Let’s Dive into Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine promises to bring enhanced reliability and visibility to your Glock 22 platform. Elite Tactical Systems aims to deliver a magazine that not only performs flawlessly but also allows you to quickly assess your ammo situation at a glance. With features like extreme impact resistance and a translucent body, this magazine attempts to stand out from the crowded market of Glock magazines.
After countless range trips and tactical training exercises, I’ve developed a keen understanding of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to magazines. When I saw the Elite Tactical Systems magazine boasting its advanced polymer construction, promising superior durability and reliability, I was eager to test these claims for myself. I had encountered feeding issues with aftermarket magazines in the past, and was looking for a better alternative.
Upon unboxing, the translucent polymer immediately catches the eye. The magazine feels solid and well-constructed, with a reassuring weight that suggests durability. I appreciate the ergonomics of the floor plate, which feels easy to grip, even with gloves.
Compared to standard Glock magazines, or even Magpul’s Glock magazines, the Elite Tactical Systems offering stands out due to its clear polymer body. While Magpul offers proven reliability, the ETS magazine’s see-through design promised an immediate assessment of remaining rounds. I picked the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine hoping it would offer both visibility and comparable reliability to the other magazines.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The magazine looked the part, but I know looks can be deceiving. I was eager to hit the range and see if its performance matched its promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, under relatively favorable conditions – sunny and about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I loaded the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine with 16 rounds of standard 180-grain .40 S&W ammunition. I immediately experienced a failure to feed on the very first round.
The failure to feed was disappointing and concerning. I cleared the malfunction and attempted to cycle through the remaining rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months, I continued testing the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine through approximately 200-400 rounds. I experienced frequent failures to feed, occurring roughly every other magazine. This made it unreliable for consistent use.
I noticed no significant wear and tear on the magazine body, even after repeated use and disassembly. Cleaning was straightforward due to the simple design and polymer construction. The magazine did not outperform my existing Glock factory magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Elite Tactical Systems.
- Gun Make: Glock.
- Gun Model: Glock 22.
- Caliber: .40 S&W.
- Magazine Capacity: 16 Round.
- Color: Clear.
- Fabric/Material: Polymer.
- Extreme Impact Resistance: The polymer construction is designed to withstand significant impacts without cracking or breaking. This should ensure the magazine can withstand drops and rough handling during tactical situations.
- Superior Heat, Cold and UV Resistance: The polymer is formulated to resist degradation from extreme temperatures and UV exposure. This should prevent the magazine from becoming brittle or deforming over time.
- Translucent Body: The clear polymer allows for quick visual confirmation of the number of rounds remaining. This is a valuable feature for maintaining situational awareness.
- Creep Resistant: The polymer is designed to resist deformation over time, even when fully loaded and stored for extended periods. This helps maintain consistent feeding and reliability.
- Easy Disassembly: The magazine is designed for easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. This simplifies routine care and allows for thorough cleaning.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine’s performance was subpar due to the frequent failures to feed. While the clear body provided a quick visual of round count, the unreliability overshadowed this advantage. It fell short of expectations for a duty or self-defense magazine.
The primary strength is the visual round count offered by the translucent body. However, the clear weakness is the magazine’s inconsistent feeding.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine is lightweight and feels comfortable in hand. The translucent polymer body is visually appealing and provides a quick assessment of remaining rounds. The floor plate is ergonomically designed and easy to grip.
There is minimal learning curve. The magazine functions similarly to a standard Glock magazine in terms of loading and insertion.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction appears durable and resistant to wear and tear. Maintenance is simple, involving basic disassembly and cleaning.
The magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Its straightforward design simplifies maintenance and reduces the likelihood of needing repairs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine is designed to be compatible with standard Glock magazine extensions. There are no other included accessories besides the magazine itself. The compatibility with Glock extensions provides some customization options.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Translucent body allows for quick visual confirmation of round count.
- Ergonomic floor plate design provides a secure grip.
- Durable polymer construction appears resistant to wear and tear.
- Easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.
- Compatible with Glock magazine extensions.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding, experiencing failures to feed every other magazine during testing.
- Not suitable for duty or self-defense use due to its unreliability.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine might be suitable for range training where malfunctions are not a critical concern. It may also be useful for diagnosing feeding issues.
This magazine is not suitable for anyone seeking a reliable magazine for duty, self-defense, or competitive shooting. It should be avoided by individuals prioritizing consistent performance and reliability.
A must-have modification would be replacing the internal components to improve feeding reliability. However, given the magazine’s inherent issues, it may be more prudent to invest in a higher-quality magazine from the outset.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine promised enhanced reliability and visibility, but it ultimately fell short in real-world testing. The frequent failures to feed render it unsuitable for any serious use, despite its durable construction and clear polymer body.
The price of $17.89 might seem appealing, but the unreliability makes it a poor value. Investing in reliable Glock factory magazines or Magpul magazines is a far better option for anyone prioritizing performance.
I would not personally recommend the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine for duty, self-defense, or competitive shooting. While the clear body is a nice feature, reliability is paramount when it comes to magazines. Invest in quality magazines that you can trust.