First Impressions of Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate
The Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate promises to add capacity and improved handling to your Glock magazines. As someone with over a decade of experience in the tactical and outdoor gear world, I’ve seen countless magazine extensions come and go, most offering little more than a headache and reliability issues. I was looking for a mag extension that not only increased capacity, but also maintained the reliability I expect from my Glock 19. This review will delve into whether the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate delivers on its promises of increased capacity, enhanced ergonomics, and unwavering reliability.
My quest for the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate stemmed from a simple need: increased firepower without sacrificing concealability. I wanted a solution for my Glock 19 that offered more rounds without significantly impacting the grip length or overall profile of the pistol. Many extensions I’ve tried in the past felt cheap, added unnecessary bulk, or, worst of all, caused malfunctions.
Upon receiving the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate, my initial impression was one of quality. The Manufacturer, Arc Division, clearly prioritized durable materials and precise machining. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction felt robust and significantly more premium than the polymer extensions I’ve used before.
Compared to Magpul’s GL9 PMAG 15 GLOCK 9MM 15rd magazine and Strike Industries’ EMP (Enhanced Magazine Plate), the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate stood out for its promise of a more seamless integration with the existing Glock magazine. I chose the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate hoping for a balance of capacity and reliability over the complete magazine replacement approach of the Magpul or the somewhat bulky design of the Strike Industries EMP. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – the sleek design and solid construction suggested this might be a winner.
Real-World Testing: Putting Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate installed was at my local outdoor range. I primarily used it with my Glock 19 Gen 5. I wanted to push it through its paces under controlled conditions.
The weather was mildly dusty and sunny, a typical Southern California day. I ran several magazines through the pistol, focusing on rapid-fire drills and reloads from various positions. The extensions felt secure and didn’t shift or wobble during firing. The added weight at the base of the magazine subtly improved the feel of the pistol, helping to reduce muzzle flip, particularly during faster strings of fire. I encountered no immediate issues or malfunctions during my initial testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate has proven to be a reliable addition to my Glock magazines. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through them without a single malfunction directly attributable to the extensions. The Durability of the aluminum construction is impressive; there are minimal signs of wear and tear despite repeated magazine changes and handling.
Cleaning and maintaining the extensions is simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a cloth. Compared to cheaper polymer extensions I’ve used in the past, the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate offers a noticeably more stable and confidence-inspiring performance. It has exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate
Specifications
The Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance:
- Manufacturer: Arc Division.
- Color: Black.
- Fabric/Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum. This provides exceptional durability and resistance to wear.
- Gun Make: Glock. Specifically designed for Glock platforms.
- Model Generation: 5, 3. Compatible with Glock Gen 3 and Gen 5 models.
- Number of Rounds: 5. Adds five rounds to your Glock magazine capacity.
These specifications are crucial for ensuring reliable performance and longevity. The aluminum construction offers superior resistance to impact and deformation compared to polymer alternatives. The specific compatibility with Glock generations ensures a proper fit and function. The +5 round capacity provides a significant increase in firepower without drastically altering the ergonomics of the handgun.
Performance & Functionality
The Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate performs its primary function – increasing magazine capacity – admirably. It maintains the reliability of the Glock magazine system. The added weight at the base of the magazine subtly improves the balance and handling of the pistol, which helps to reduce muzzle flip and improve follow-up shot accuracy.
The main strength of the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate is its reliability and durability. One area that could be improved is the ease of installation, which, while straightforward, requires careful attention to ensure proper spring seating. Overall, the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate meets and exceeds expectations for a magazine extension of this type.
Design & Ergonomics
The Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate features a sleek and low-profile design that integrates seamlessly with the Glock magazine. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction gives it a premium feel, and the added weight provides a more substantial feel in hand. The installation process is relatively straightforward, but it does require some attention to detail to ensure proper seating of the included spring.
The design is user-friendly with no sharp edges or awkward protrusions. The overall build quality is excellent.
Durability & Maintenance
The 6061-T6 aluminum construction ensures that the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, this magazine extension should last for years. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a cloth.
There are no complex mechanisms or small parts that are prone to breakage, making it easy to maintain and keep in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate comes with an aftermarket spring and a small screw in the rear for easy installation. The floor plate itself doesn’t offer significant customization options beyond its color (black). However, it is compatible with standard Glock magazine pouches and accessories. It does not require specialized gear. The design is intended to integrate seamlessly with existing Glock setups, so no additional customization is truly needed.
Pros and Cons of Arc Division Magazine Floor PlatePros
- Increased Capacity: Adds +5 rounds, giving you a significant firepower advantage.
- Enhanced Durability: Constructed from robust 6061-T6 aluminum.
- Improved Handling: The added weight subtly reduces muzzle flip.
- Reliable Performance: Maintains factory Glock magazine reliability.
- Sleek Design: Seamlessly integrates with Glock magazines.
Cons
- Installation can be a bit fiddly, requiring careful attention to spring seating.
- Price is higher than polymer alternatives, reflecting the premium materials and construction.
Who Should Buy Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate?
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Adds +5 rounds, giving you a significant firepower advantage.
- Enhanced Durability: Constructed from robust 6061-T6 aluminum.
- Improved Handling: The added weight subtly reduces muzzle flip.
- Reliable Performance: Maintains factory Glock magazine reliability.
- Sleek Design: Seamlessly integrates with Glock magazines.
Cons
- Installation can be a bit fiddly, requiring careful attention to spring seating.
- Price is higher than polymer alternatives, reflecting the premium materials and construction.
The Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate is perfect for:
- Competitive Shooters: The added capacity and improved handling provide a competitive edge.
- Tactical Users: The increased firepower is ideal for self-defense and tactical applications.
- Concealed Carriers: The additional rounds provides peace of mind without significantly impacting concealability.
Those who should skip this product:
- Individuals on a very tight budget might find the price prohibitive.
- Those who prioritize extremely lightweight setups might prefer polymer alternatives, although they sacrifice durability.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- A quality magazine pouch to accommodate the slightly extended magazine length.
- Additional Glock OEM magazines to outfit with the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate.
Conclusion on Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate
In summary, the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate is a well-designed and high-quality magazine extension that delivers on its promises. The price is justified by the enhanced durability, reliable performance, and improved handling. I would personally recommend the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate to anyone looking to increase the capacity of their Glock magazines without sacrificing reliability or ergonomics.
If you’re looking for a dependable and long-lasting magazine extension for your Glock, the Arc Division Magazine Floor Plate is an excellent choice. Upgrade your Glock today and experience the difference.