First Thoughts on the Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine, 15rd, Black Nitride, 3-Pack w Steel Mag Catch, For Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black
The Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine, 15rd, Black Nitride, 3-Pack w Steel Mag Catch, For Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black promises to be a game-changer for Glock 43X/48 owners. Manufactured by Shield Arms, these magazines offer a significant capacity increase while maintaining a flush fit. The inclusion of a steel magazine catch is a critical component, designed to work in harmony with the steel magazine body.
I’ve always felt the Glock 43X/48 was a bit capacity-limited, especially compared to other modern 9mm handguns. Ten rounds is simply not enough for some scenarios. I was seeking a reliable way to increase my round count without sacrificing concealability.
Upon unboxing, the magazines felt solid and well-made. The black nitride finish looked durable and professional. The steel mag catch seemed robust and ready for installation. Compared to other aftermarket Glock magazines I’ve used, these felt notably more substantial, like a premium product. I’d previously explored some extended baseplates for my factory mags, but the Shield Arms option offered a full five-round increase without increasing the grip length.
I was definitely excited about the potential these magazines offered. The promise of 15 rounds in a flush-fitting package was alluring. My initial excitement was tempered by the knowledge that aftermarket magazines can sometimes be finicky.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine, 15rd, Black Nitride, 3-Pack w Steel Mag Catch, For Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazines to my local outdoor range for their initial testing. The weather was typical for a Texas summer: hot and humid. I ran a variety of 9mm ammunition through them, including 115gr FMJ, 124gr +P hollow points, and some 147gr subsonic rounds.
Loading the magazines was straightforward, although the last few rounds required a bit more effort. I experienced a few failures to feed (FTF) in the first 50 rounds, particularly with the hollow points. After cleaning and re-lubricating the magazines, the feeding issues seemed to diminish, but did not completely disappear.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and about 500 rounds through each magazine, I’ve developed a clearer picture of their reliability. The Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazines have shown a tendency for occasional FTFs, especially when the magazines are fully loaded. I’ve also noticed the occasional failure to lock back on an empty magazine.
The black nitride finish has held up well to repeated use, with no signs of significant wear. Cleaning is relatively easy, although the tight tolerances require a bit more attention to detail. Compared to my factory Glock magazines, the Shield Arms mags require more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance. While the increased capacity is certainly appreciated, the reliability is not quite on par with the factory magazines. This is fine for the range, but gives pause when considering these for EDC.
Breaking Down the Features of Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine, 15rd, Black Nitride, 3-Pack w Steel Mag Catch, For Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black
Specifications
The Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine, 15rd, Black Nitride, 3-Pack w Steel Mag Catch, For Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black is designed specifically for the Glock 43X and Glock 48 platforms. It features a 9mm caliber and boasts a 15-round capacity. The magazines are finished with a durable black nitride coating for enhanced corrosion resistance.
The set includes three magazines and a steel magazine catch. The magazine body is constructed from steel, which is crucial for achieving the increased capacity within the same dimensions as the factory 10-round magazine. The steel magazine catch is essential for proper function, as the factory polymer catch can wear prematurely when used with steel magazines.
These specifications are critical for users seeking increased capacity without sacrificing concealability. The steel construction ensures durability, while the black nitride finish provides protection against the elements. The inclusion of the steel magazine catch highlights the importance of using the correct components for optimal performance.
Performance & Functionality
When the Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine functions correctly, it performs admirably. The increased capacity is a definite advantage in defensive scenarios or extended range sessions. However, as previously mentioned, I have experienced occasional FTFs and failures to lock back.
The Gen 3 improvements, including raised ribs, are designed to eliminate tolerance stacking, a common issue in aftermarket parts. While these improvements are noticeable, they haven’t completely resolved all reliability concerns. The magazines are relatively easy to load, although the final few rounds can be stiff. The Shield Arms magazines definitely meets the primary expectation of increased capacity, but falls slightly short of the rock-solid reliability of the OEM Glock magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine features a well-thought-out design that maintains the ergonomics of the Glock 43X/48. The flush-fitting design ensures that the grip length remains the same as the factory magazine, which is crucial for concealability. The magazines feel solid and well-built in the hand.
The black nitride finish provides a sleek and professional appearance. The magazines are relatively user-friendly, with no significant learning curve beyond the need for occasional cleaning and lubrication. The design is intended to mimic the factory magazine as closely as possible, ensuring a comfortable and familiar feel.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction and black nitride finish contribute to the overall durability of the Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine. After several months of use, there are no signs of significant wear or corrosion. However, as with any firearm component, proper maintenance is essential.
Regular cleaning and lubrication are necessary to ensure reliable function. The tight tolerances require careful attention to detail when cleaning. Compared to polymer magazines, the steel construction may be more susceptible to corrosion if not properly maintained.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine comes as a 3-pack, which is convenient for users who want to have multiple magazines on hand. The steel magazine catch is included, which is essential for proper function. There are no other included accessories.
These magazines are compatible with any standard Glock 43X/48 magazine pouches or carriers. There are no specific customization options available for the magazines themselves. The primary focus is on increasing capacity and improving reliability.
Pros and Cons of Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine, 15rd, Black Nitride, 3-Pack w Steel Mag Catch, For Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Offers 15 rounds in a flush-fitting design, significantly increasing firepower.
- Durable Construction: Steel magazine body and black nitride finish provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- Improved Design: Gen 3 improvements address tolerance stacking issues.
- Easy Installation: The included steel magazine catch is easy to install.
- Maintains Ergonomics: Flush fit ensures the same grip length as the factory magazine.
Cons
- Occasional failures to feed (FTF), especially when fully loaded.
- Requires more frequent cleaning and lubrication than factory magazines.
- Not as reliably function as factory Glock magazines.
Who Should Buy Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine, 15rd, Black Nitride, 3-Pack w Steel Mag Catch, For Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black?
The Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine is perfect for Glock 43X/48 owners who desire increased capacity for range use, competition, or home defense. It’s also a good option for those who understand the potential need for increased firepower in a self-defense situation, but are willing to accept slight risk of reliability issues that are not prevelant in a factory glock magazine.
This product may not be ideal for users who prioritize absolute reliability above all else, particularly for everyday carry. In this case, stick with factory Glock magazines. A must-have modification would be thorough testing with your chosen self-defense ammunition to ensure proper function.
Conclusion on Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine, 15rd, Black Nitride, 3-Pack w Steel Mag Catch, For Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black
The Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine, 15rd, Black Nitride, 3-Pack w Steel Mag Catch, For Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Black offers a compelling value proposition for Glock 43X/48 owners seeking increased capacity. The price is justified by the durable construction and significant improvement in firepower.
While I personally experienced some reliability issues, the Gen 3 improvements and overall design are promising. I would recommend this product with the caveat that thorough testing is essential before relying on it for self-defense. If you are willing to put in the work to ensure proper function, the Shield Arms S15 Gen 3 Magazine can be a valuable addition to your Glock 43X/48. Consider purchasing a set and rigorously testing them at the range to determine if they meet your reliability standards.