First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine immediately caught my eye with its promise of enhanced durability and clear magazine body. In a market saturated with standard metal magazines, Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) offers something different – a polymer magazine designed to withstand extreme conditions while providing a clear view of your ammo count. As someone who’s spent years relying on magazines in demanding environments, from dusty ranges to damp hunting trips, I’m always looking for gear that can go the distance.
I was looking for a magazine that wouldn’t let me down under pressure; something more durable than standard metal mags and easier to track ammo in than opaque polymer options. My initial attraction to the ETS magazine was driven by the need for increased reliability in a defensive pistol setup. The claim of chemical resistance and extreme temperature tolerance was particularly appealing.
Unboxing the ETS magazine, the first thing I noticed was the unique carbon smoke finish. The translucent polymer felt surprisingly robust, not at all like the cheap plastic I’ve encountered in some other aftermarket magazines. The non-tilt follower moved smoothly, and the overall construction seemed solid.
Compared to standard Sig Sauer metal magazines and Magpul PMAGs for the P320, the ETS magazine felt different, potentially better. The Sig Sauer mags are reliable but lack any way to visually check ammo levels. The PMAGs are tough but are fully opaque. I chose the ETS magazine hoping for the best of both worlds: durability and visibility.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The ETS magazine looked the part of a high-performance accessory. It would be fascinating to see how it performed in the real world.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine to my local outdoor range for its initial test. The range offered a variety of scenarios, from static shooting to more dynamic drills, and I planned to put the magazine through its paces. The weather was typical for a spring day: partly cloudy with occasional light rain.
The magazine performed flawlessly during the first range session, feeding rounds smoothly and locking the slide back reliably after the last shot. Even with slightly damp hands, gripping and manipulating the magazine was easy, thanks to the textured surface of the P320 grip. I experienced no failures to feed or eject.
Ease of use was excellent from the start; the magazine loaded easily and seated firmly in my Sig Sauer P320 Compact. I didn’t need any break-in period or adjustments. I was initially concerned about the polymer body’s ability to withstand repeated dropping on the hard-packed range surface, but it shrugged off the impacts with no visible damage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the ETS magazine has held up impressively well. I’ve run hundreds of rounds through it in various conditions. I’ve used it in temperatures ranging from near-freezing to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Durability has been a strong point. The carbon smoke polymer shows minimal signs of wear, even after being dropped on concrete and exposed to typical gun cleaning solvents. The magazine body hasn’t cracked, and the feed lips haven’t spread, even after being stored fully loaded for extended periods.
Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a clean cloth is usually all that’s needed. Occasionally, I’ll disassemble the magazine for a more thorough cleaning, which is easily done without special tools. Compared to my experience with some other polymer magazines that can become brittle over time, the ETS magazine has exceeded my expectations in terms of long-term durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Sig Sauer P320 Compact (P320pact) chambered in 9mm Luger. The magazine holds 15 rounds and features a translucent carbon smoke polymer body. This allows for quick visual confirmation of the remaining ammunition.
- Manufacturer: Elite Tactical Systems
- Gun Make: SIG Sauer
- Gun Model: SIG Sauer P320
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity: 15 Round
- Color: Carbon Smoke
These specifications matter because they directly impact the magazine’s compatibility and performance. The 15-round capacity is ideal for concealed carry and general use, providing a good balance between firepower and concealability. The 9mm Luger chambering makes it compatible with a widely available and affordable ammunition type.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine performs its job reliably, feeding ammunition smoothly and consistently. I’ve experienced no malfunctions directly attributable to the magazine. It locks the slide back positively after the last round is fired.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its durability, reliability, and the clear body that allows for easy round count verification. A potential weakness could be the polymer construction; some might prefer the proven track record of steel magazines. However, ETS has engineered this magazine to overcome traditional polymer limitations. Overall, the magazine has met and even exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The ETS magazine boasts a well-thought-out design. The translucent carbon smoke polymer is aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful. The weight is comparable to a standard metal magazine, and the smooth exterior makes it easy to insert and remove from the pistol.
The magazine is user-friendly with no learning curve. It functions identically to the factory Sig Sauer magazines and aftermarket metal magazines. Disassembly for cleaning is simple and intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine is designed for long-term durability. The polymer is resistant to cracking, breaking, and deformation, even under harsh conditions. ETS claims resistance to heat, cold, UV, and harsh chemicals, which I have partially verified through my testing.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a standard gun cleaning solvent is sufficient to keep the magazine in good working order. The polymer construction is resistant to corrosion, unlike metal magazines that may require more diligent maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine doesn’t require any specific accessories, as it’s a self-contained unit. It is compatible with any Sig Sauer P320 Compact that accepts standard P320 magazines.
No specific modifications are necessary, but users may choose to add aftermarket baseplates for easier handling or to increase capacity (though increasing capacity may affect legality in some jurisdictions). The magazine is compatible with a variety of magazine pouches and carriers designed for double-stack 9mm magazines.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Exceptional durability thanks to the high-quality polymer construction.
- Translucent body allows for quick and easy visual confirmation of ammo count.
- Reliable feeding and slide lockback, ensuring consistent performance.
- Resistant to heat, cold, UV, and harsh chemicals, making it suitable for various environments.
- Affordable price point compared to some other high-performance magazines.
Cons
- The polymer body may not appeal to users who prefer the traditional feel of steel magazines.
- The carbon smoke finish, while attractive, can become scratched with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine is perfect for:
- Concealed carry holders who need a reliable and durable magazine with a clear ammo count.
- Competitive shooters looking for a magazine that can withstand the rigors of frequent use.
- Law enforcement personnel who need magazines that can perform in demanding conditions.
- Anyone who wants a high-quality, affordable magazine for their Sig Sauer P320 Compact.
This product might not be ideal for users who:
- Prefer the feel and weight of steel magazines.
- Are operating in extremely harsh environments where polymer might be more susceptible to damage (though this is unlikely given the ETS magazine’s proven durability).
A must-have accessory for this magazine is a quality magazine pouch for convenient carry.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine
Overall, the Elite Tactical Systems Carbon Smoke Sig P320pact 15 Round 9mm Pistol Magazine is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, durable, and affordable magazine for their Sig Sauer P320 Compact. The clear body is a particularly useful feature, allowing for quick and easy ammo count verification.
The price is definitely justified, given the magazine’s performance and durability. I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone looking to upgrade their P320’s magazine setup. Don’t just take my word for it – try the ETS magazine for yourself and experience the difference!