Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine promises high capacity and enhanced durability at a compelling price point. As someone who’s consistently sought reliable, high-capacity magazines for training, this offering from Elite Tactical Systems immediately piqued my interest. The clear polymer construction and promise of resistance to heat, cold, and chemicals further fueled my curiosity.

My journey to this magazine stemmed from a need for more range time and less reloading. I was tired of constantly swapping standard-capacity magazines, especially during drills, and needed a solution that offered extended shooting without sacrificing reliability. I’d previously used standard 17-round magazines, but the frequent reloads were interrupting my training flow.

Upon unboxing, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine felt surprisingly solid, despite its polymer construction. The clear body offered a unique aesthetic and the promise of quickly assessing remaining rounds. Compared to Magpul’s offerings, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine felt lighter, but not necessarily cheaper.

I ultimately chose this magazine because of its high capacity and attractive price. While Magpul offers excellent quality, their extended magazines are often pricier. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. This magazine could be a game-changer for range training, provided it lived up to its claims of reliability.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test took place at an outdoor shooting range on a relatively warm, dusty day. I ran several drills, focusing on speed reloads and rapid-fire sequences. The magazine inserted smoothly into my S&W M&P 9mm pistol.

The magazine performed reasonably well initially, though I did experience a couple of failures to feed after around 150 rounds. I attributed this to the magazine being new and potentially needing a break-in period. It’s also worth noting that the dust in the environment could have contributed to the issue.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions spanning several months and about 1000 rounds, the Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine has shown a mixed bag of results. I’ve noticed that consistent cleaning and lubrication are critical to preventing malfunctions. There are visible signs of wear on the feed lips and magazine body, but nothing drastic.

The magazine has proven to be fairly durable, surviving several accidental drops onto concrete without cracking or breaking. While it hasn’t outperformed my higher-end magazines, it has proven reliable enough for range use. Compared to some cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve used, this one has held up far better in the long run.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine is designed for S&W M&P 9mm pistols. It boasts a 40-round capacity, a significant advantage for extended shooting sessions. The magazine body is constructed from an advanced polymer that Elite Tactical Systems claims is resistant to heat, cold, UV rays, and harsh chemicals.

The magazine features a durable steel spring and an injection-molded polymer follower. These components work together to ensure reliable feeding. Other specifications include compatibility with Smith & Wesson M&P pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and overall performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine offers a decent level of performance. It provides a high capacity, which is great for minimizing reloads during range training. While I experienced a few initial failures to feed, these diminished with use and proper maintenance.

The magazine’s strengths lie in its high capacity and affordability. The clear body, while initially appealing, doesn’t drastically improve functionality beyond a quick visual check of remaining rounds. Its main weakness is that it isn’t as inherently reliable as factory S&W magazines or premium aftermarket options. While it meets expectations for range use, it wouldn’t be my first choice for self-defense.

Design & Ergonomics

The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine features a straightforward design. The clear polymer body allows for easy round counting. While the magazine feels reasonably solid, the polymer construction doesn’t inspire the same confidence as steel magazines.

The magazine is generally user-friendly, although the extended length can make it slightly unwieldy during reloads. There is a slight learning curve associated with consistently seating the magazine fully, especially when fully loaded. The ergonomic floor plate is a nice touch, providing a comfortable grip during magazine changes.

Durability & Maintenance

The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine appears to be reasonably durable, but not indestructible. The polymer construction is resistant to cracking and breaking under normal use. However, the feed lips might be more susceptible to wear over time compared to steel-lipped magazines.

Maintenance is relatively simple. The magazine disassembles easily for cleaning and lubrication. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent malfunctions, especially when shooting in dusty or dirty environments.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine does not come with any specific accessories. Being a magazine, it is what it is. There is not much you would customize on a pistol magazine.

There are no customization options available for the Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine itself.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine