ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG – SITS FLUSH – 9mm Caliber, 6 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin Review

First Thoughts on the ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG – SITS FLUSH – 9mm Caliber, 6 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin

The ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG – SITS FLUSH – 9mm Caliber, 6 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin from Elite Tactical Systems Group (ETS) promises to offer Glock 43 owners an affordable and visually distinct alternative to factory magazines. The transparent polymer construction immediately catches the eye, and the promise of a 7-round capacity in a flush-fitting design is compelling. My initial curiosity was piqued by the potential for easy round counting and diagnosing malfunctions due to the magazine’s transparency.

As a seasoned firearms enthusiast, I’ve seen countless aftermarket magazines come and go, often with reliability issues plaguing their performance. I was specifically looking for a cost-effective magazine option for practice and training with my wife’s Glock 43, without subjecting our expensive Glock magazines to unnecessary wear and tear. The primary appeal was its price point, significantly lower than factory Glock magazines, making it an ideal candidate for high-volume range sessions.

Upon receiving the ETS magazine, the first thing I noticed was its lightweight feel compared to the OEM Glock magazine. The transparent polymer felt reasonably sturdy, though its long-term durability was a concern right off the bat. I own several Magpul Glock magazines and a couple of Amend2 mags. The ETS magazine felt less robust than the Magpul and Amend2 offerings.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic; the price was right, and the transparent design was intriguing. However, the somewhat less-than-premium feel of the polymer raised a few red flags, particularly concerning its ability to withstand repeated drops and impacts during tactical drills. Time and testing would tell if my concerns were justified.

Real-World Testing: Putting ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG – SITS FLUSH – 9mm Caliber, 6 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for the ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG was my local indoor shooting range. I ran a series of drills focused on magazine changes and malfunction clearing. The range conditions were typical: a controlled environment with no extreme temperatures or environmental factors.

The first magazine was loaded with 6 rounds of standard 115-grain FMJ ammunition. I immediately encountered an issue; the magazine only reliably accepted 6 rounds despite being advertised as a 7-round magazine. The magazine seated firmly and locked into place, but I experienced two failures to feed within the first six rounds.

The follower seemed to bind slightly within the magazine body, causing the rounds to nose-dive upon feeding. This issue was unexpected and disappointing right out of the gate.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the ETS magazine’s initial issues unfortunately persisted. The feeding problems continued sporadically, averaging one failure to feed every other magazine. This unreliability rendered the magazine unsuitable for anything beyond very basic range training.

Concerning durability, the magazine body showed no visible signs of cracking or stress fractures despite being dropped on a concrete floor multiple times. However, the magazine spring seemed to weaken slightly over time, further contributing to the feeding issues. Cleaning the magazine was straightforward, with the disassembly process being relatively simple.

Compared to my experience with Glock factory magazines, the ETS magazine was significantly less reliable. The Glock magazines consistently performed flawlessly, while the ETS magazine’s inconsistent feeding made it difficult to trust. I have a similar experience with the Amend2 magazines being “good enough” while not as reliable as OEM Glock magazines.

Breaking Down the Features of ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG – SITS FLUSH – 9mm Caliber, 6 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin

Specifications

The ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG – SITS FLUSH – 9mm Caliber, 6 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin is designed specifically for the Glock 43 pistol chambered in 9mm. The advertised capacity is 7 rounds, although my testing revealed consistent issues achieving this capacity. The magazine features a clear/transparent polymer body, allowing for visual confirmation of remaining rounds.

It is an aftermarket magazine manufactured by Elite Tactical Systems Group (ETS), designed to sit flush with the Glock 43’s grip. The magazine’s construction utilizes a smoke-colored, transparent polymer. This is intended to provide a visual indication of the remaining rounds and potentially diagnose malfunctions.

The magazine weighs approximately 1.6 ounces unloaded. This is significantly lighter than the Glock factory magazine. The follower is constructed of a similar polymer material as the magazine body. The specifications on the ETS website states that they use advanced polymer that is extremely resistant to chemicals, and impact which would be ideal for harsh environments.

Performance & Functionality

The ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG‘s primary function is to feed 9mm rounds reliably into a Glock 43 pistol. Unfortunately, my testing revealed significant issues with reliable feeding, particularly after the initial few uses. The magazine consistently failed to feed rounds smoothly, resulting in malfunctions that required immediate attention.

The magazine’s advertised 7-round capacity was also inaccurate; I consistently experienced difficulty loading more than 6 rounds without excessive force, which often led to the first round failing to feed properly. The major weakness is its spotty reliability. The magazine’s strength is its visual round count capability and its low price point.

It fell significantly short of expectations. The primary purpose of a magazine is reliable feeding, and the ETS magazine failed to deliver on this fundamental requirement.

Design & Ergonomics

The clear polymer construction of the ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG is visually appealing and allows for easy round counting. The flush-fitting design ensures that the magazine does not protrude from the Glock 43’s grip, maintaining a compact profile. The lightweight design enhances comfort during extended carry.

The magazine is relatively easy to grip and manipulate during magazine changes. However, the polymer material feels less robust than the factory Glock magazine. The lack of texture on the magazine body can make it slightly slippery, especially with sweaty hands.

The magazine is user-friendly in terms of loading and unloading. However, the inconsistent feeding and capacity issues detract significantly from its overall usability.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG is questionable, particularly given the issues experienced with its feeding reliability after repeated use. The magazine body itself seems reasonably durable, with no signs of cracking or significant wear after being dropped.

Cleaning and maintaining the magazine is simple; it disassembles easily for thorough cleaning. However, the magazine spring’s tendency to weaken over time raises concerns about its long-term performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG does not offer any significant customization options. It is designed to function as a standard replacement magazine for the Glock 43. It is compatible with standard Glock 43 magazine pouches and carriers.

Due to its specific design for the Glock 43, it is not easily compatible with accessories intended for other firearms. The clear body does, however, make it easy to identify aftermarket followers or baseplates that might be compatible.

Pros and Cons of ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG – SITS FLUSH – 9mm Caliber, 6 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin

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Who Should Buy ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG – SITS FLUSH – 9mm Caliber, 6 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin?

The ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG might be suitable for individuals seeking very low-cost magazines strictly for basic range training and who are willing to accept a higher risk of malfunctions. It could be useful for diagnostic purposes, allowing users to visually inspect rounds and identify potential issues.

This product should be avoided by anyone who requires reliable magazines for self-defense or competitive shooting. It is not suitable for concealed carry or any scenario where consistent performance is critical.

Must-have modifications would include replacing the magazine spring with a higher-quality aftermarket spring and potentially polishing the interior of the magazine body to improve feeding smoothness.

Conclusion on ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG – SITS FLUSH – 9mm Caliber, 6 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin

In summary, the ETS FITS GLOCK 43 – 7RD 9MM MAG – SITS FLUSH – 9mm Caliber, 6 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin offers an appealing price point and a visually interesting design. However, its unreliable feeding and questionable durability make it difficult to recommend for serious use.

The value proposition is undermined by its inconsistent performance. While the price is low, the risk of malfunctions negates any potential savings.

I would not personally recommend this magazine for anything beyond basic range practice where malfunctions are tolerable. Reliability is paramount in a firearm magazine, and the ETS magazine simply does not deliver consistently enough to inspire confidence. Spend the extra money on factory Glock magazines or Magpul magazines for dependable performance.

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