First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine
The Glock 19 and 26 are arguably the most versatile and popular handguns on the market, and reliable magazines are the key to their performance. Enter the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine, promising enhanced durability, reliability, and a unique aesthetic. I was immediately intrigued by the translucent carbon smoke finish and ETS’s reputation for innovative polymer magazine designs.
My journey to the ETS magazine stemmed from a desire for more affordable, yet reliable, magazines for my Glock 19. Factory Glock magazines are excellent, but the price can add up quickly, especially for training and competition. I wanted to find a magazine that could withstand rigorous use without breaking the bank, and the ETS magazine seemed to fit the bill.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the distinctive “carbon smoke” tint. It’s a semi-transparent dark gray that allows you to see the remaining rounds at a glance. The polymer felt robust and well-molded, giving a sense of quality that belied the magazine’s affordable price point. Build quality appeared excellent, with no noticeable imperfections.
Compared to Magpul PMAGs for Glock, which are known for their reliability and value, the ETS magazine offered a different aesthetic and a slightly different polymer feel. While the PMAGs have a more utilitarian look, the ETS magazine possesses a modern, almost futuristic appeal. Compared to factory Glock magazines, the ETS magazine provides a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing crucial features like round count visibility.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential for a high-quality, affordable magazine that could keep up with the demands of frequent range trips and defensive training. However, I knew that only extensive testing would reveal whether the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine could truly deliver on its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ETS magazines was at my local outdoor range on a typical Texas summer day – hot, humid, and dusty. I loaded up several magazines with a mix of 115-grain FMJ and 124-grain +P defensive rounds to see how they handled different loads. The magazines loaded easily and seated positively in my Glock 19.
The ETS magazines performed flawlessly through the first few hundred rounds. I experienced no failures to feed, double feeds, or any other malfunctions. The translucent body made it easy to monitor round count, which was especially helpful during drills focusing on reloads.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a carbine course, the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be surprisingly resilient. There are some minor scuff marks from inserting and removing the magazines from my mag pouches, but no cracks or signs of significant wear and tear. The feed lips still look solid and haven’t spread or deformed, even after being stored fully loaded for extended periods.
Cleaning the ETS magazines is straightforward. The baseplate is easily removed without tools, allowing for quick disassembly and cleaning of the magazine body and spring. I typically use a brush and some CLP to remove any dirt or debris, and then reassemble the magazine.
Compared to my experience with some other aftermarket Glock magazines, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and durability. It’s become a staple in my range bag, and I trust it enough to use it for defensive practice.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for Glock 19, Glock 26, and Glock 49 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. It is compatible with Glock generations 1 through 5. The magazine features a 15-round capacity.
The magazine body is constructed from an advanced polymer known for its extreme impact resistance and resistance to heat, cold, and UV exposure. The carbon smoke color gives the magazine a distinct look. The polymer is also creep resistant, preventing the feed lips from spreading over time, even when fully loaded.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems magazine performs admirably under various conditions. The reliable feeding ensures smooth cycling and minimizes malfunctions. The 15-round capacity provides a good balance between firepower and concealability. The magazine’s usability is excellent, seating easily in the magwell and dropping freely when released.
The magazine’s strength lies in its robust construction and reliable feeding. One area for potential improvement would be a more aggressive texture on the magazine body for enhanced grip in wet or slippery conditions. Overall, the magazine meets and often exceeds expectations for an aftermarket Glock magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The carbon smoke translucent polymer gives the Elite Tactical Systems magazine a modern and tactical appearance. The magazine’s weight is comparable to a factory Glock magazine. The ergonomically designed floor plate makes it easy to grab the magazine from a mag pouch.
The magazine is incredibly user-friendly. The easy disassembly process simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
Durability & Maintenance
The advanced polymer construction gives excellent durability. The magazines have withstood numerous drops, impacts, and exposure to harsh conditions with minimal signs of wear. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the spring will help maintain optimal performance and extend the magazine’s lifespan.
The magazine is designed for easy disassembly, making maintenance a breeze. The baseplate is easily removed by depressing the internal locking tabs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to be compatible with Glock magazine extensions. This allows users to increase the magazine capacity for competition or tactical applications. ETS also offers a range of other 9mm double-stack magazines and accessories.
The baseplates are interchangeable within the ETS 9mm double stack magazine line, allowing for further customization. While the magazine is primarily designed for Glock pistols, its standard dimensions make it compatible with many aftermarket accessories designed for Glock magazines.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Excellent Value: Offers reliable performance at a fraction of the cost of factory Glock magazines.
- Durable Polymer Construction: Withstands harsh conditions and heavy use without cracking or deforming.
- Translucent Body: Allows for quick and easy monitoring of round count.
- Easy Disassembly: Simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
- Glock Extension Compatibility: Designed to work with popular Glock magazine extensions for increased capacity.
Cons
- Slick texture: Could benefit from a more aggressive texture for improved grip, especially in wet conditions.
- Polymer finish: While durable, may show scratches and scuffs more readily than metal magazines.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for Glock owners looking for a reliable and affordable alternative to factory magazines. It is also suitable for competitive shooters, range enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to have a supply of durable magazines for training and practice. It’s a great option for those wanting to easily monitor round count at a glance.
Those who demand absolute, unwavering reliability in all conditions might prefer sticking with factory Glock magazines. If maximum durability and resistance to wear are top priorities, metal magazines might also be a better choice.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch to protect the magazine during storage and transport. Also, a magazine loader can greatly speed up the process of loading multiple magazines, especially during extended range sessions.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 19/26 9mm Luger 15 Round Pistol Magazine is a surprisingly impressive aftermarket Glock magazine. It offers a winning combination of affordability, durability, and functionality. The price is definitely justified.
After extensive testing, I can confidently recommend the ETS magazine to anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective alternative to factory Glock magazines. It’s a solid performer that will keep your Glock running smoothly without breaking the bank. Go grab a few of these, you won’t regret it!