First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine
In the world of firearms, reliability and capacity are king. The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine promises to deliver both in spades, offering a significant upgrade in round count over standard Glock magazines while maintaining the legendary Glock reliability, or so ETS claims. I was intrigued by the promise of increased firepower and the innovative translucent polymer construction.
As a seasoned shooter and tactical gear enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve performance and efficiency. I’ve carried a Glock 21 for years, primarily for its stopping power, but the standard 13-round magazine always felt a little limiting. When I saw the Elite Tactical Systems offering with a substantial 18-round capacity, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Upon receiving the magazine, the first thing I noticed was the clear polymer construction. It felt solid and well-made, although the polymer did feel different compared to the factory Glock magazines. Holding it side-by-side with a standard Glock 21 magazine, the ETS mag was noticeably longer.
I had also considered the Magpul PMAG 21 GL9, but wanted a .45 ACP option. I also considered the Kriss Vector Glock magazines, but wanted a product with a clearer design. I was hoping for a balance of durability, reliability, and increased capacity, and this ETS magazine seemed to tick all the boxes, at least on paper.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The clear polymer was interesting, but I needed to see how it held up under real-world use. If this magazine delivers on its promises, it could be a game-changer for Glock 21/30/41 owners seeking a competitive edge or increased peace of mind.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine to my local shooting range for its first test. The range offered a controlled environment to evaluate its performance with a variety of .45 ACP ammunition. I wanted to see how this magazine handled different loads and cycling rates.
I ran several drills in both dry and wet conditions, simulating various scenarios where the magazines might be exposed to moisture. The magazines loaded easily and seated firmly in my Glock 21. After shooting over 200 rounds on the first range day, I experienced no failures to feed or eject with various brands of .45 ACP ammo.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be generally reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it without any major issues. Regular cleaning and lubrication have been essential to maintaining its performance.
There are minor signs of wear and tear, mainly around the feed lips and the baseplate. However, the polymer body has held up surprisingly well, even after being dropped multiple times on concrete and gravel. This has provided some reassurance about the Extreme Impact Resistance promised by ETS.
Maintaining the magazine is straightforward. The baseplate is easy to remove for cleaning, and the translucent body makes it easy to spot any dirt or debris inside. Compared to my factory Glock magazines, the ETS mag requires slightly more frequent cleaning to ensure smooth feeding. This is mostly due to the tighter tolerances.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for Glock 21, 30, and 41 pistols chambered in .45 ACP. It holds 18 rounds, a significant increase over the standard Glock 21 magazine capacity. This increase in capacity provides more firepower.
The magazine body is constructed from an extreme impact resistance advanced polymer. The translucent body allows for easy visual confirmation of the remaining rounds. It also features an easily removable base plate for cleaning and maintenance, and is creep resistant, preventing feed lip spread during long-term storage.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine generally performs its job well. It reliably feeds ammunition and offers a substantial increase in capacity. While not flawless, it meets my expectations for a high-capacity magazine.
The primary strength is its increased capacity without sacrificing too much reliability. The main weakness is the occasional need for extra cleaning to prevent feeding issues. However, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks, especially in scenarios where extra rounds are critical.
Design & Ergonomics
The Elite Tactical Systems magazine is designed to be compatible with Glock pistols. It offers a snug fit and reliable feeding. The clear polymer construction, while unique, adds to the overall weight.
The extended baseplate provides a comfortable grip and makes it easier to extract the magazine from a pouch. While there is a slight learning curve associated with cleaning, its overall design is user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine is reasonably durable, thanks to its advanced polymer construction. The magazine is very resistant to harsh chemicals, including cleaning solvents.
It is relatively easy to maintain, with a simple disassembly process and a translucent body that makes it easy to spot dirt and debris. With proper care and maintenance, the magazine should last for an extended period.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to be compatible with standard Glock accessories. This includes magazine pouches and loading tools. The magazine also works with some aftermarket baseplates, allowing for further customization.
While not directly customizable in terms of grip texture, the magazine’s design is optimized for compatibility with Glock pistols. This allows users to leverage existing accessories and customization options for their firearms.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 18-round capacity provides a significant advantage over standard Glock magazines. More rounds equal increased firepower and reduced reloading frequency.
- Translucent Body: The clear polymer allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds, enhancing situational awareness. This feature is invaluable in dynamic shooting scenarios.
- Extreme Impact Resistance: The advanced polymer construction offers excellent durability, withstanding drops and impacts without cracking. This makes it ideal for tactical and outdoor use.
- Easy Disassembly: The specially designed base plate allows for quick and easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. This simplifies upkeep and ensures reliable performance.
- Creep Resistant: The polymer is designed to resist spreading over time, ensuring consistent feeding and reliability. This makes the magazine suitable for long-term storage.
Cons
- Cleaning Required: Requires more frequent cleaning compared to factory Glock magazines for optimal performance. Neglecting maintenance can lead to feeding issues.
- Polymer Feel: The polymer feels different from factory Glock magazines, which might be a personal preference issue. Some users may prefer the feel of metal-lined magazines.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters seeking an edge in magazine capacity. It is also useful for tactical users requiring more rounds in high-pressure situations. The increased capacity is also ideal for home defense and range practice, where reduced reloading can enhance the shooting experience.
This product is not ideal for individuals prioritizing absolute reliability over increased capacity. Those unwilling to perform regular maintenance may experience issues. Users who prefer the feel of metal-lined magazines might also find the polymer construction less appealing.
A must-have accessory for this magazine is a high-quality magazine pouch to ensure easy access and secure retention. Regular cleaning solvents designed for polymer firearms are also essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 .45 ACP 18 Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling blend of increased capacity and robust construction. While it may require slightly more frequent cleaning than factory magazines, the advantages it provides in terms of firepower and situational awareness are significant. For $37.99, the price is justified for anyone seeking to maximize their Glock 21/30/41’s potential.
I would personally recommend this magazine to any Glock 21/30/41 owner looking to enhance their firearm’s performance and versatility. The extreme impact resistance, translucent body, and increased capacity make it a valuable addition to any shooter’s arsenal. It’s a solid upgrade that balances innovation with practical utility, just remember to keep it clean!