The ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin promises enhanced capacity and reliability for Glock .45 ACP pistols at an affordable price. As someone who relies on the Glock 21 for both personal defense and occasional competition, I’m always on the lookout for magazines that offer improvements over the factory options without breaking the bank. I was hoping this magazine could deliver on both fronts.
My search began after experiencing inconsistent feeding with some older factory magazines. I needed a reliable magazine for my Glock 21 that could handle a variety of .45 ACP ammunition. The appeal of a 13-round capacity in a magazine designed to fit both the Glock 21 and the more compact Glock 30 piqued my interest.
Unboxing the ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin, the first thing I noticed was the translucent “Carbon Smoke” polymer. It felt sturdy, and the ability to see the remaining round count at a glance was appealing. The magazine felt slightly lighter than a factory Glock magazine, which initially concerned me about its durability.
Compared to the standard Glock 21 magazine and the Magpul PMAG GL9, the ETS MAG offered a unique advantage with its higher capacity. I ultimately chose the ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin due to the combination of increased capacity and the promise of compatibility with multiple Glock models. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic, eager to see how it performed in real-world scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at an outdoor shooting range on a slightly overcast day. I ran about 200 rounds of various .45 ACP ammunition, including FMJ, hollow points, and some lead reloads. The ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin loaded easily, and the rounds seemed to seat well.
The magazine functioned flawlessly for the first three magazines. However, by the fourth magazine, I experienced a couple of failures to feed with the hollow points. These failures were easily cleared, but concerning nonetheless.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and approximately 500 rounds fired, the reliability of the ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin remained inconsistent. It performed adequately with FMJ ammunition, but still exhibited occasional feeding issues with hollow points. I also noticed that the polymer showed some minor wear marks around the feed lips.
Cleaning the magazine was relatively easy, requiring only disassembly and a quick wipe-down. Compared to my experience with factory Glock magazines, which have proven incredibly reliable over thousands of rounds, the ETS MAG ultimately disappointed in terms of consistent performance. It didn’t inspire the same level of confidence.
Breaking Down the Features of ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
Specifications
The ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin boasts a 13-round capacity for Glock 21, 30, and 41 pistols chambered in .45 ACP. It features a body constructed from a translucent “Carbon Smoke” polymer. The magazine is manufactured by Elite Tactical Systems Group (ETS) and is of OEM origin.
The .45 ACP caliber provides significant stopping power. The 13-round capacity offers a higher round count than standard Glock 21 magazines. The translucent polymer allows for easy monitoring of remaining ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
When it functions correctly, the ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin offers a higher capacity than factory magazines. This is beneficial for situations where increased firepower is desired. The primary weakness is its inconsistent reliability, particularly with hollow-point ammunition.
The magazine meets the basic expectation of holding and feeding rounds. However, it falls short in terms of consistent and reliable performance compared to factory magazines. The occasional failures to feed detract from its overall usability.
Design & Ergonomics
The translucent polymer construction is lightweight. The magazine’s ergonomic design allows for easy insertion and removal from the Glock pistol’s magazine well. The polymer feels reasonably durable, although long-term wear is a concern.
The design is user-friendly. There is no significant learning curve associated with using this magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin is questionable based on the wear observed around the feed lips after only a few hundred rounds. Maintenance is straightforward. The magazine disassembles easily for cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin does not require additional accessories for basic functionality. However, it is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for Glock pistols. There are no specific customization options available for this magazine.
Pros and Cons of ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Higher capacity (13 rounds) than standard Glock magazines.
- Translucent polymer allows for easy round count monitoring.
- Compatible with Glock 21, 30, and 41 pistols.
- Affordable price point.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability, especially with hollow-point ammunition.
- Polymer shows wear around feed lips after moderate use.
- User feedback indicates potential fitment issues with some aftermarket frames.
Who Should Buy ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin?
The ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin might appeal to recreational shooters looking for a higher-capacity magazine at a budget-friendly price for range use. It is also suitable for those who primarily use FMJ ammunition and are willing to accept a slightly reduced level of reliability.
This product should be avoided by individuals who rely on their firearms for self-defense or law enforcement purposes. The risk of malfunctions is too high in critical situations. A must-have modification would be thorough testing with the user’s preferred ammunition to ensure acceptable reliability before depending on it.
Conclusion on ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin
The ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin presents a mixed bag of features and performance. While the increased capacity and translucent polymer are appealing, the inconsistent reliability is a significant drawback. The $9.99 price point is attractive, but reliability is paramount when it comes to magazines.
Based on my experience, I would not recommend the ETS MAG FOR GLK 21/30 .45 ACP 13RD CSM – 45 ACP Caliber, OEM Origin for duty or self-defense use. For recreational shooting with FMJ ammunition, it might suffice. However, investing in reliable factory magazines is generally a better long-term investment. Consider carefully whether the increased capacity outweighs the potential for malfunctions before making a purchase.