First Thoughts on the ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, G26 Model
The ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish magazine enters a crowded aftermarket space, promising reliability and enhanced visibility. This magazine aims to offer Glock 26 owners a dependable alternative to factory mags, while offering a clear polymer body for easy round counting. The appeal is clear: improved functionality with a modern aesthetic at an attractive price point of $6.99.
My journey to test this magazine began with a need for reliable, high-capacity options for my concealed carry Glock 26. Factory Glock magazines are excellent, but sometimes you want to experiment with cost-effective alternatives for range use and training. I was looking for a magazine that offered similar performance but with the added benefit of easily monitoring round count during rapid drills.
Unboxing the ETS Group magazine revealed a lightweight polymer construction. The clear finish immediately caught my eye, offering a tactical advantage in quickly assessing remaining ammunition. The build felt a little less robust than a factory Glock magazine, but the material appeared sufficiently rigid for the intended purpose.
Compared to Magpul Glock magazines, the ETS Group magazine offers a different aesthetic. While Magpul emphasizes rugged simplicity, ETS goes for a more modern, almost futuristic look. I picked the ETS magazine over other options primarily for the clear body and the promise of feed lip durability, which I’ve found to be a weak point in some other aftermarket magazines.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The magazine looked good and felt reasonable, but the proof would be in its performance on the range. The low price also raised a few red flags; quality magazines aren’t always cheap.
Real-World Testing: Putting ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, G26 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish magazines at an outdoor shooting range. The temperature was around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with moderate humidity and a slight breeze, providing ideal shooting conditions. I ran approximately 200 rounds of various 9mm ammunition types through the magazines, including 115 grain FMJ, 124 grain FMJ, and 147 grain JHP rounds.
The initial loading process was straightforward, with rounds easily sliding into the magazine body. The ETS Group magazine seated securely into my Glock 26 without any excessive force. During the first few magazines, I experienced a couple of failures to feed, where the slide failed to fully chamber a round.
This was unexpected and a bit concerning right out of the gate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the ETS Group magazines have shown both promise and areas for improvement. I’ve put roughly 500 rounds through each of the three magazines I purchased. The failure-to-feed issues have subsided, but they haven’t completely disappeared.
The durability seems adequate for range use, though I wouldn’t trust these magazines for critical self-defense situations. There are minor scuff marks on the polymer body, but no significant wear and tear. Cleaning is relatively easy thanks to the smooth polymer surface; dirt and grime wipe off without much effort.
Compared to my experience with factory Glock magazines, the ETS Group magazines fall short in reliability. Factory magazines offer flawless performance, while the ETS magazines have exhibited occasional hiccups. The clear body is a nice feature, but not worth the trade-off in reliability compared to OEM magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, G26 Model
Specifications
The ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish magazine is designed specifically for the Glock 26 pistol chambered in 9mm. It features a 10-round capacity, adhering to capacity restrictions in some locales. The magazine body is constructed from a clear polymer, allowing for visual confirmation of remaining rounds.
This magazine originates from ETS Group, an aftermarket manufacturer known for its transparent magazine designs. The aftermarket origin is a crucial detail, indicating that it’s not manufactured by Glock itself. This often implies a different level of quality control and potential reliability concerns.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish magazine is to reliably feed 9mm rounds into a Glock 26 pistol. In my testing, the magazine generally performed adequately, but not flawlessly. As mentioned earlier, there were occasional failure-to-feed issues, impacting overall reliability.
The strength of this magazine lies in its clear body, allowing users to quickly assess remaining round count. A weakness is the inconsistent feeding, which can be problematic during rapid fire or defensive scenarios. Ultimately, the magazine partially meets expectations for range use but falls short for critical applications.
Design & Ergonomics
The clear polymer construction of the ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish magazine contributes to its lightweight feel. The polymer feels reasonably durable, though not as robust as the metal-reinforced polymer of factory Glock magazines. The ergonomics are similar to a factory magazine, seating easily and releasing smoothly.
The transparent design certainly makes it user-friendly, allowing for immediate visual assessment of ammunition status. There is no significant learning curve associated with using this magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, the ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish magazine appears to have a moderate lifespan. It should last for a reasonable amount of range sessions, but the long-term durability is questionable compared to OEM magazines. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a brush and solvent.
The magazine is not easily repaired, as replacement parts are not readily available. Any significant damage likely necessitates replacement of the entire magazine.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish magazine does not come with any accessories. Customization options are limited to aftermarket baseplates, which can enhance grip and facilitate easier magazine changes. It should be compatible with most Glock 26 magazine pouches.
There are no significant modifications that can drastically improve the performance of this magazine. You might find aftermarket followers that increase reliability, but this would require additional research and experimentation.
Pros and Cons of ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, G26 Model
Pros
- Clear polymer body allows for easy round count assessment.
- Affordable price point makes it an accessible option for range use.
- Lightweight design reduces overall carry weight.
- Compatible with standard Glock 26 magazine pouches.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Occasional failure-to-feed issues raise reliability concerns.
- Polymer construction feels less durable than factory Glock magazines.
- Not suitable for critical self-defense situations.
Who Should Buy ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, G26 Model?
The ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish magazine is perfect for recreational shooters and Glock 26 owners looking for affordable range magazines. It’s also good for those who prioritize visual round count confirmation. Those who should skip this product include individuals relying on their Glock 26 for self-defense or duty use.
For optimal performance, must-have accessories include a reliable magazine pouch. You may also want to invest in factory Glock magazines for defensive purposes.
Conclusion on ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish – 9mm Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, G26 Model
The ETS Group For Glock 26 9mm 10 rd G26 Polymer Clear Finish magazine offers a compelling combination of affordability and functionality. The clear polymer body is a definite plus for visual round count verification. However, the occasional failure-to-feed issues detract from its overall reliability.
The value proposition is decent given the low price, but it’s important to manage expectations. I would cautiously recommend it for range use, but not for self-defense. Ultimately, the ETS Group magazine is a reasonable option for recreational shooting, but factory Glock magazines remain the gold standard for reliability and peace of mind. Consider your needs carefully before making a purchase.