First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine promises enhanced reliability and durability at a competitive price point. As someone who has relied on Glock pistols in .45 ACP for both professional and recreational shooting for over a decade, I’m always seeking improvements in magazine performance. I was particularly intrigued by the translucent polymer construction and the claim of superior resistance to harsh conditions, which is why I decided to give this magazine a try.
My primary motivation for seeking out this magazine was to find a more reliable alternative to standard Glock magazines. Specifically, I was hoping to find a magazine that was less prone to feed lip deformation after extended storage while fully loaded. Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed, exhibiting a weight comparable to factory Glock magazines. The translucent polymer body provided a clear view of the remaining rounds, a feature I immediately appreciated.
Compared to factory Glock magazines and Magpul PMAGs for Glock pistols, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine stood out due to its unique translucent design. While Glock magazines are known for their reliability and PMAGs for their affordability, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine aimed to combine both with the added benefit of visual round count. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the magazine seemed promising, but only real-world testing would reveal its true performance. I was eager to put it through its paces at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine took place at an outdoor shooting range. I tested it with a Glock 21 Gen 4, a Glock 30S, and a Glock 41, cycling through various .45 ACP ammunition types, including FMJ, JHP, and lead reloads. The magazine performed flawlessly during the first 100 rounds, feeding reliably and locking the slide back after the last round each time.
The weather conditions during the initial test were sunny and dry, with temperatures around 75°F. The magazine inserted smoothly into the pistol’s magwell and dropped freely when the magazine release was pressed. There were no noticeable issues with feeding or ejection, and the translucent body allowed for quick visual confirmation of the remaining rounds. I was impressed by the smooth and consistent performance of the magazine, despite the range of ammunition types used.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be reasonably durable and reliable. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through the magazine across the three aforementioned Glock platforms, and it continues to function well. Some minor surface scratches are visible on the polymer body, but these are purely cosmetic and do not affect performance.
I subjected the magazine to a more rigorous test by leaving it fully loaded for several weeks to assess creep resistance. The feed lips showed no signs of spreading or deformation, which is a notable improvement over some other aftermarket magazines I’ve used in the past. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a cloth and occasional lubrication of the follower. While it hasn’t replaced my factory Glock magazines entirely, it has earned a spot in my range bag.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is chambered for .45 ACP and has a capacity of 13 rounds. It is compatible with Glock 21, Glock 30, and Glock 41 pistols. The magazine body is constructed from an extreme impact resistance advanced polymer.
The translucent body allows for quick visual confirmation of the remaining rounds. The magazine features an ergonomically designed floor plate for easy gripping and removal from mag pouches. The magazine is designed for easy disassembly with ETS’s specially designed base plate. The polymer material offers superior heat, cold, and UV resistance.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine performs its job adequately. Its reliability is acceptable, providing mostly consistent feeding and slide lock. The ability to quickly assess round count through the translucent body is a significant advantage.
However, the magazine’s performance is not flawless. I did experience a handful of failures to feed during rapid-fire drills, particularly with hollow-point ammunition. While these malfunctions were relatively infrequent, they are still a cause for concern. Despite these minor issues, the magazine generally meets expectations for range use and casual shooting.
Design & Ergonomics
The Elite Tactical Systems magazine’s design is functional and relatively ergonomic. The polymer construction results in a lightweight yet sturdy feel. The translucent body adds a unique aesthetic and practical benefit.
The ergonomically designed floor plate provides a secure grip when manipulating the magazine. However, the magazine body can feel slightly slick, especially when handling it with sweaty hands. Overall, the design is well-executed, but could benefit from enhanced texturing for improved grip.
Durability & Maintenance
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine appears to be relatively durable. Its polymer construction offers resistance to impacts and harsh chemicals. The magazine’s lifespan will depend on usage intensity and environmental conditions.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a brush and solvent will help maintain optimal performance. The magazine’s easy disassembly design simplifies the cleaning process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is compatible with Glock magazine extensions, allowing for increased capacity. The ETS design works with aftermarket baseplates. The translucent body allows for easy identification of loaded ammunition type, which can be further enhanced by using colored followers. Beyond these options, there are few other customization possibilities.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Translucent body allows for quick visual confirmation of round count and ammunition type.
- Ergonomically designed floor plate provides a secure grip for easy magazine changes.
- Extreme impact resistance ensures durability in demanding conditions.
- Creep resistance prevents feed lip deformation during long-term storage when fully loaded.
- Relatively affordable compared to factory Glock magazines.
Cons
- Slick polymer body can be difficult to grip with sweaty hands.
- Experienced occasional failures to feed during rapid-fire drills.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters and range enthusiasts seeking an affordable and durable alternative to factory Glock magazines. The translucent body and creep-resistant design make it a useful tool for those who want to easily monitor their ammunition supply and store loaded magazines for extended periods.
This magazine is not ideal for law enforcement or defensive use due to the occasional failures to feed. Those seeking absolute reliability in high-stress situations should stick with factory Glock magazines. A must-have accessory is a quality magazine pouch to ensure secure carry and quick access.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling combination of affordability, durability, and unique features. The translucent body and creep resistance are significant advantages for range use and casual shooting. While it’s not perfect, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses for most recreational shooters.
At a price of $15.49, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine offers good value for money. Its durability and features justify the cost, making it a worthwhile addition to any Glock owner’s collection. I would recommend this magazine to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable alternative to factory Glock magazines for range use. Consider the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine to enhance your shooting experience!