First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Omega S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) Omega S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine aims to offer a reliable and durable alternative to factory magazines for the popular Smith & Wesson M&P platform. With its clear polymer construction and hardened steel feedlips, it promises both visibility of remaining rounds and enhanced durability. This magazine caught my eye with its unique design and claims of improved reliability.
As someone who spends a significant amount of time at the range and has seen firsthand the importance of reliable magazines, I was intrigued. My need was simple: magazines that could withstand constant use and abuse without sacrificing performance. The clear polymer body of the ETS Omega magazine offers an immediate visual indicator of remaining rounds, a feature often overlooked but incredibly useful in dynamic shooting situations.
Upon receiving the ETS Omega magazine, I was immediately struck by its robust feel. The polymer felt thicker and more rigid than other polymer magazines I’ve handled. The steel feedlips appeared well-integrated, and the ergonomic floorplate seemed designed for easy retrieval from a magazine pouch.
Compared to standard M&P factory magazines and Magpul PMAGs for the M&P, the ETS Omega stood out due to its clear body and hybrid polymer/steel construction. I chose this magazine over others because of the potential for increased durability and the visual round count indicator. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to put it through its paces but also skeptical about whether it could truly live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Omega S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Elite Tactical Systems Omega magazine at my local shooting range during a standard practice session. The session involved rapid-fire drills, reload practice, and target acquisition exercises. Conditions were relatively mild – sunny with a slight breeze.
The magazine loaded easily into my S&W M&P 9mm, and the first few rounds cycled without issue. The ergonomic floorplate proved to be a nice touch, allowing for quick and positive magazine changes. However, after about 50 rounds, I experienced a couple of failures to feed, which was concerning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ETS Omega magazine proved to be somewhat inconsistent. While it performed well most of the time, failures to feed occurred more frequently than with my factory M&P magazines. Durability seemed adequate; there were no significant signs of wear and tear, despite regular use.
Cleaning the magazine was straightforward, thanks to the easy disassembly design. However, the intermittent failures to feed remained a concern, making me hesitant to rely on this magazine for critical applications. Compared to my experience with factory M&P magazines, the ETS Omega was a disappointment in terms of reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Omega S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- The Elite Tactical Systems Omega S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for Smith & Wesson 9mm M&P pistols (excluding the Shield). It features a standard 17-round capacity, providing ample firepower for range use or competition.
- The magazine’s standout feature is its clear polymer construction, allowing for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds. The use of hardened steel feedlips enhances durability and ensures consistent feeding.
- Caliber: 9mm Luger.
- Capacity: 17 rounds.
- Material: Polymer/Steel.
- Color: Clear.
- Compatibility: Smith & Wesson M&P (double stack).
- These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall usability. The steel feedlips, for instance, are designed to prevent deformation and ensure consistent feeding, while the clear polymer body allows for quick round count assessment.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Omega magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed 9mm rounds into an M&P pistol. In this respect, it performs adequately, but not flawlessly. Its key strength is the visual round count, which is genuinely useful in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Weaknesses include the aforementioned occasional failures to feed, which detract from its overall reliability. While the ergonomic floorplate is a welcome design choice, the inconsistent feeding issues ultimately limit its performance. Unfortunately, the magazine doesn’t always meet expectations due to its intermittent reliability problems.
Design & Ergonomics
The ETS Omega magazine features a well-thought-out design. The clear polymer body is both functional and aesthetically appealing. The ergonomic floorplate makes magazine changes easier and faster.
The magazine’s weight is comparable to other polymer magazines, making it comfortable to handle. However, the design’s biggest flaw is the occasional feeding issues, which mar an otherwise user-friendly experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials used in the ETS Omega magazine suggest decent durability. The thick polymer body and steel feedlips should withstand regular use and abuse. Easy disassembly simplifies cleaning and maintenance, which is a significant plus.
With proper care, the magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time. However, the long-term durability is somewhat overshadowed by the recurring feeding problems.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Omega magazine itself doesn’t come with many accessories, but it’s designed to be compatible with Glock magazine extensions. This allows users to increase the magazine capacity or modify the base plate for better grip. The base plates are interchangeable with other ETS 9mm double stack magazines.
However, the lack of other customization options is somewhat limiting. The primary focus is on functionality and compatibility with existing Glock extensions.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Omega S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Clear polymer body for easy visual round count.
- Ergonomic floorplate for quick magazine changes.
- Easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.
- Compatibility with Glock magazine extensions.
- Hardened steel feedlips for enhanced durability.
Cons
- Occasional failures to feed.
- Reliability issues limit its use in critical situations.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Omega S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Omega S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters and range enthusiasts who appreciate the visual round count feature. It’s also suitable for those who want to experiment with Glock magazine extensions on their M&P pistols. Those who prioritize 100% reliability in self-defense or duty applications should skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality magazine pouch that securely holds the magazine. Consider also purchasing a Glock magazine extension if you desire a higher capacity.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Omega S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Omega S&W M&P 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine offers an interesting combination of features, but its inconsistent reliability is a significant drawback. While the clear polymer body and ergonomic floorplate are welcome additions, the occasional failures to feed undermine its overall value. At $25.99, the price is reasonable, but the performance doesn’t justify a strong recommendation.
I would personally recommend this magazine with reservations. It’s a decent option for recreational shooting, but not for situations where flawless reliability is paramount. Ultimately, the ETS Omega magazine is a product with potential that falls short due to its inconsistent feeding performance.