First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine
As a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of pistol magazines, from standard factory models to high-end aftermarket options. The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine immediately caught my eye with its translucent body and promise of enhanced capacity. At a glance, it appears to offer a blend of functionality and durability that could be a game-changer for competition shooters and Glock enthusiasts alike.
My quest for a reliable, high-capacity magazine that wouldn’t break the bank led me to this ETS offering. I needed something that could withstand the rigors of frequent range use and potentially offer an advantage in practical shooting competitions. The allure of a clear magazine body allowing for quick ammo checks was also a significant draw.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the lightweight feel of the magazine, despite its extended capacity. The polymer construction seemed robust, and the translucent body provided a clear view of the dummy rounds I immediately loaded. The magazine’s fit and finish appeared to be on par with other polymer magazines in its price range, giving me an initial sense of confidence.
Compared to standard Glock factory magazines, the ETS magazine offers a significantly increased capacity of 22 rounds versus the standard 17. I also considered Magpul’s GL9 21-round magazine and the Amend2 34-round stick magazine, but the ETS magazine’s competition-legal status and compact design made it more appealing for my intended use. I chose the Elite Tactical Systems magazine because it seemed to strike the best balance between capacity, reliability, and practicality, plus the transparent body offers an advantage when training.
My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism, as I’ve encountered aftermarket magazines that promise much but deliver little in terms of reliability. However, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine‘s design and features intrigued me enough to give it a thorough testing. I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype and become a staple in my competition gear.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. I primarily used it with my Glock 17 Gen 5, but also tested it in a Glock 19X and a Glock 26 to assess compatibility across different frame sizes. The weather was sunny and warm, ideal conditions for an initial test run.
The magazines loaded easily, although the last few rounds required a bit more effort, which is typical for high-capacity magazines. During the first few mag dumps, I experienced a couple of failures to feed, which I initially attributed to the magazines being brand new. After about 50 rounds, the feeding issues seemed to subside, and the magazine ran reliably for the remainder of the session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be surprisingly durable. I have used it in multiple range sessions, and even ran it through a couple of practical pistol matches with positive results. Despite being dropped on concrete and subjected to typical wear and tear, the magazine shows no signs of cracking or deformation.
The translucent polymer has held up well, resisting scratches and maintaining its clarity, which makes it easy to check the remaining round count. I noticed some minor scuffing on the base plate, but this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect functionality. Cleaning the magazine is simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient, and the baseplate is easy to remove for a more thorough cleaning.
Compared to my experience with other aftermarket Glock magazines, the ETS magazine has performed admirably. I have used other brands that have suffered from cracked feed lips or unreliable feeding after only a few uses. The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine is chambered in 9mm Luger. Its increased capacity of 22 rounds provides a significant advantage in shooting sports and tactical situations. Constructed from an advanced polymer, the magazine offers extreme impact resistance, ensuring it can withstand drops and impacts without cracking or breaking.
The magazine weighs approximately 3.2 ounces unloaded, a testament to its lightweight polymer construction. The clear, translucent body allows for quick and easy monitoring of remaining ammunition. It is compatible with Glock generations 1-5 for models 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, and 45, making it a versatile option for Glock owners. The creep-resistant polymer construction helps to prevent feed lip deformation and ensures reliable feeding even when the magazine is stored fully loaded for extended periods.
These specifications are crucial for reliable magazine performance. The polymer construction minimizes weight without compromising durability, a critical factor for competition shooters who value speed and agility. The high-capacity design reduces the need for frequent magazine changes, saving valuable time in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine performs admirably, delivering consistent and reliable feeding. After the initial break-in period, the magazine has functioned flawlessly with various types of 9mm ammunition, including FMJ and hollow points.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its high capacity and robust construction. The clear body is also a huge advantage, allowing for instant assessment of remaining ammo. A potential weakness is that loading the final few rounds can be a bit stiff, which may require a magazine loader for some users. Overall, the magazine meets and slightly exceeds expectations, providing a cost-effective solution for shooters seeking enhanced capacity.
Design & Ergonomics
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine features a thoughtfully designed ergonomic floor plate. The ergonomic design makes it easy to grip and manipulate during magazine changes. The translucent polymer body allows for easy monitoring of remaining rounds.
The magazine’s lightweight design contributes to comfortable handling, reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions. While the translucent body is a functional advantage, some users may find it aesthetically unappealing compared to traditional black magazines. The magazine is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for loading or unloading.
Durability & Maintenance
The high-quality polymer construction ensures that the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine is built to last. The magazine has withstood numerous drops and impacts without showing signs of cracking or deformation. The creep-resistant polymer helps to maintain feed lip integrity over time, ensuring consistent feeding performance.
Maintenance is straightforward: a simple wipe-down with a cloth or brush is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris. The baseplate is easily removable for more thorough cleaning or replacement. Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of the magazine, ensuring years of reliable performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to be compatible with a range of Glock accessories. Its baseplate is interchangeable with other ETS 9mm double stack magazines, allowing for customization of the magazine’s appearance and functionality. The magazine is also designed to be compatible with Glock magazine extensions, providing further options for increasing capacity.
While the ETS magazine doesn’t offer a wide range of customization options, its compatibility with standard Glock accessories makes it a versatile choice. The interchangeability of baseplates allows users to personalize the magazine to their preferences. The compatibility with magazine extensions provides additional flexibility for users who require even higher capacity.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High Capacity: The 22-round capacity provides a significant advantage in competition and tactical situations, reducing the need for frequent magazine changes.
- Translucent Body: The clear polymer allows for quick and easy monitoring of remaining rounds, enhancing situational awareness.
- Durable Construction: The extreme impact-resistant polymer ensures the magazine can withstand drops and impacts without cracking or breaking.
- Creep Resistant: The feed lips and body won’t spread when being stored long term even when fully loaded, ensuring reliable feeding.
- Affordable Price: Offering great value for the money when compared to other high-capacity magazines on the market.
Cons
- Loading the last few rounds can be difficult, potentially requiring a magazine loader.
- Some users may find the translucent body aesthetically unappealing.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters seeking an edge in capacity without sacrificing reliability. It’s also well-suited for tactical shooters, law enforcement officers, or anyone who wants to maximize their firepower. Glock owners who want to easily monitor their remaining rounds will also appreciate the translucent design.
This magazine is not ideal for those who prioritize a completely factory-standard setup or those who prefer a more traditional, opaque magazine body. If you prefer lower-capacity magazines for concealed carry, this might not be the best choice either. A magazine loader is a must-have accessory for those who struggle with loading high-capacity magazines.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine delivers on its promise of enhanced capacity and reliable performance at an accessible price point. While the initial break-in period presented some minor feeding issues, the magazine has proven to be durable and consistent over extended use. The clear body offers a practical advantage, allowing for quick and easy monitoring of remaining rounds.
The price is certainly justified considering the increased capacity, durable construction, and handy transparent design. I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable upgrade to their Glock’s capacity. If you’re ready to boost your Glock’s firepower and gain a competitive edge, give the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 22 Round Pistol Magazine a try.