First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine promises enhanced capacity and reliability for Glock owners. With its translucent body, impact-resistant polymer construction, and compatibility across multiple Glock models, it aims to be a versatile upgrade. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, especially with the mixed user feedback regarding spring issues and feeding problems.
For years, I’ve relied on standard Glock magazines and some aftermarket options with extensions. I needed a high-capacity solution for competition and training that didn’t involve constantly swapping mags, streamlining my shooting experience. I wanted something reliable enough to trust, and this ETS magazine seemed like a good compromise between cost and capacity.
Upon unboxing, the ETS magazine felt surprisingly sturdy. The carbon smoke finish gave it a tactical look, and the translucent body allowed a clear view of the rounds. It felt lighter than I expected, given its 40-round capacity.
I already owned a few Magpul Glock magazines and some extended OEM magazines. The ETS magazine felt comparable in terms of polymer quality but boasted significantly higher capacity than the Magpul PMAG 17 GL9. The price point was also more attractive than buying several standard Glock magazines.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The translucent body and high capacity were appealing, but I was mindful of the reported issues. I was hoping for a reliable, high-capacity solution, but prepared for the possibility of needing some fine-tuning.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was dry and sunny, providing ideal conditions for testing. I used it with my Glock 19 and Glock 17 to assess its compatibility and performance.
The magazine performed well for the first few magazines, but then a few malfunctions began to occur. I experienced two failures to feed within the first 100 rounds, which was concerning. The rounds seemed to get stuck, requiring me to manually rack the slide to chamber the next round.
The magazine was easy to load, and the ergonomic floor plate made it simple to grab from my mag pouches. However, the failures to feed raised doubts about its reliability under pressure. The malfunctions never happened during the first half of the magazine, but always occurred when the magazine had less than twenty rounds left.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ETS magazine’s performance remained inconsistent. I ran approximately 500 rounds through it across multiple range sessions. The failures to feed persisted, particularly when the magazine was not fully loaded.
I noticed some wear marks on the feed lips, but nothing excessive. Cleaning the magazine was straightforward thanks to the easily disassembled base plate. However, I did observe some build-up of residue inside the translucent body, which required more thorough cleaning.
Compared to my standard Glock magazines, the ETS magazine falls short in terms of reliability. My OEM magazines have never experienced a single failure, while the ETS magazine had recurring issues. The ETS magazine did not out perform my expectations, especially with the failures to feed.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for 9mm Luger caliber Glock pistols. It is compatible with Glock models 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, and 45. Its high capacity is the defining feature.
The magazine holds 40 rounds of 9mm ammunition. It is constructed from an advanced polymer, offering extreme impact resistance. This polymer is designed to withstand heat, cold, and UV exposure.
The magazine features a translucent carbon smoke-colored body. It also incorporates an ergonomically designed floor plate. Elite Tactical Systems claims it is creep resistant, preventing feed lip and body spread during long-term storage.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the magazine’s performance and reliability. The high capacity provides a significant advantage in shooting scenarios requiring sustained fire. The durable polymer construction ensures it can withstand harsh conditions and repeated use.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine’s primary function is to provide a high-capacity feeding solution for Glock pistols. Its performance, however, is inconsistent. The failures to feed detract from its overall usability and reliability.
The main strength of this magazine is its capacity. Having 40 rounds readily available reduces the need for frequent magazine changes. The weakness lies in its inconsistent feeding, undermining its intended purpose.
While the high capacity is appealing, the reliability issues prevent it from meeting expectations. The magazine’s inconsistent feeding problems prevent it from reaching it’s potential. This makes it not reliable for self-defense situations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine has a solid build quality. The polymer feels robust, and the translucent body allows for easy round count verification. It is noticeably lightweight for its size.
The magazine feels comfortable to handle. The ergonomic floor plate makes it easy to grip and manipulate, especially when extracting from mag pouches. There is a slight learning curve in understanding the magazine’s feeding quirks, but otherwise it is easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine seems durable enough to withstand regular use. The polymer construction is resistant to impacts and temperature changes. With proper care, it should last a reasonable amount of time.
The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance. The specially designed base plate simplifies the process. Regular cleaning is essential to ensure smooth feeding and prevent malfunctions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine comes as a standalone product. The ETS base plate is designed to be compatible with Glock extensions. This allows users to further customize the magazine.
The magazine is compatible with various Glock magazine pouches. It works with most standard 9mm Glock accessories. There aren’t many options available directly from ETS for the magazine to improve it’s reliability.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High capacity of 40 rounds significantly reduces the need for frequent magazine changes.
- Durable polymer construction is resistant to impacts and temperature changes.
- Translucent body allows for easy round count verification at a glance.
- Ergonomic floor plate makes it easy to grip and manipulate, even with gloves.
- Easy disassembly with ETS’s specially designed base plate simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding, particularly when the magazine is not fully loaded, leads to malfunctions.
- Reliability issues make it less suitable for critical situations, such as self-defense.
- Build-up of residue inside the translucent body requires more frequent cleaning.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters. It can be used by those looking for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloads. It is also good for competitive shooters who want to minimize magazine changes during matches.
This product may be skipped by individuals requiring 100% reliability in high-stress situations. It is not recommended for self-defense or duty use due to its potential for malfunctions. Also, those who prioritize absolute reliability over high capacity should avoid this product.
A must-have modification might include aftermarket springs. Upgrading the follower or polishing the feed lips could improve performance. However, these modifications may void any warranty.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling combination of high capacity and affordability. However, its inconsistent feeding issues detract from its overall appeal. While the durable polymer construction and ergonomic design are commendable, the reliability concerns cannot be ignored.
The price of around $16 might seem justified for the capacity it offers. Still, reliability is a crucial factor for any firearm magazine. Unfortunately, it falls short in that regard.
Personally, I would not recommend it for critical applications due to its reliability issues. It might be suitable for casual range use, but I would hesitate to rely on it for anything more. Consider investing in higher-quality magazines.