First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity and reliability for Glock owners. I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to enhance my shooting experience, especially in competition scenarios, where every second and every round counts.
As a tactical gear specialist, I’m constantly assessing the market for improvements and innovations. My search led me to the ETS magazine as a possible solution for improving magazine capacity. The allure of a 27-round capacity in a relatively compact package was hard to ignore.
My initial unboxing experience was straightforward, the magazine was encased in typical blister packaging. Picking it up, the first thing I noticed was its translucent polymer construction. This allows the user to easily see the remaining ammo count. Compared to standard Glock magazines, the extended length was immediately apparent. I was curious to see how it would perform in my Glock 19X.
I’ve used Magpul GL9 magazines and standard Glock factory magazines extensively, so I had a solid baseline for comparison. While Magpul offers similar reliability at a lower price point, they don’t offer the high capacity of the ETS magazine. Factory Glock magazines are known for their durability, but they lack the round count offered by ETS.
I was cautiously optimistic upon first inspection. The clear polymer and extended capacity raised some questions about long-term durability, but I was eager to get it to the range for testing. Would it live up to the promise of increased firepower without sacrificing reliability?
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the ETS magazine at an outdoor shooting range in relatively dry conditions. I ran it through my Glock 19X, primarily focusing on controlled pairs and rapid-fire drills to simulate competition scenarios. The increased capacity was immediately noticeable, allowing me to engage targets for longer without needing to reload.
The magazine fed reliably for the first few magazines. However, after about 150 rounds, I experienced a few failures to feed with some lower-quality range ammunition. The ergonomic design of the baseplate made reloads smooth and easy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the ETS magazine has shown both promise and some concerning signs. While it continues to offer the advantage of high capacity, reliability has been somewhat inconsistent. I still experienced occasional failures to feed, especially with certain types of ammunition.
Visually, there are no major signs of wear and tear. The polymer body has held up well, but I noticed some minor scuffing on the feed lips. Cleaning the magazine is relatively simple, thanks to its easy disassembly design. It does, however, attract more dirt and debris due to the extended length.
In comparison to my experience with Glock factory magazines, the ETS magazine doesn’t quite match the same level of unwavering reliability. However, the high capacity is a significant advantage that can outweigh this drawback for certain applications.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine boasts several key specifications. It is designed for Glock 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, and 45 pistols (Gen 1-5) chambered in 9mm Luger.
The magazine holds 27 rounds, offering a significant increase over standard Glock magazines. It features a translucent polymer body for easy round count assessment. Elite Tactical Systems uses an “extreme impact resistance advanced polymer” in its construction. The polymer is designed for heat, cold, and UV resistance. The magazine’s design claims to be creep resistant, preventing feed lip spread during long-term storage, even when fully loaded.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the magazine’s performance and user experience. The high capacity translates to less frequent reloads during competitions or tactical situations. The durable polymer construction aims to ensure longevity and resistance to harsh conditions.
Performance & Functionality
When the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine functions correctly, it significantly enhances the user’s shooting experience. The high capacity allows for extended shooting sessions without frequent interruptions. The clear body aids in quickly assessing the remaining round count.
The primary weakness is its reliability, which can be inconsistent depending on the ammunition used. While it performs well with high-quality ammunition, cheaper range ammo can sometimes cause failures to feed. The magazine largely meets expectations for capacity, but falls short of the reliability standards set by factory Glock magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The ETS magazine features a well-thought-out design that balances capacity and ergonomics. The polymer construction keeps the weight reasonable, even when fully loaded. The baseplate is designed to be easily grabbed from mag pouches, facilitating quick reloads.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for loading or unloading. However, the extended length can make it slightly less comfortable for concealed carry. The design also makes the magazine compatible with Glock extensions, offering further customization options.
Durability & Maintenance
The Elite Tactical Systems magazine is constructed from a durable polymer, designed to withstand impacts and resist chemicals. While long-term durability remains to be seen, the initial signs are promising. The easy disassembly design simplifies the cleaning and maintenance process.
Regular cleaning is essential to ensure optimal performance, especially after exposure to dusty or dirty environments. With proper care, the magazine should provide a reasonable service life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is designed to be compatible with Glock extensions. This allows users to further customize the magazine to suit their specific needs.
While no accessories are included with the magazine itself, its compatibility with standard Glock magazine pouches ensures easy integration with existing gear. The interchangeable baseplate further enhances customization, as it can be swapped with other ETS double-stack magazines.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High capacity (27 rounds) significantly reduces reload frequency.
- Translucent body allows for quick and easy round count assessment.
- Durable polymer construction offers good impact and chemical resistance.
- Easy disassembly simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
- Compatible with Glock extensions for further customization.
Cons
- Reliability can be inconsistent, especially with lower-quality ammunition.
- Extended length may not be suitable for concealed carry.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters who need a high round count. It also suits tactical users who prioritize firepower and reduced reload times. Home defense enthusiasts who want maximum capacity in their Glock pistols would also benefit.
Individuals prioritizing absolute reliability and consistent performance with all types of ammunition should skip this product. Those primarily focused on concealed carry might find the extended length impractical.
A must-have modification would be thorough testing with your preferred ammunition to ensure reliable feeding. Consider investing in high-quality 9mm ammunition to minimize the risk of malfunctions.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/19X/26/34/45 Gen 1-5 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine offers a compelling combination of high capacity and durable construction. While its reliability isn’t on par with factory Glock magazines, the increased firepower can be a significant advantage in certain scenarios.
At a price of $23.49, the value proposition is reasonable, especially considering the capacity it provides. The price is justified, but potential buyers need to factor in the cost of testing and possibly selecting higher-quality ammunition.
I would recommend it to those who understand its limitations and are willing to test and maintain it properly. If you’re seeking a reliable, high-capacity magazine for competition or tactical use, give the ETS magazine a try – just be sure to vet it thoroughly.