First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007 is a translucent, polymer magazine designed for Glock pistols, offering a 17-round capacity. Its compatibility with various Glock generations and the promise of extreme durability make it an appealing option for both recreational shooters and those seeking reliable tactical gear. Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) aims to provide innovative and durable products, and this magazine, with its striking blue color and transparent body, certainly catches the eye.
I’ve been searching for a magazine that provides both reliable performance and easy round count visibility for my Glock 19. Metal magazines can be difficult to gauge remaining rounds, and some aftermarket polymer magazines have questionable reliability. I was hoping the ETS magazine could bridge that gap, offering the best of both worlds with its translucent polymer construction.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the vibrant blue color. The polymer felt sturdy and well-molded, a step above some cheaper aftermarket magazines I’ve handled. The translucence offered a clear view of the dummy rounds I used for initial inspection, immediately confirming the round count.
Compared to standard Glock factory magazines and Magpul PMAGs, the ETS magazine felt different. The Glock magazines have a proven track record, and the Magpul PMAGs offer great value; however, neither provides a clear visual of remaining rounds. I chose the ETS magazine for its potential to offer a balance of reliability and visibility, hoping its innovative design would live up to its promises. My initial excitement was tempered by a hint of skepticism, as aftermarket magazines can be hit-or-miss.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007 at my local outdoor shooting range. I ran approximately 200 rounds of various 9mm ammunition through the magazine in my Glock 19 Gen 5. The weather was sunny and dry, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The magazine loaded easily and seated securely in my Glock 19. During the initial rounds, I experienced one failure to feed where the slide did not fully lock back. After a quick tap on the magazine baseplate, it ran flawlessly through the rest of the range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and approximately 1000 rounds, the ETS magazine has performed reasonably well. I’ve observed that it prefers brass-cased ammunition over steel-cased, experiencing occasional failures to feed with the latter. There are minor scuff marks on the polymer body, but no significant signs of wear or cracking.
Cleaning the magazine is simple; the baseplate is easily removed for disassembly and cleaning. Compared to my Glock factory magazines, the ETS magazine requires slightly more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance, especially after use with cheaper ammunition. Overall, it’s been a decent performer, although not quite as consistently reliable as a factory Glock magazine.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007 is designed for Glock pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. It features a 17-round capacity, adhering to standard Glock magazine capacity. The magazine is constructed from an advanced polymer, offering durability and translucence.
The 9mm Luger caliber makes it compatible with a wide range of Glock pistols, enhancing its versatility. The 17-round capacity provides ample firepower for both recreational shooting and self-defense scenarios. The polymer construction provides impact resistance and allows for easy monitoring of remaining rounds.
Performance & Functionality
The ETS magazine generally performs well, providing reliable feeding and consistent cycling, especially with brass-cased ammunition. Its translucent body allows for quick visual confirmation of remaining rounds, a significant advantage over traditional metal magazines. However, it’s slightly more prone to malfunctions with steel-cased ammunition.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its round-count visibility and compatibility with multiple Glock generations. The weakness is its slightly reduced reliability compared to Glock factory magazines, especially with certain types of ammunition. It meets most expectations for a high-capacity polymer magazine, although with a slight caveat regarding ammunition selection.
Design & Ergonomics
The ETS magazine’s build quality is generally good, with a solid polymer construction and well-molded components. Its weight is comparable to other polymer magazines, making it comfortable to handle and carry. The ergonomically designed floorplate facilitates easy grabbing from magazine pouches, enhancing tactical efficiency.
The magazine is user-friendly, requiring no special tools for disassembly or cleaning. The only minor learning curve involves understanding its preference for brass-cased ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The advanced polymer construction suggests good long-term durability. Regular cleaning, particularly after using cheaper ammunition, is necessary to maintain optimal performance.
The magazine’s simple design should allow for relatively easy repairs, if needed. Replacement baseplates and followers are readily available from Elite Tactical Systems, further extending its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007 doesn’t come with any specific accessories in the box, but it’s compatible with Glock and aftermarket floorplates. This allows for customization of the magazine base for enhanced grip or aesthetic purposes. Aftermarket magazine extensions can also be used to increase the capacity.
While not directly offering a wide range of customization options itself, the magazine’s compatibility with existing Glock accessories makes it highly adaptable.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007
Pros
- Clear translucent body allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds.
- Compatible with Glock Gen 1-5 pistols, increasing its versatility.
- Easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.
- Ergonomically designed floorplate is easy to grab from magazine pouches.
- Durable polymer construction offers impact resistance.
Cons
- Slightly less reliable than factory Glock magazines, especially with steel-cased ammo.
- Requires more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007?
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007 is perfect for recreational shooters who want to easily monitor their round count. It is also suitable for tactical users who require a visual indicator of magazine capacity.
Those who rely solely on steel-cased ammunition should probably skip this product. Anyone prioritizing absolute reliability above all else might also prefer sticking with Glock factory magazines.
A must-have modification would be a high-quality magazine pouch for secure carry. The enhanced floorplate also provides better grip when extracting the magazine.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007 offers a unique blend of visual appeal and functionality. Its translucent body and compatibility with multiple Glock generations make it a compelling option. While it might not surpass the reliability of factory magazines in all situations, the added visibility and ease of maintenance make it a worthwhile addition to any Glock owner’s arsenal.
At $17.93, the price is justified considering its unique features and durable construction. I would personally recommend it to those seeking a reliable and visually appealing magazine for their Glock.
Grab yourself the Elite Tactical Systems ETS Handgun Magazine Blue for Glock 17/18/19/19x/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 9mm Luger 17/rd CA021007 and experience the benefits of easy round count visibility today!