First Impressions of Amend2 A2-Stick Glock Double Stack 9mm Luger 34 Round Pistol Magazine
In the world of Glock accessories, the aftermarket is flooded with options, but few promise the extended capacity and unique styling of the Amend2 A2-Stick Glock Double Stack 9mm Luger 34 Round Pistol Magazine. I was intrigued by its aggressive look and the promise of fewer reloads at the range, especially during training drills. I was hoping it was more reliable than some of the other high-capacity options.
My journey towards acquiring this magazine stemmed from a practical need: I was tired of constantly reloading my Glock 19 during pistol courses and training sessions. Shaving off a few seconds on reloads can make a difference. I sought a high-capacity magazine that wouldn’t compromise reliability or introduce feeding issues.
Upon unboxing, the magazine’s Flat Dark Earth (FDE) color immediately caught my eye. The polymer felt sturdy, though slightly lighter than factory Glock magazines. The unique Amend2 baseplate design definitely sets it apart visually.
Compared to other high-capacity Glock magazines I’ve used – including those from Magpul and ETS – the Amend2 A2-Stick seemed to strike a balance between price point and build quality. While Magpul is known for rock-solid reliability and ETS for its transparent polymer, the Amend2 promised a unique aesthetic and a competitive price. I ultimately chose the Amend2 based on its price point and claimed durability.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. It looked good, felt reasonably solid, but the real test would be its performance at the range. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Amend2 A2-Stick Glock Double Stack 9mm Luger 34 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Amend2 A2-Stick was at my local outdoor range, where I primarily practice defensive pistol drills. I subjected it to various drills involving rapid firing and simulated malfunctions. The weather was clear and sunny, ideal for testing.
Initially, the magazine performed adequately for the first few rounds, but about halfway through, I experienced a few failures to feed. These malfunctions were concerning. I also noticed the magazine body felt a little slick in my hands, making quick reloads slightly less smooth compared to my standard Glock mags.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and approximately 500 rounds fired through the Amend2 A2-Stick, the reliability issues persisted. I encountered multiple failures to feed, especially when the magazine was fully loaded. This became unacceptable.
I noticed no significant wear and tear on the polymer body, which speaks to its durability. However, I found myself constantly disassembling and cleaning the magazine more frequently than my other magazines to try and mitigate the feeding issues. This was time-consuming and frustrating. Unfortunately, the Amend2 A2-Stick disappointed me compared to my experience with factory Glock magazines and even other aftermarket options like Magpul.
Breaking Down the Features of Amend2 A2-Stick Glock Double Stack 9mm Luger 34 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Amend2
- Gun Make: Glock
- Gun Model: Glock 26 (and compatible with other double-stack 9mm Glocks)
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity: 34 Rounds
- Color: Flat Dark Earth
- Fabric/Material: Polymer
The Amend2 A2-Stick’s specifications suggest compatibility with a wide range of Glock 9mm pistols. The extended 34-round capacity is intended to provide a significant advantage in scenarios requiring high round counts. The polymer construction aims for durability while keeping weight manageable.
Performance & Functionality
The Amend2 A2-Stick promises increased firepower and a unique aesthetic, but its performance left much to be desired. The recurring failures to feed significantly impacted its reliability. Accuracy wasn’t affected, but the constant malfunctions made it difficult to practice effectively.
While the extended capacity is appealing, the magazine’s unreliability makes it difficult to recommend. It falls short of expectations. This is especially concerning in a defensive or tactical situation where reliability is paramount.
Design & Ergonomics
The Amend2 A2-Stick boasts a distinctive design, particularly the baseplate, which sets it apart from standard Glock magazines. The polymer feels relatively sturdy. However, the magazine body lacks aggressive texturing, potentially impacting grip during reloads, especially with wet or gloved hands.
There is no significant learning curve to using the magazine, as it functions similarly to other Glock magazines in terms of insertion and release. The slickness of the polymer, however, could be improved.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction appears durable. Over several range sessions, the magazine body showed no signs of cracking or deformation, even after being dropped on hard surfaces. However, the need for frequent cleaning to mitigate malfunctions is a downside. It requires more maintenance than other magazines I own.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Amend2 A2-Stick does not come with any included accessories beyond the magazine itself. There are no readily available customization options beyond potentially stippling the magazine body for improved grip. It is designed to be a standalone product. It is compatible with standard Glock magazine pouches.
Pros and Cons of Amend2 A2-Stick Glock Double Stack 9mm Luger 34 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Enhanced capacity (34 rounds) provides a higher round count.
- Distinctive Amend2 baseplate design offers a unique look.
- Polymer construction is relatively durable.
- Affordable price point compared to some other high-capacity options.
- Compatible with a wide range of Glock 9mm pistols.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding, especially when fully loaded.
- Slick polymer body can hinder grip during reloads.
- Requires more frequent cleaning than standard Glock magazines.
Who Should Buy Amend2 A2-Stick Glock Double Stack 9mm Luger 34 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Amend2 A2-Stick might appeal to recreational shooters on a budget who prioritize high capacity and aesthetics over absolute reliability. It could also be suitable for airsoft enthusiasts. However, anyone relying on their firearm for self-defense or professional use should exercise extreme caution.
This is not for law enforcement officers, military personnel, or anyone who requires unwavering reliability in their equipment. Competitive shooters might find it acceptable only for practice, and then only if they are willing to accept the risk of malfunctions.
A must-have modification would be extensive testing and potentially modifications to the feed lips or follower to improve reliability, but even then, results may vary.
Conclusion on Amend2 A2-Stick Glock Double Stack 9mm Luger 34 Round Pistol Magazine
The Amend2 A2-Stick Glock Double Stack 9mm Luger 34 Round Pistol Magazine presents a mixed bag. While it offers an appealing combination of high capacity, distinctive styling, and a competitive price, its significant reliability issues are a major concern. The frequent failures to feed make it unsuitable for any serious application where consistent performance is critical.
At a price of $20.99, the value proposition is questionable given its performance. While it is inexpensive, the frustration and potential risks associated with its unreliability outweigh the cost savings.
I personally cannot recommend the Amend2 A2-Stick for serious use. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your equipment will function flawlessly is worth more than the few dollars saved. Unless Amend2 addresses the reliability issues, I suggest sticking with factory Glock magazines or proven aftermarket options like Magpul, even if they cost more. Before trusting your life to it, test it extensively. Consider other options.