The Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 40 S&W For Glock 22 15rd Black Detachable – 40 S&W Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
Aftermarket magazines can be a mixed bag. Some promise the world and deliver nothing but headaches. The Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 40 S&W For Glock 22 15rd Black Detachable – 40 S&W Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is an attempt to provide a cost-effective alternative to factory Glock magazines, chambered in the snappy .40 S&W cartridge and holding 15 rounds. Given Amend2’s track record in the AR-15 magazine market, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping for a reliable, budget-friendly option for my Glock 22.
As a firearms instructor and someone who spends a significant amount of time on the range, I’m always looking for ways to save money without sacrificing reliability. Factory Glock magazines are excellent, but the cost adds up quickly. I needed a high-capacity .40 S&W magazine for my Glock 22 for training purposes.
Upon unboxing, the Amend2 magazine felt…different. The polymer felt a bit lighter and less robust than a factory Glock magazine, and the baseplate seemed unusually large. My initial thought was, “Well, at least it’s made in the USA,” hoping that translated to some level of quality control.
I compared it to a factory Glock 22 magazine and a Magpul PMAG GL9 (which I use in my 9mm Glock). The Amend2 was noticeably bulkier than both, particularly at the base. While the Magpul PMAG offers a more streamlined design, the Amend2 felt almost awkward. My first impression was a mix of curiosity and apprehension, hoping the performance would outweigh the initial feel.
Real-World Testing: Putting Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 40 S&W For Glock 22 15rd Black Detachable – 40 S&W Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Amend2 magazine to my local outdoor range on a blustery Saturday morning. The weather was cold and damp, ideal conditions for testing magazine reliability. I loaded it with 15 rounds of various .40 S&W ammunition, including Federal, Winchester, and Blazer Brass.
The first few magazines ran without issue. However, by the fourth reload, the magazine failed to seat correctly in my Glock 22, requiring an unusual amount of force to lock into place. I experienced two failures to feed in the first 50 rounds. This did not inspire confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and around 300 rounds, the Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 continued to be inconsistent. Some range sessions were flawless, while others were plagued by failures to feed and occasional failures to lock the slide back on an empty magazine. The large baseplate also proved to be an issue, snagging on my magazine pouches during reloads.
Visually, the magazine has held up reasonably well. There are some minor scratches and scuff marks on the polymer body, but no significant signs of wear or cracking. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and some solvent is all it takes. However, the inconsistent performance makes it difficult to trust in a self-defense scenario. Compared to my factory Glock magazines, which have proven exceptionally reliable over thousands of rounds, the Amend2 falls short.
Breaking Down the Features of Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 40 S&W For Glock 22 15rd Black Detachable – 40 S&W Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 40 S&W For Glock 22 15rd Black Detachable magazine is designed for Glock 22 pistols chambered in .40 S&W. It boasts a 15-round capacity. The magazine’s origin is the USA.
The 15-round capacity is standard for Glock 22 magazines. The fact that it’s made in the USA could suggest tighter quality control.
Performance & Functionality
The Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 aims to provide reliable feeding and function in Glock 22 pistols. Unfortunately, my experience revealed inconsistent performance. The magazine occasionally failed to seat correctly, leading to failures to feed.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its price point and high capacity, but its weaknesses are reliability and ergonomics. It simply doesn’t meet the reliability expectations of a defensive firearm magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The Amend2 magazine features a polymer body and a detachable baseplate. The build quality feels somewhat less robust compared to factory Glock magazines. As mentioned previously, the unusually large baseplate contributes to an awkward feel in the hand and can hinder reloads.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly in terms of loading, but the seating issues create a learning curve. The magazine requires extra force and specific angles to reliably lock into the magazine well.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine appears reasonably durable, with minor cosmetic wear after several range trips. Maintenance is simple and requires minimal effort. However, the overall lifespan and reliability remain a concern due to the reported feeding issues.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 magazine itself does not offer any customization options beyond replacing the baseplate with aftermarket options, if available. Due to its standard Glock magazine interface, it’s compatible with various magazine pouches and loaders designed for Glock magazines. It’s important to choose accessories that accommodate the slightly larger baseplate.
Pros and Cons of Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 40 S&W For Glock 22 15rd Black Detachable – 40 S&W Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive compared to factory Glock magazines.
- 15-round capacity.
- Made in the USA.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Visually durable.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability with failures to feed and seating issues.
- Unusually large baseplate hinders reloads.
- Polymer construction feels less robust than factory magazines.
Who Should Buy Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 40 S&W For Glock 22 15rd Black Detachable – 40 S&W Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 magazine might be suitable for casual range shooters who are looking for a budget-friendly option for non-critical applications and are willing to accept some potential reliability issues. It could be used for high-volume training where malfunctions are viewed as learning opportunities and immediate life safety is not a factor.
This magazine is not recommended for anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense or law enforcement. Given the reliability concerns, it’s simply not worth the risk. A must-have accessory would be a magazine loader to ease loading the full 15 rounds.
Conclusion on Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 40 S&W For Glock 22 15rd Black Detachable – 40 S&W Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The Amend2 A222BLK A2-22 40 S&W For Glock 22 15rd Black Detachable – 40 S&W Caliber, Aftermarket Origin magazine presents a mixed bag. While the price point is attractive, the inconsistent reliability and awkward ergonomics make it difficult to recommend for serious use. The cost savings don’t outweigh the potential for malfunctions in a critical situation.
The value proposition is questionable. For a few dollars more, a factory Glock magazine or a Magpul PMAG offers significantly greater reliability and peace of mind. I would not personally recommend it for self-defense or duty use. While the Amend2 magazine is made in the USA and holds 15 rounds, its lack of consistent performance makes it a risky choice. Invest in reliable magazines; your life could depend on it.