First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity and enhanced durability for Glock owners. It claims to fit a wide range of Glock models, from the compact 26 to the full-size 17 and competition-ready 34, offering a versatile upgrade. I was drawn to this magazine hoping for a reliable way to increase my round count without sacrificing the dependability of my Glock 19.
My old Glock magazines, while reliable, limited my capacity, often feeling insufficient during training drills and competitions. The lure of 22 rounds in a magazine that purportedly fits multiple Glock frames was undeniably appealing. I remember seeing similar high-capacity magazines that were finicky and prone to malfunctions, so I was eager to see if the ETS magazine could overcome these issues.
Upon unboxing, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine has a distinctive “Carbon Smoke” translucent polymer finish. The material felt substantial and the magazine was surprisingly light, even with the extended capacity. The ergonomic design of the floor plate made it comfortable to handle and easy to grip.
Compared to a standard Glock 17 magazine and a Magpul PMAG GL9, the ETS magazine stood out due to its translucent body and extended length. I chose this over other extended magazines because of ETS’s reputation for durable polymers and their claim of extreme impact resistance. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to its claims of reliability and durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Elite Tactical Systems magazine primarily at an outdoor shooting range in varying conditions. I ran it through my Glock 19 and my buddy’s Glock 17, putting it through its paces with different types of 9mm ammunition. The weather was moderately humid with temperatures hovering around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The magazine performed well initially, feeding rounds smoothly with both guns. Loading was a little stiff towards the end, but that’s to be expected with higher-capacity magazines. Inserting the magazine into the Glock 19 required a bit more force than a standard Glock magazine, a detail that initially concerned me.
There was one significant issue during the initial testing: the magazine failed to seat properly in my Glock 19 on several occasions, resulting in a misfeed. This only seemed to occur when loading under stress and trying to perform a fast reload. It required more conscious effort to ensure the mag was fully seated.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I started to observe some concerning trends regarding durability. The translucent polymer, while aesthetically pleasing, began to show scratches and scuffs more readily than standard Glock magazines. The Carbon Smoke finish definitely takes a beating. Cleaning the magazine was simple, with the ETS base plate easily disassembling for maintenance.
One magazine developed a crack near the feed lips after approximately 500 rounds. While it still functioned, the crack made me question its long-term reliability, especially under harsh conditions. This was disappointing considering the advertised “extreme impact resistance.”
Compared to my standard Glock magazines, the ETS magazine underperformed in overall durability. My Glock magazines have taken countless drops and sustained years of use without exhibiting similar damage. The Elite Tactical Systems magazine, while initially exciting, left me skeptical about its long-term reliability, especially in demanding tactical situations.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine is chambered for 9mm Luger. Its magazine capacity is 22 rounds, offering a significant increase over standard Glock magazines. The magazine is constructed from an advanced polymer with a Carbon Smoke translucent finish.
This magazine is designed to fit the Glock 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, and 45 models. It’s compatible with Glock generations 1 through 5. The polymer material is intended to provide extreme impact resistance, superior heat, cold, and UV resistance, and is advertised as creep resistant.
The increased capacity allows for more rounds downrange before needing to reload, beneficial for competition and tactical scenarios. The translucent body allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds. The polymer construction should, in theory, be more resistant to cracking and breaking than traditional metal magazines, but my experiences showed otherwise.
Performance & Functionality
When fully seated, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine feeds rounds relatively smoothly and reliably. Its 22-round capacity offers a clear advantage in scenarios requiring high-volume fire. The translucent body is a nice feature that allows for quick visual confirmation of the remaining rounds.
The magazine’s primary weakness is its inconsistent seating in certain Glock models, particularly when performing fast reloads. The durability of the polymer also proved questionable. The magazine did not meet my expectations for long-term reliability and robustness.
Design & Ergonomics
The Elite Tactical Systems magazine features an ergonomically designed floor plate. This floor plate makes it easy to grab from mag pouches. The Carbon Smoke finish gives it a unique and modern look.
The translucent body provides instant visual feedback on round count. While the polymer construction makes the magazine lightweight, it doesn’t exude the same confidence as a metal-lined magazine. The slightly increased length can make it less concealable compared to standard magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The advertised extreme impact resistance was not entirely reflected in my testing. As previously mentioned, one of my magazines developed a crack after approximately 500 rounds. Cleaning and maintaining the magazine is relatively simple, thanks to the easily removable base plate.
However, the polymer’s susceptibility to scratches and the cracking issue raised concerns about its longevity. The magazine’s long-term durability appears to be a potential issue. This means users should be vigilant about inspecting their magazines regularly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to be compatible with Glock extensions. This allows users to further customize and enhance the magazine’s capacity. The magazine works with standard Glock magazine pouches.
There are no other specific accessories included with the magazine itself. The primary customization option lies in its compatibility with Glock base plate extensions. Be sure to verify compatibility with any aftermarket accessories.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Provides a significant increase in capacity compared to standard Glock magazines.
- Features a translucent body for easy visual confirmation of round count.
- Ergonomic floor plate design facilitates easy handling and magazine changes.
- Compatible with various Glock models (17, 18, 19, 26, 34, 45).
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- Inconsistent seating in some Glock models can lead to misfeeds.
- Durability concerns, as the polymer can crack under stress.
- The translucent finish scratches easily and can show wear quickly.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems magazine could be useful for recreational range shooters who want higher capacity magazines. It might also be suitable for those who want a unique look with the translucent finish. Given the reliability concerns, I would not recommend it for duty or serious defensive applications.
Those who should avoid this product are individuals prioritizing utmost reliability and durability, such as law enforcement, military personnel, or those who rely on their firearms for personal defense. I would recommend a good quality, OEM Glock magazine for these applications. A must-have modification would be a vigilant inspection protocol to ensure proper function before each range session.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine presents a mixed bag of features and performance. The increased capacity and translucent body are attractive, but the reliability and durability concerns are significant drawbacks. The value proposition is questionable given the price point and the potential for premature wear and failure.
I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this magazine. While it offers enhanced capacity and a unique look, the inconsistent seating and durability issues make it unsuitable for demanding tactical applications. If you are a recreational shooter seeking a higher-capacity magazine for range use, proceed with caution and thoroughly test its reliability in your specific firearm.