rounds available before reloading, making it ideal for range days or competition.
- Translucent “Carbon Smoke” body. This allows for quick visual assessment of remaining ammunition, enhancing situational awareness.
- Compatible with multiple Glock models (17, 18, 19, 19x, 26, 34, 45). This versatility makes it a worthwhile investment for Glock owners with multiple firearms.
- Ergonomic floor plate. The design of the floor plate facilitates easy and fast magazine changes.
- Lifetime Warranty. This provides peace of mind knowing that the manufacturer stands behind their product.
Cons
- Slightly less reliable than Glock OEM magazines. Experienced one failure to lock back the slide, indicating a potential reliability concern.
- Stiff spring can make loading difficult, especially to full capacity. Loading can be tedious, especially without a magazine loader.
Who Should Buy ETS For Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 22rd 9mm Carbon Smoke – 9mm Caliber, 22 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin?
This magazine is perfect for competitive shooters who need the extra capacity, range enthusiasts who want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading, and AR9 owners using Glock magazines who want a reliable and higher-capacity option.
Those who strictly adhere to factory magazines for maximum reliability should skip this product. Individuals who have difficulty loading stiff magazines should also avoid this product unless they use a magazine loader.
A must-have accessory is a magazine loader to help with loading the stiff spring. Consider upgrading the spring if you experience consistent feeding issues.
Conclusion on ETS For Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 22rd 9mm Carbon Smoke – 9mm Caliber, 22 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin
The ETS For Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 22rd 9mm Carbon Smoke – 9mm Caliber, 22 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin offers a compelling blend of increased capacity, visual appeal, and Glock compatibility. While it doesn’t quite match the reliability of factory magazines, its benefits make it a worthwhile consideration for certain users.
At $11.49, the price is justified by the increased capacity and features. It’s an affordable way to enhance your Glock experience.
I would recommend the ETS magazine with the caveat that users should test it thoroughly in their specific firearms to ensure reliable performance. If you prioritize capacity and don’t mind a slight trade-off in absolute reliability, then the ETS For Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 22rd 9mm Carbon Smoke – 9mm Caliber, 22 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin is a solid choice. Consider giving the ETS magazine a shot and see if it enhances your shooting experience.
