First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 offers a unique twist on a standard Glock magazine. The translucent blue polymer immediately sets it apart, promising both visual appeal and practical benefits. The Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) brand is known for pushing the boundaries of magazine design, and this model seemed like a worthwhile exploration given their claims of extreme durability and chemical resistance.
As a firearms instructor and tactical gear enthusiast, I’m always searching for ways to improve reliability and performance. Glock magazines are generally dependable, but I was particularly intrigued by the promise of superior impact and chemical resistance, along with the ability to visually inspect ammo levels. The clear magazine body offered a quick, at-a-glance way to verify round count, a feature lacking in standard black magazines.
Upon receiving the ETS magazine, I was immediately struck by its vibrant blue color and the feel of the polymer. It was lightweight but felt robust, seemingly well-constructed, and free of any visible defects. Compared to a standard Glock OEM magazine and a Magpul PMAG Glock magazine, the ETS magazine’s translucent body offered a distinct advantage in visual round confirmation. I chose the ETS magazine over others based on the unique combination of features, including the translucent body, lifetime warranty, and ETS’s reputation for innovative polymer design.
My initial excitement was tempered with a dose of healthy skepticism, eager to see if the ETS magazine could live up to the hype in real-world conditions. Was the vibrant color merely a gimmick, or would the magazine deliver superior performance and durability? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 at an outdoor shooting range in varied conditions. The day started with clear skies, transitioned into light rain, and ended with a brief period of high winds carrying fine dust and sand. I ran the magazine through a Glock 19 Gen 5 and a Glock 26 Gen 4, simulating both concealed carry and duty applications.
The magazine performed flawlessly through the first few loading cycles, smoothly seating rounds and ejecting cleanly. Under light rain, the ergonomic floor plate made it easy to grip even with wet hands, facilitating quick reloads. However, I encountered a few failures to feed when the magazine was heavily coated with wind-blown dust and sand.
After first-time use, I was cautiously optimistic, observing its reliable performance in relatively clean conditions, but mindful of the potential for contamination-related issues. The ease of grabbing the mag from my pouch was nice.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including weekly range trips and participation in a tactical shooting course, the Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 has shown some signs of wear. The polymer body has developed some minor scratches and scuff marks. The magazine’s finish is holding up really well, though.
The magazine has proven fairly durable overall, surviving several drops onto concrete and gravel surfaces with no cracks or breaks. Cleaning the magazine after exposure to various cleaning solvents and lubricants was straightforward. However, I did notice some slight discoloration on the blue polymer after prolonged exposure to a strong bore cleaner.
Compared to my standard Glock OEM magazines, the ETS magazine hasn’t consistently outperformed them in terms of reliability. However, the visual round count is a standout improvement.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 is designed to fit Glock 19 and 26 pistols, compatible with Gen 1 through Gen 5 models. It features a standard 15-round capacity for 9mm Luger ammunition. The ETS magazine is constructed from a proprietary translucent blue polymer blend.
This blend is designed for extreme impact resistance, chemical resistance, and heat/cold/UV resistance. The ergonomically designed floor plate allows for easy grabbing from mag pouches. The magazine is also creep resistant, preventing feed lip spread during long-term storage.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the magazine’s overall reliability and durability in demanding environments. The material’s impact resistance helps prevent damage from drops, and its chemical resistance ensures it can withstand exposure to cleaning solvents.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 performs adequately in most shooting scenarios. The magazine feeds rounds consistently when clean and properly maintained. However, as noted earlier, heavy contamination with dust or sand can lead to occasional failures to feed.
A notable strength of the ETS magazine is its translucent body, which allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds. This feature is particularly useful in tactical situations where quick assessment of ammo levels is crucial. A potential weakness is its higher susceptibility to malfunctions when exposed to extreme dirt/sand.
The ETS magazine mostly meets expectations for a standard Glock magazine, offering reliable feeding and a useful visual round count feature. But the lack of true 100% reliability is an issue.
Design & Ergonomics
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 features a well-designed ergonomic floor plate, making it easy to grip and manipulate even with gloved hands. The translucent blue polymer body gives the magazine a distinctive look and allows for quick visual confirmation of round count. The weight of the magazine is comparable to a standard Glock OEM magazine.
The ETS magazine is generally user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The baseplate is easy to remove for cleaning and maintenance.
Durability & Maintenance
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 is constructed from a durable polymer blend that is resistant to impacts, chemicals, and temperature extremes. With proper care and maintenance, the magazine should last for an extended period. Regular cleaning is recommended to ensure reliable feeding and prevent malfunctions.
The disassembly and reassembly for cleaning are very easy, making the maintenance process very simple.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 is compatible with standard Glock floor plates and aftermarket options. This allows users to customize the magazine with extended floor plates or other accessories. The magazine works seamlessly with Glock OEM parts and aftermarket extensions.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6
Pros
- Visual Round Count: The translucent body allows for quick and easy confirmation of remaining rounds. This is a significant advantage in tactical situations.
- Ergonomic Floor Plate: The floor plate is designed for easy gripping and manipulation, even with gloved hands. This enhances reload speed and efficiency.
- Durable Polymer: The proprietary polymer blend is impact-resistant and chemical-resistant. This ensures longevity and reliability in harsh environments.
- Gen 1-5 Compatibility: Functions perfectly in a wide variety of Glocks, allowing for flexibility.
- Lifetime Warranty: Peace of mind, knowing that ETS stands behind its product.
Cons
- Susceptibility to Contamination: Heavy dust or sand can cause feeding issues.
- Discoloration: Prolonged exposure to harsh cleaning solvents may cause discoloration of the polymer.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6?
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 is perfect for competitive shooters who need to quickly assess their remaining rounds. It is also ideal for recreational shooters who appreciate the visual appeal and ease of monitoring ammo levels. This magazine could also work for tactical shooters who need to quickly assess their remaining rounds.
Those who should skip this product include individuals who operate primarily in extremely dusty or sandy environments, where reliable feeding is paramount. Also, individuals who prioritize absolute reliability over all other factors might consider sticking with standard Glock OEM magazines. A must-have accessory would be a magazine pouch that provides ample protection from the elements.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6
The Elite Tactical Systems ETS Magazine BLUE – Glock 19 Gen 1-5 9mm 15/rd For Glock 19 26 D5A6E2C6 offers a compelling blend of innovative design and functional utility. While it may not be the most reliable option in extremely dirty conditions, its translucent body and durable construction make it a worthwhile addition to any Glock owner’s collection.
The price is justified for those who value the visual round count feature and are willing to take extra care in maintaining the magazine. I would personally recommend it, with the caveat that users should be aware of its limitations in harsh environments. Upgrade your Glock experience with the ETS magazine and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your ammo levels at a glance!