The ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin magazine is an aftermarket option designed for the popular Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm pistol. It aims to provide reliable feeding and a clear body for easy round count observation.
I’ve always been a proponent of carrying extra magazines, especially with compact pistols like the Shield. The factory magazines are solid, but I wanted to explore aftermarket options, specifically those with a clear body to visually confirm the number of rounds remaining. I was looking for a reliable and affordable training magazine. The ETS Group magazine seemed to fit the bill.
Upon receiving the magazine, the first thing that struck me was its transparent polymer construction. The weight was comparable to the factory magazine, maybe a touch lighter. I was curious to see how well this polymer held up to regular use.
Compared to other aftermarket magazines I’ve tested, the ETS Group magazine offered a unique visual aspect. I’ve used metal magazines that felt more robust, but lacked the ability to easily see the rounds inside. I picked the ETS Group magazine for its transparent design and the promise of comparable reliability at a lower price point than some of the metal alternatives.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The clear design was appealing, but I needed to see how it performed in live-fire scenarios. Would it feed reliably? Would the polymer hold up to repeated loading and unloading? These were the questions I wanted answered.
Real-World Testing: Putting ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ETS Group magazine at my local shooting range. I ran approximately 200 rounds of various 9mm ammunition types through it. This included both brass and steel-cased rounds.
The magazine performed reasonably well during this first range session. There were a couple of instances where the slide didn’t lock back after the last round, a common issue with some aftermarket magazines. Otherwise, the feeding was consistent, and there were no jams directly attributable to the magazine itself.
The ease of use was on par with the factory magazines. It loaded easily and seated securely in the magazine well. I didn’t need any special tools or techniques to use it effectively.
The only real surprise was the slide not locking back consistently. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it was something I kept an eye on during subsequent range trips.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and approximately 500 rounds fired using the ETS Group magazine, its performance remained consistent. The slide lock issue persisted occasionally, appearing in about 5-10% of the empty magazine scenarios.
I didn’t notice any significant wear and tear on the polymer body. There were some minor scuff marks from loading and unloading, but no cracks or structural damage. The ETS Group magazine proved to be reasonably durable.
Maintenance was simple. I would occasionally wipe it down with a clean cloth and apply a light coat of lubricant to the follower. No disassembly was required for routine cleaning.
Compared to my experience with factory S&W magazines, the ETS Group magazine’s reliability was slightly lower. The consistent feeding was a plus, but the slide lock issue was a drawback compared to the flawless operation of the factory mags. The clear body remains a useful feature.
Breaking Down the Features of ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. This magazine is specifically designed for the 9mm chambering of the S&W M&P Shield.
- Capacity: 7 rounds. This matches the standard capacity of the flush-fitting magazine for the M&P Shield.
- Origin: Aftermarket. The ETS Group is not an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for Smith & Wesson.
- Material: Clear Polymer. This allows for quick visual confirmation of remaining rounds.
- Compatibility: S&W M&P Shield 9mm. It is designed to fit and function in this specific pistol model.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s functionality and compatibility. The 7-round capacity offers a balance between concealment and firepower. The clear polymer provides a practical advantage for tactical awareness.
Performance & Functionality
The ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin functions adequately, feeding rounds reliably in most scenarios. However, as mentioned earlier, the slide lock issue is a persistent concern.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its clear design and generally reliable feeding. Its weakness is the inconsistent slide lock and questions about long-term durability compared to steel magazines.
It generally meets expectations for an aftermarket magazine at its price point, but doesn’t exceed them. The slide lock issue prevents it from achieving top marks.
Design & Ergonomics
The clear polymer body offers a distinct advantage in visually assessing remaining rounds. The magazine’s dimensions are similar to the factory magazine, ensuring a flush fit.
It’s easy to load and handle. No special tools are needed.
Durability & Maintenance
While the polymer body shows no signs of cracking or breaking after several range sessions, long-term durability remains a question. Metal magazines are generally considered more durable, but lack the clear body feature.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are sufficient to keep it functioning properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin doesn’t have specific customization options in the same way that some firearm components do. However, it’s compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for M&P Shield magazines.
There are no direct accessories offered by ETS Group for this particular magazine beyond the magazine itself. Users could potentially modify the baseplate, but this isn’t recommended.
Pros and Cons of ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Visually confirms round count: The clear polymer makes it easy to see how many rounds are left.
- Affordable: It’s less expensive than factory magazines.
- Generally reliable feeding: It feeds rounds consistently in most shooting scenarios.
- Easy to load: Loading the magazine is as simple as factory mags.
Cons
- Inconsistent slide lock: The slide sometimes fails to lock back after the last round.
- Polymer durability: The long-term durability of the polymer body is a potential concern.
Who Should Buy ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for range shooters and training enthusiasts. The visual round count is particularly beneficial for new shooters learning magazine management. Anyone looking for budget-friendly magazines for practice will appreciate the price point.
This magazine isn’t ideal for those who demand absolute reliability for self-defense purposes. The slide lock issue, while intermittent, could be a problem in a critical situation.
A must-have accessory would be a reliable magazine pouch for carrying the magazine during training or competition. A magazine loader can also make the loading process faster and easier.
Conclusion on ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The ETS Group S&W 9mm Luger M&P Shield 7rd Clear Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin offers a unique and affordable option for M&P Shield owners. The clear polymer body is a standout feature that provides a clear advantage in visually assessing remaining rounds.
At $11.99, the price is justified for its functionality. However, the inconsistent slide lock issue prevents me from giving it a full recommendation for self-defense.
I would recommend it for range use and training. Just be aware of its limitations. Consider adding these magazines to your training kit, but rely on factory magazines for your everyday carry needs.