First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine is a high-capacity magazine designed for Glock pistols chambered in .40 S&W. Boasting a 30-round capacity, a translucent carbon smoke polymer body, and compatibility with various Glock models, it immediately promises a blend of enhanced firepower, durability, and aesthetic appeal. For someone who spends a considerable amount of time on the range and in tactical training scenarios, the promise of fewer reloads and a clear view of remaining ammunition is incredibly appealing.
I’ve always been on the lookout for reliable, high-capacity magazines for my Glock 22. The allure of extending my time between reloads during training and the ability to visually monitor my ammunition levels drew me to the Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) magazine.
Unboxing the ETS mag revealed a sleek, carbon smoke translucent polymer body that felt surprisingly robust. Its light weight initially gave me pause, but the rigidity of the polymer quickly reassured me regarding its build quality. It felt solid in hand, with a reassuringly tactile floor plate.
Compared to standard Glock factory magazines and Magpul PMAGs, the ETS magazine stood out due to its higher capacity and translucent body. While factory magazines are known for their reliability and PMAGs for their affordability, the ETS magazine aimed to provide a blend of both, along with the added benefit of visually monitoring ammo levels. I chose the ETS mag hoping for increased capacity without sacrificing reliability.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The magazine’s appearance and advertised features were promising. I was eager to test its performance and see if it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing occurred at my local shooting range, a controlled environment perfect for evaluating the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine. I ran it through a Glock 22 and a Glock 35, firing various .40 S&W loads, including FMJ and JHP rounds. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The magazine loaded easily, and I didn’t experience any initial feeding issues. I noticed that the magazine spring felt strong, requiring a bit more effort to load the final few rounds. No malfunctions occurred in the first few cycles.
After the first range trip, there were no immediate red flags, but it was only the beginning. It was crucial to observe long-term durability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be a mixed bag. While it initially performed flawlessly, extended use has revealed some reliability issues, particularly with certain types of ammunition. The polymer body has held up well with minimal signs of wear, however.
After about 500 rounds, I noticed occasional failures to feed with hollow-point ammunition. FMJ rounds generally perform without issue, but the magazine seems to struggle with the more aggressive profile of some JHP rounds. Cleaning the magazine after each range session has become necessary to maintain optimal performance.
In comparison to my experience with factory Glock magazines, the ETS mag doesn’t quite measure up in terms of consistent reliability. While factory mags function flawlessly with virtually any ammunition, the ETS mag requires careful ammo selection. It definitely underperforms compared to factory mags.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine features a 30-round capacity, catering to those seeking increased firepower. It is designed for Glock models 22, 23, 24, 27, and 35, chambered in .40 S&W, offering versatile compatibility. The magazine body is constructed from an advanced polymer offering high impact resistance and resistance to heat, cold, and UV exposure.
The magazine’s translucent carbon smoke color allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining ammunition. It features an ergonomically designed floor plate to improve grip and handling when drawing from mag pouches. Its compatibility with Glock extensions allows for further customization.
These specifications are significant because they directly impact the magazine’s performance and usability. The 30-round capacity provides extended shooting sessions with fewer reloads. The durable polymer construction ensures longevity and resistance to harsh conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine delivers respectable performance, with some caveats. It functions reliably with most FMJ ammunition, but its performance degrades with certain hollow-point rounds. The increased capacity is a definite advantage for range training and tactical scenarios.
The primary weakness is its inconsistent feeding with certain ammunition types. The strong spring can make loading to full capacity a bit challenging. While it meets expectations for capacity and durability, it falls short in terms of universal ammo compatibility.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality is generally good. The polymer feels robust and well-molded. The carbon smoke translucent finish is aesthetically pleasing and functional, allowing for easy monitoring of ammunition levels.
The magazine is generally user-friendly, with an easy-to-disassemble design for cleaning. There’s a slight learning curve in finding the optimal ammunition for reliable feeding, however.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction suggests good long-term durability. It should be able to withstand repeated use and exposure to various environmental conditions. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward, allowing for easy maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine is compatible with Glock magazine extensions. This allows users to further customize the magazine to their specific needs and preferences. Due to the Glock platform’s popularity, a wide variety of aftermarket baseplates are available.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: The 30-round capacity significantly extends shooting sessions with fewer reloads.
- Durable Polymer Construction: The advanced polymer is designed to withstand impact, heat, cold, and UV exposure.
- Translucent Body: Allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining ammunition.
- Easy Disassembly: The base plate is designed for easy disassembly, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.
- Glock Extension Compatibility: Compatible with aftermarket Glock magazine extensions for further customization.
Cons
- Inconsistent Feeding: Can experience failures to feed with certain types of hollow-point ammunition.
- Stiff Spring: The magazine spring can be quite stiff, making it challenging to load to full capacity.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters and recreational shooters who primarily use FMJ ammunition and desire a high-capacity magazine. It is also a good fit for those looking for an aesthetically pleasing, translucent magazine.
This product is not ideal for those who rely heavily on hollow-point ammunition for self-defense or duty use. It’s also not suitable for individuals seeking guaranteed flawless reliability with all ammunition types.
A must-have modification would be rigorous testing with your chosen self-defense ammunition to ensure reliable feeding.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 22/23/24/27/35 .40 S&W 30 Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling blend of high capacity, durable construction, and aesthetic appeal. While it delivers on its promise of increased firepower and a clear view of ammunition levels, its inconsistent feeding with certain hollow-point rounds is a significant drawback.
At a price of $15.89, the value proposition is decent, but reliability concerns temper my enthusiasm. For recreational use with FMJ ammunition, it’s a fun and functional addition to your Glock.
I would recommend this magazine with reservations. It is a good option for range use, but I cannot endorse it for self-defense purposes without thorough testing with your chosen ammunition. Consider your needs and ammunition preferences before making a purchase. If you’re on the fence, perhaps start with one to evaluate it for yourself before investing further.