First Impressions of Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine
The Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine promises enhanced capacity and reliability for Glock owners, especially those utilizing Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCCs) that accept Glock magazines. Coming from Ed Brown Products, a name synonymous with high-end 1911s and quality components, I was intrigued to see if their expertise translated well into the world of Glock magazines. My initial expectation was for a magazine that offers more than just extra rounds, but also improved feeding and durability, justifying the price point compared to standard capacity Glock magazines.
I was perpetually frustrated with the limited capacity of factory Glock magazines when participating in 3-gun competitions. The constant need to reload slowed me down significantly. I needed a high-capacity magazine that I could reliably use during competitions and training.
Upon receiving the magazine, the first thing I noticed was its solid construction. The steel liner encased in a polymer body felt robust and well-made. It certainly felt more substantial than some of the cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve encountered.
Compared to a standard Glock 17 magazine and a Magpul PMAG GL9, the Ed Brown magazine felt more premium. It was denser than the PMAG and exhibited no noticeable flex in the polymer body. I chose this magazine over others primarily because of Ed Brown’s reputation and the promise of a lifetime warranty.
My first impression was positive, though cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential for increased firepower and reliability, but also slightly skeptical about whether it could live up to the hype, especially considering the mixed user feedback regarding initial stiffness. The real test would be at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing. I used it in my Glock 17 and my AR-9 pistol caliber carbine (PCC).
In both platforms, the magazine initially felt stiff to load, particularly in the last few rounds. I experienced one failure to feed in the Glock 17 during the first magazine, but after that, it ran flawlessly. I had no malfunctions when using the magazine in my AR-9 PCC.
It definitely took some getting used to, particularly the extra weight and length of the magazine. The magazine’s length could potentially hinder concealment for everyday carry. However, manipulating it during reloads was smooth and faster than anticipated.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds, the Ed Brown magazine has proven to be quite reliable. The initial stiffness has lessened with use, making it easier to load to full capacity. There have been no additional failures to feed in either my Glock 17 or AR-9 PCC.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The polymer body is holding up well, and the steel liner shows no signs of corrosion. I clean the magazine after each range session with a simple wipe-down and occasional disassembly for a more thorough cleaning.
Compared to my experience with cheaper, off-brand magazines, the Ed Brown magazine has been significantly more reliable. It has outperformed those magazines in terms of consistent feeding and overall durability. This magazine gives me more confidence than the cheaper options.
Breaking Down the Features of Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine is designed for Glock 9mm pistols, including models 17, 17L, 18, 19, 19x, 26, 34, and 35. It also fits AR-9 platforms that accept Glock-style magazines. This versatility makes it appealing to a wide range of users.
The magazine has a 31-round capacity. This high capacity is a major selling point, especially for competition shooters and those who want maximum firepower. The magazine body is constructed from a combination of steel and polymer. The steel liner provides durability and reliable feeding, while the polymer outer body reduces weight and provides impact resistance.
The magazine is finished in black. This blends seamlessly with most Glock firearms. The Ed Brown magazine comes with a lifetime warranty. This demonstrates the company’s confidence in the product’s quality and durability.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall usability. The high capacity offers a distinct advantage in certain situations, while the robust construction ensures it can withstand regular use. The lifetime warranty provides peace of mind.
Performance & Functionality
The Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine performs its primary job – reliably feeding 9mm rounds – very well. After the initial break-in period, it has proven to be consistent and dependable. The magazine locks into both my Glock 17 and AR-9 PCC securely and releases smoothly.
The main strength of this magazine is its high capacity and reliable feeding. It provides a significant advantage in situations where increased firepower is desired. One potential weakness is the initial stiffness of the spring, which can make loading to full capacity challenging at first.
The magazine meets my expectations for a high-capacity Glock magazine. It provides the increased firepower I was looking for without sacrificing reliability. However, the stiffness when new, and the difficulty some users have reported when disassembling it for cleaning are drawbacks that prospective buyers should consider.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine boasts a robust build quality with its steel-lined polymer construction. The magazine feels solid in hand and exhibits no noticeable flex or weakness. The weight is slightly heavier than a standard capacity Glock magazine, but it’s still manageable.
The design is user-friendly, mirroring the dimensions and locking mechanism of standard Glock magazines. It fits seamlessly into the magazine well of compatible Glock models and AR-9 platforms. The only potential learning curve is related to loading the magazine to full capacity when it’s new, due to the stiff spring.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel-lined polymer construction, the Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine should last for a significant amount of time. The materials are resistant to corrosion and impact damage. Regular cleaning and maintenance will further extend its lifespan.
Maintenance is straightforward. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning can be slightly tricky, as reported by some users. However, with practice and the right tools, it becomes easier. Wiping down the exterior and lubricating the follower occasionally is generally sufficient for keeping the magazine in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with various magazine pouches and carriers designed for extended Glock magazines. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself.
It works well with standard Glock magazine loaders. This makes it easier to load even with the stiff spring. The magazine is also compatible with aftermarket baseplates designed for Glock magazines.
Pros and Cons of Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High Capacity: The 31-round capacity provides a significant advantage in competition or defensive situations.
- Reliable Feeding: After a short break-in period, the magazine has proven to feed reliably in both my Glock 17 and AR-9 PCC.
- Durable Construction: The steel-lined polymer construction ensures the magazine can withstand regular use and abuse.
- Lifetime Warranty: Ed Brown’s lifetime warranty provides peace of mind and demonstrates their confidence in the product.
- Versatile Compatibility: The magazine is compatible with a wide range of Glock 9mm pistols and AR-9 platforms.
Cons
- Stiff Spring: The spring can be initially stiff, making it difficult to load to full capacity.
- Disassembly Difficulty: Some users have reported difficulty disassembling the magazine for cleaning.
Who Should Buy Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine?
The Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters, especially those participating in 3-gun competitions. It is also an ideal choice for those who use AR-9 pistol caliber carbines that accept Glock magazines. This is also a solid option for anyone wanting increased firepower in a defensive situation.
This product might not be ideal for those prioritizing concealed carry, due to the magazine’s extended length. It may also not be suitable for those on a tight budget, as there are cheaper high-capacity Glock magazines available, although they may not offer the same level of reliability or durability.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine loader to help with the initially stiff spring. Additionally, a good cleaning kit to maintain the magazine’s performance is recommended.
Conclusion on Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine
The Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine offers a compelling combination of high capacity, reliable feeding, and durable construction. While the initial stiffness and potential disassembly difficulty are drawbacks to consider, the overall performance and lifetime warranty make it a worthwhile investment. Ed Brown Products has delivered a quality product for Glock owners seeking increased firepower.
The price is justified by the magazine’s robust construction, reliable performance, and lifetime warranty from Ed Brown. I would recommend this magazine to anyone looking for a high-quality, high-capacity Glock magazine for competition, training, or defensive purposes. The added capacity gives me confidence, and the reliability (after break-in) is critical.
If you’re looking to upgrade your Glock’s firepower, give the Ed Brown Products Performance Glock 17/17L/18/19/19x/26/34/35 9mm 31 Rounds Pistol Magazine a try. You will not be disappointed.