First Thoughts on the Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable magazine. It promises Glock 17 compatibility, an 18-round capacity, and affordability, all in an aftermarket package. This all-polymer magazine immediately piqued my interest, given the mixed reputation aftermarket Glock magazines sometimes face. Could this magazine offer reliable performance without breaking the bank?
My Glock 17 is my go-to pistol for range training and home defense. Factory Glock magazines are undoubtedly reliable, but their higher price can be prohibitive when stocking up on spares for training. Therefore, I was looking for a cost-effective alternative to expand my magazine arsenal without sacrificing dependability.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt surprisingly robust for its all-polymer construction. The texture provided a positive grip, and the overall build quality seemed decent, particularly considering the price point. Compared to factory Glock magazines and Magpul PMAGs, the Amend2 felt slightly lighter, but not necessarily flimsy.
I opted for the Amend2 over other budget magazine options because of the stated 18-round capacity and the promise of a durable polymer construction. Some cheaper magazines I’ve encountered felt like they’d shatter on impact, but the Amend2 offered a more reassuring feel. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to see if this magazine could live up to its claims at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, under fairly standard conditions. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid firing, reloads, and magazine swaps. The magazine seated positively in my Glock 17, and the initial rounds fed without issue.
However, I did notice that loading the magazine to its full 18-round capacity was quite stiff, requiring significant thumb pressure. During my first range session, I experienced two failures to feed within the first 50 rounds. This immediately raised concerns about the magazine’s reliability under stress.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past few months, I’ve put the Amend2 magazine through several range sessions, totaling approximately 500 rounds. I’ve subjected it to varying conditions, including warmer summer days and slightly cooler, damp mornings. The magazine has exhibited improved reliability after the initial break-in period, with only one additional failure to feed after the first 50 rounds.
However, the magazine’s polymer body does show some minor wear marks from repeated insertion and removal. It seems reasonably durable, but I wouldn’t expect it to withstand extreme abuse like a steel magazine might. Cleaning is straightforward; I simply disassemble the magazine and wipe down the components with a cloth. Compared to factory Glock magazines, the Amend2 requires slightly more frequent cleaning, as it tends to accumulate more fouling within the magazine body. While improved after break-in, it still doesn’t perform as consistently as my factory Glock mags, which remain my benchmark for reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable magazine is designed for use with Glock 17 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. It boasts an 18-round capacity. The magazine body is constructed from a durable, glass-filled nylon polymer.
This material choice contributes to the magazine’s lightweight design and resistance to impacts and chemicals. However, it might not offer the same level of robustness as steel-bodied magazines. The 18-round capacity is a significant selling point, offering two extra rounds compared to standard Glock 17 magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable magazine performs adequately for range use after a break-in period. It initially experienced a couple of failures to feed but settled down after about 50 rounds. However, its reliability isn’t on par with factory Glock magazines, making it less suitable for duty or self-defense purposes.
The magazine’s primary strength is its affordability, providing a budget-friendly option for high-volume shooters. A weakness is the increased difficulty in loading it to full capacity and its initially spotty performance. The Amend2 magazine meets the basic expectation of feeding ammunition, but it falls short of exceeding it in terms of consistent reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Amend2 magazine’s polymer construction makes it lightweight and comfortable to handle. The textured surface provides a decent grip, even with wet or gloved hands. The magazine’s dimensions are consistent with factory Glock magazines, ensuring a proper fit in standard magazine pouches.
The design is simple and functional. However, the magazine lacks any capacity markings, which can be inconvenient when quickly assessing how many rounds remain.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer body appears reasonably durable. However, only time will tell how it holds up to long-term use and exposure to harsh conditions. Maintenance is simple: disassembly is easy, and cleaning requires only basic tools and solvents.
Regular cleaning is recommended to maintain optimal performance, especially after exposure to dusty or dirty environments. Compared to metal magazines, the polymer construction is less prone to rust and corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable magazine is primarily a standalone product and doesn’t offer extensive customization options. It’s compatible with standard Glock 17 magazine pouches. While there aren’t specific accessories designed solely for this magazine, aftermarket baseplates might be compatible.
The magazine is designed to work with Glock 17 pistols and should function with any aftermarket Glock-compatible accessories, such as magazine loaders and speed loaders.
Pros and Cons of Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Increased 18-round capacity offers a slight advantage over standard magazines.
- Lightweight polymer construction is comfortable to handle and carry.
- Compatible with standard Glock 17 magazine pouches.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
Cons
- Initial reliability issues with failures to feed.
- Loading to full capacity is difficult due to stiff spring.
- Polymer construction may not be as durable as steel magazines.
- Lacks capacity markings.
Who Should Buy Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable magazine is perfect for casual range shooters looking for an affordable way to increase their magazine capacity. It’s also suitable for those who want to experiment with aftermarket magazines without a significant financial investment. However, individuals who prioritize absolute reliability for self-defense or duty use should stick with factory Glock magazines.
Those who expect flawless performance straight out of the box should skip this product. Must-have accessories include a quality magazine loader to ease the loading process and potentially an aftermarket baseplate for improved grip and handling.
Conclusion on Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The Amend2 A217BLK A2-17 9mm Luger For Glock 17 18rd Black Detachable magazine offers an intriguing blend of affordability and increased capacity. While it doesn’t match the rock-solid reliability of factory Glock magazines, it can be a worthwhile option for range use after a break-in period. The price is definitely justified for recreational shooters, but those relying on their Glock for serious purposes should invest in OEM magazines.
I would cautiously recommend this magazine to casual shooters who understand its limitations. If you’re on a tight budget and willing to accept a slightly lower level of reliability, the Amend2 magazine provides a cost-effective way to expand your magazine collection. Before purchasing, be sure to weigh its price against its performance and consider whether OEM magazines are a better choice for your needs.