First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity and enhanced reliability for M&P owners. Elite Tactical Systems aims to deliver a magazine that stands up to harsh conditions while providing a clear view of your remaining ammunition. This magazine immediately piqued my interest because I’ve always been on the hunt for a reliable, high-capacity option for my M&P, especially for range days and training scenarios.
I was looking for a magazine that could reliably feed rounds, withstand the abuse of regular use, and allow me to quickly assess my ammo situation. Standard capacity magazines are fine, but in certain training environments, the need to frequently reload can disrupt the flow and potentially put you at a disadvantage. So I decided to try a magazine made by Elite Tactical Systems.
Upon unboxing, the translucent polymer immediately caught my eye; it felt sturdy but lightweight. The clear body allows for quick ammo checks, a feature I appreciate. Compared to the standard S&W magazines and Magpul’s offerings, this ETS mag stood out due to its unique construction and higher capacity.
I picked this magazine hoping for a blend of reliability, durability, and increased firepower. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; the polymer felt robust, but I needed to see how it performed under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was typical for late summer: hot and dusty, with temperatures hovering around 90 degrees. I ran several drills, focusing on speed reloads and malfunction clearing.
The magazine loaded easily and locked into my M&P securely. During my initial shooting session, I experienced a few failures to feed within the first 100 rounds, which raised some concerns.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few months, I continued to use the Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine extensively. I put several hundred more rounds through it, experimenting with different types of ammunition and shooting in varying weather conditions. The initial failures to feed seemed to resolve themselves after a thorough cleaning and lubrication of the magazine.
The polymer body has held up well, showing only minor signs of wear and tear. Cleaning is straightforward; the base plate is easy to remove, allowing for complete disassembly and maintenance. Compared to some of the cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past, this ETS mag has proven to be significantly more reliable, although still not as flawless as factory magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm pistols. It boasts a 30-round capacity, offering a significant increase over standard magazines. The magazine body is constructed from a translucent, advanced polymer that provides extreme impact resistance and superior heat, cold, and UV resistance.
The magazine features a base plate that is interchangeable with other ETS 9mm double-stack magazines. It also allows easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. The creep-resistant polymer is designed to prevent feed lip spread, even when stored fully loaded for extended periods.
Performance & Functionality
When it functions properly, the Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine performs admirably, delivering a high volume of fire with minimal reloading. Its main strength lies in its increased capacity, which is beneficial for training, competition, or defensive scenarios. The translucent body allows for quick visual confirmation of remaining ammunition, a feature that enhances situational awareness.
However, its reliability isn’t perfect; some users have reported occasional feeding issues, especially with certain types of ammunition. While my initial issues seemed to have resolved after cleaning and lubrication, it remains a potential weakness.
Design & Ergonomics
The translucent polymer design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The magazine’s weight is comparable to other polymer magazines of similar capacity, adding minimal bulk to the pistol. The ergonomically designed floor plate facilitates easy removal from magazine pouches.
There is a slight learning curve when initially loading the magazine to full capacity due to the increased spring tension, but it becomes easier with practice. The magazine fits snugly in the M&P’s magwell, ensuring secure lock-up.
Durability & Maintenance
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine is constructed from a durable polymer designed to withstand impacts and harsh conditions. The material is also resistant to many common chemicals, adding to its longevity. Disassembly is simple, allowing for thorough cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
With proper care, this magazine should provide a long service life. Replacing the magazine spring periodically is recommended to maintain reliable feeding, especially with frequent use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine is compatible with ETS’s line of 9mm double-stack magazines. The base plate can be swapped with other ETS base plates or even Glock extensions, offering some degree of customization. While it doesn’t directly support other common M&P accessories like magwells, its dimensions allow it to function seamlessly with most standard M&P configurations.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High capacity (30 rounds) reduces the need for frequent reloads.
- Translucent body allows for quick visual assessment of remaining ammunition.
- Durable polymer construction provides impact and chemical resistance.
- Easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.
- Interchangeable base plate with other ETS magazines and Glock extensions.
Cons
- Some users have reported occasional feeding issues, especially with certain types of ammunition.
- May require initial cleaning and lubrication to ensure optimal performance.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine?
This magazine is perfect for competitive shooters, range enthusiasts, and those who prioritize high-capacity magazines for training or home defense. It is a good fit for individuals who want to extend their shooting sessions without frequent interruptions for reloading.
Those who demand absolute reliability without any potential for feeding issues may want to stick with factory magazines. Individuals carrying concealed for self-defense might find the extended length and increased weight to be a disadvantage.
Must-have accessories include a quality magazine loader to ease the process of loading to full capacity and a durable magazine pouch to securely carry the magazine.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine offers a compelling blend of high capacity, durability, and a unique translucent design. While it may not be as flawlessly reliable as factory magazines, its increased capacity and ease of maintenance make it a valuable addition to any M&P owner’s arsenal, especially for range use.
At a price of $23.25, the value proposition is strong, provided you are willing to accept the possibility of occasional feeding issues. I would personally recommend this magazine with the caveat that it should be thoroughly tested and proven reliable with your chosen ammunition before relying on it in a critical situation.
If you’re looking to boost your M&P’s firepower and don’t mind a bit of extra maintenance, give the Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 30 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine a try. You might find it to be a game-changer on the range.