Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 43 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 43 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine

For years, I’ve carried a Glock 43 as my primary concealed carry firearm. Its slim profile and reliable operation have made it a constant companion. However, the standard 6-round magazine always felt a little…lacking. When I saw the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 43 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine, promising double the capacity in a relatively compact package, my interest was immediately piqued.

I was constantly searching for a way to increase my round count without sacrificing concealability. The low-profile design of the Glock 43 is paramount. I wanted additional capacity without adding a brick to my beltline. The promise of a 12-round capacity from Elite Tactical Systems in a slightly extended magazine seemed like the perfect solution.

Out of the box, the magazine has a sleek, modern look thanks to the carbon smoke finish. The polymer body feels robust and well-made, not cheap or flimsy. Holding it, the slightly extended length is noticeable, but not dramatically so.

I had previously considered a Pearce Grip extension for my factory magazines, and also looked at the MagGuts +2 spring kit. Both of those options increased capacity, but not to the same extent, and didn’t offer the full replacement/upgrade feel of the ETS mag. I chose the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 43 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine for its promise of substantial capacity increase and the attractive carbon smoke aesthetic.

I was definitely excited. The potential for a significant capacity boost in a magazine that still seemed manageable for everyday carry was very appealing. I was also a little skeptical about reliability. Aftermarket Glock magazines can be hit or miss, but I was hoping ETS had cracked the code.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 43 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test was at my local indoor shooting range. I loaded the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 43 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine with 124-grain FMJ rounds and inserted it into my Glock 43. It locked in securely with a satisfying click. I ran through several drills, focusing on drawing, firing, and reloading.

The magazine performed flawlessly. It fed smoothly, locked the slide back on empty every time, and ejected cleanly when released. The extended length didn’t noticeably impact my draw speed or concealability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range trips and a few months of carrying the ETS mag as a backup, I can confidently say it’s a reliable addition to my carry setup. I have put approximately 500 rounds through it at this point. The magazine continues to function without any issues. I experienced no malfunctions of any kind.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear, primarily some slight scuffing on the polymer body. The polymer material appears to be holding up well to repeated use and handling.

Cleaning is simple; I disassemble the magazine (thanks to the easy disassembly ETS base plate design) and wipe down the body and follower with a clean cloth. I occasionally use a bit of CLP on the spring. Maintenance is a breeze. It outperforms my expectations considering it is an aftermarket magazine.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 43 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 43 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the Glock 43 pistol chambered in 9mm Luger. It holds 12 rounds, doubling the capacity of the standard factory magazine. The magazine body is constructed from an extreme impact resistance advanced polymer material.

It boasts superior heat, cold, and UV resistance. It has a translucent carbon smoke finish. The magazine is also creep-resistant, ensuring the feed lips and body won’t spread when stored long-term, even when fully loaded.

Performance & Functionality

The ETS mag performs admirably. It reliably feeds ammunition, locks the slide back, and ejects without issue. The increased capacity is a significant advantage, offering peace of mind for self-defense situations. The only minor weakness is that inserting a fully loaded (12 round) magazine when the slide is closed requires a good amount of force to seat and lock the magazine.

The magazine meets and exceeds expectations. Many aftermarket Glock magazines are known for being unreliable, however, the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 43 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be a notable exception.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine is well-designed and comfortable to use. The carbon smoke polymer feels good in the hand. The slightly extended length provides a more secure grip for those with larger hands. There’s no real learning curve; it functions just like a factory magazine, but with more rounds.

Durability & Maintenance

The robust polymer construction suggests the magazine will last for years with proper care. As mentioned earlier, maintenance is simple and straightforward. The easy disassembly feature is a welcome addition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The magazine is designed to be compatible with Glock extensions due to its base plate design. This opens up the possibility of further customization for those who want it. No accessories come with the magazine itself, however.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Series Glock 43 9mm Luger 12 Round Pistol Magazine