First Impressions of Amend2 A2-17 Glock 17 9mm Luger 18 Round Pistol Magazine
The Amend2 A2-17 Glock 17 9mm Luger 18 Round Pistol Magazine enters a crowded market of Glock magazines, promising a reliable and affordable alternative to OEM options. Amend2 aims to deliver a magazine that’s both durable and functional, catering to Glock owners looking for extra magazines without breaking the bank. With its 18-round capacity, this magazine attempts to bridge the gap between standard capacity and extended magazines, offering a sweet spot for many shooters.
I’ve always been a firm believer in having ample magazines, especially for training or competition. My primary motivation for trying the Amend2 A2-17 was to find a cost-effective solution for building up my magazine inventory, without sacrificing reliability. I wanted something that could handle the rigors of regular range use and potentially serve as a backup for defensive purposes.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt surprisingly lightweight, which raised initial concerns about its robustness. The polymer construction appeared somewhat basic, lacking the refined finish of factory Glock magazines or premium aftermarket options like those from Magpul. However, the fit and finish seemed acceptable for the price point, and I was eager to see how it would perform on the range.
Compared to my Glock OEM magazines and some Magpul PMAGs, the Amend2 felt less substantial in hand. I chose the Amend2 hoping for a balance between affordability and functionality, acknowledging that there might be some trade-offs in terms of overall quality. My first impression was a mix of cautious optimism and a healthy dose of skepticism, ready to put it through its paces and see if it could prove its worth.
Real-World Testing: Putting Amend2 A2-17 Glock 17 9mm Luger 18 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Amend2 A2-17 at an outdoor shooting range during a standard practice session with my Glock 17. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the magazine’s performance. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid reloads and controlled pairs, to simulate real-world scenarios.
The magazine initially seated without issue, and the first few rounds chambered smoothly; however, by the third magazine, I experienced a failure to feed. This prompted me to examine the magazine more closely for any obvious defects, but I couldn’t find any immediate problems. Despite this initial hiccup, I continued the session, loading and unloading the Amend2 alongside my Glock OEM magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Amend2 A2-17 showed some signs of improvement, but reliability remained a concern. While it became more consistent in feeding rounds, occasional failures to feed persisted, occurring roughly once every three to four magazines. I estimate I put around 500 rounds through the Amend2 magazine.
The polymer construction showed minor wear marks, but no significant cracks or damage. Cleaning was straightforward, with the magazine easily disassembling for thorough maintenance. Compared to my Glock OEM magazines, the Amend2 simply didn’t offer the same level of confidence, and I wouldn’t trust it for a defensive situation based on its inconsistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Amend2 A2-17 Glock 17 9mm Luger 18 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Amend2 A2-17 Glock 17 9mm Luger 18 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for use with Glock 17 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. It boasts an 18-round capacity, offering a slight increase over the standard 17-round magazines. The magazine body is constructed from a sturdy, impact-resistant polymer, aimed at providing durability without adding excessive weight.
The magazine features a heavy-duty, non-memory, and non-corrosive spring, designed to ensure consistent feeding and long-term reliability. Its black finish gives it a sleek, understated look. These specifications directly influence the magazine’s performance, with the polymer construction affecting its overall durability and the spring impacting its feeding consistency.
Performance & Functionality
The Amend2 A2-17 aims to provide a reliable alternative to Glock OEM magazines; however, in my experience, it fell short of expectations. While it generally performed adequately for range use, the occasional failures to feed eroded my confidence in its reliability. The 18-round capacity is a definite plus, offering a slight advantage over standard magazines.
Its primary strength is its affordability, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters. The main weakness is its inconsistent feeding, which prevents it from being a dependable option for defensive purposes. It meets the basic expectation of providing extra rounds, but falls short in terms of reliability compared to OEM magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The Amend2 A2-17 features a simple, functional design that closely resembles Glock OEM magazines. The polymer construction keeps the weight down, making it comfortable to carry in a magazine pouch. While the magazine body feels somewhat less refined than Glock OEM magazines, the ergonomics are generally good.
There isn’t a significant learning curve; it operates similarly to standard Glock magazines. However, the slightly less refined finish may be noticeable to some users.
Durability & Maintenance
The Amend2 A2-17 appears reasonably durable, with the polymer construction holding up well to regular use. While it showed some minor wear marks, there were no signs of cracking or structural damage after several weeks of testing. The magazine is easy to disassemble and clean, allowing for thorough maintenance.
With proper care, it should last for a reasonable amount of time, although I wouldn’t expect it to withstand the same level of abuse as a Glock OEM magazine. Regular cleaning and inspection are essential for maintaining its performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Amend2 A2-17 doesn’t come with any additional accessories, focusing solely on providing a functional magazine. While there aren’t specific customization options for the magazine itself, it’s compatible with most standard Glock magazine pouches and carriers. It also works with various aftermarket baseplates designed for Glock magazines.
Because the design closely mirrors the OEM magazines, compatibility with aftermarket accessories is generally good. This allows users to tailor their setup to their individual needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Amend2 A2-17 Glock 17 9mm Luger 18 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Affordable alternative to Glock OEM magazines.
- 18-round capacity offers a slight advantage over standard magazines.
- Lightweight polymer construction for comfortable carry.
- Easy to disassemble and clean for maintenance.
- Compatible with most standard Glock magazine pouches and aftermarket baseplates.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding, leading to occasional failures.
- Polymer construction feels less refined than Glock OEM magazines.
- Questionable long-term durability compared to OEM options.
Who Should Buy Amend2 A2-17 Glock 17 9mm Luger 18 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Amend2 A2-17 Glock 17 9mm Luger 18 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who need extra magazines for range use and practice. It’s also suitable for those who want a slightly higher capacity than standard 17-round magazines without the bulk of extended magazines. It is ideal for individuals focused on recreational shooting and less demanding scenarios.
This magazine should be skipped by anyone who requires absolute reliability for defensive purposes or competition shooting. Those who prioritize premium quality and proven performance should stick with Glock OEM or high-end aftermarket magazines. If you demand unwavering dependability, this isn’t the magazine for you.
A must-have modification would be thorough testing and break-in before relying on it for anything beyond casual range use. Adding a high-quality aftermarket baseplate could also improve handling and durability.
Conclusion on Amend2 A2-17 Glock 17 9mm Luger 18 Round Pistol Magazine
The Amend2 A2-17 Glock 17 9mm Luger 18 Round Pistol Magazine offers an affordable entry point into the world of Glock magazines, but its inconsistent performance limits its overall value. While the 18-round capacity and lightweight design are appealing, the occasional failures to feed prevent it from being a truly reliable option. The low price point might be attractive, but the trade-off in reliability is a significant consideration.
The price is justified for range use, but not for anything more demanding. The cost savings doesn’t compensate for the potential for malfunctions in critical situations. I would personally recommend it with reservations, primarily for casual range use and only after thorough testing to ensure acceptable performance.
Ultimately, the Amend2 A2-17 serves as a budget-friendly option for expanding your magazine collection, but be aware of its limitations and prioritize reliability when it truly counts. Test it extensively before trusting it!