KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine

The KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine promises to deliver a high-capacity solution for Glock owners. KCI USA aims to provide a reliable, extended magazine, offering a significant boost in firepower. This magazine boasts a robust polymer construction with steel internals and a convenient ratcheting load assist lever.

I’ve always been a proponent of having extra capacity, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios and training. Standard capacity magazines are great, but sometimes, more is better. This led me to explore high-capacity options for my Glock 17, seeking to minimize reloads and maximize range time.

Upon unboxing, the magazine feels solid and well-built, a welcome surprise given the price point. The polymer body seems durable, and the steel internals inspire confidence. The ratcheting load assist is a definite plus, promising easier loading compared to manually stuffing rounds into a standard magazine.

Compared to similar products like the ETS Glock 9mm 40-round magazine or the ProMag Glock 9mm 32-round magazine, the KCI USA offers even higher capacity at 50 rounds. I was initially hesitant, given mixed reviews on aftermarket Glock magazines, but the KCI USA’s price point and load assist feature made it an intriguing option. My initial impression is cautiously optimistic; the build quality seems decent, and the potential for extended shooting sessions is exciting.

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Real-World Testing: Putting KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine was at an outdoor shooting range on a relatively dry, sunny day. I primarily used my Glock 17, but I also tested it in a Glock 19 to ensure compatibility. Loading the magazine with the ratcheting load assist was significantly easier than loading standard magazines.

The magazine performed flawlessly for the first few strings of fire, cycling rounds smoothly and locking the slide back on empty. However, after about 100 rounds, I experienced a couple of failures to feed with the Glock 17, but not with the Glock 19. These malfunctions were easily cleared, but they raised a slight concern about long-term reliability with specific firearms.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple range trips and a tactical training course, the KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be a mixed bag. The magazine showed signs of wear, primarily minor scuffs on the polymer body. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain smooth operation.

I found that it’s crucial to keep the magazine clean and lightly lubricated, especially after extended use in dusty environments. Compared to standard Glock magazines, the KCI USA requires slightly more attention to maintenance. While the initial excitement was tempered by the early malfunctions, the magazine has become more reliable with continued use, particularly after I switched to higher-quality ammunition.

Breaking Down the Features of KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for Glock-patterned 9mm pistols. Its specifications include a 50-round capacity, polymer construction with steel internals, and compatibility with Glock 17, 17L, 19, 19x, 26, 34, 45, and 47 models. The black polymer provides a durable and lightweight housing, while the steel internals ensure reliable feeding.

The 50-round capacity dramatically reduces the need for frequent magazine changes, which is especially useful in competitive shooting or tactical situations. The choice of polymer and steel balances durability and weight, making the magazine manageable even when fully loaded.

Performance & Functionality

The magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed 9mm rounds into a Glock pistol, and for the most part, it does this effectively. The ratcheting load assist lever is a standout feature, making loading much easier compared to manually stuffing rounds into a standard magazine. While it performed admirably during much of the testing, there were malfunctions.

One of its strengths is its high capacity, offering a significant advantage in situations where rapid follow-up shots are needed. A weakness is its reliability compared to factory Glock magazines; the occasional failure to feed can be a concern, especially in critical situations. It does meet expectations for high-capacity magazines at a budget price.

Design & Ergonomics

The KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine features a straightforward design with a focus on functionality. The polymer construction keeps the weight reasonable, although a fully loaded 50-round magazine is noticeably heavier than a standard 17-round magazine. The ergonomics are decent, though the larger size can make it slightly less comfortable for concealed carry.

There’s a slight learning curve to using the ratcheting load assist effectively, but it quickly becomes intuitive. The magazine locks securely into the Glock magwell, and the polymer body provides a good grip.

Durability & Maintenance

The magazine’s durability appears to be adequate for range use and training, but it might not withstand extreme conditions or heavy abuse. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain optimal performance. Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward, but care should be taken not to damage the polymer body.

With proper care and maintenance, the magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time. The steel internals are likely to outlast the polymer body, but replacement parts may be difficult to source.

Accessories and Customization Options

The KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any specific accessories, nor does it offer many customization options. Users can potentially add aftermarket base pads for improved grip and easier magazine changes, but compatibility may vary. The magazine is designed to work with standard Glock magazine pouches, though the increased size may require larger or more specialized pouches.

Pros and Cons of KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine

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Who Should Buy KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine?

This magazine is perfect for competitive shooters who want to minimize reloads during matches. It is also a good option for range enthusiasts who enjoy extended shooting sessions without constant magazine changes. Those who participate in tactical training courses and want to maximize their time on the firing line would also benefit.

Those who rely on their firearm for self-defense or law enforcement should probably skip this product, given the potential reliability issues. Users who require magazines that reliably feed hollow point ammunition should also avoid this magazine.

A must-have modification would be a high-quality magazine pouch designed to accommodate the larger size of the 50-round magazine. Using higher-quality ammunition might also improve reliability.

Conclusion on KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine

The KCI USA Double Stack Glock 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine offers a high-capacity solution at an attractive price point. While the potential for malfunctions is a concern, the ratcheting load assist and significant increase in firepower make it a worthwhile option for specific applications. The $71.99 price is justified for recreational use, but professional use is questionable.

I would recommend this magazine with reservations, primarily for range use and training, but not for critical self-defense situations. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and consider investing in higher-quality magazines if reliability is paramount.