Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is an aftermarket magazine designed to significantly increase the capacity of popular Glock pistols. This magazine, manufactured by Elite Tactical Systems (ETS), boasts a translucent polymer construction, allowing users to easily monitor their ammunition level. The promise of increased firepower and enhanced situational awareness immediately piqued my interest.

My search for a reliable extended magazine stemmed from a growing desire for increased capacity during range sessions and potential self-defense scenarios. Factory Glock magazines are excellent, but sometimes, more is more. I was specifically looking for a magazine that could offer a higher round count without sacrificing reliability, and the ETS magazine seemed to fit the bill, at least on paper.

Upon unboxing, the translucent polymer body was the first thing I noticed. The magazine felt surprisingly robust, despite its clear construction. The weight was more substantial than a standard Glock magazine, as expected, but not unwieldy. The build quality appeared to be solid, with no visible molding flaws or weak points.

I considered several other extended magazines, including offerings from Magpul and KCI. I chose the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine primarily because of its translucent design and the company’s reputation for innovative polymer products. I was intrigued by the ability to visually confirm the remaining round count at a glance.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The concept was appealing, and the initial impression was positive, but I knew the true test would be in its performance on the range. I was eager to see if it could deliver on its promise of increased capacity without compromising reliability.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny and dry, with temperatures hovering around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I used a Glock 17 Gen 5 as my test platform, alongside a Glock 19 Gen 4.

The magazine loaded relatively easily, although the last few rounds required a bit more effort to seat. It locked into the Glock 17 and Glock 19 with a reassuring “click.” The first few magazines were loaded with 115 grain FMJ ammunition.

Initially, the magazine performed admirably, feeding rounds smoothly and consistently. Around the 100-round mark, however, I experienced a few failures to feed with both the Glock 17 and 19. The slide failed to lock back on empty on several occasions when testing on the Glock 19.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine demonstrated a mixed bag of results. The magazine continued to exhibit occasional failures to feed and inconsistent slide lock behavior, particularly when fully loaded. This was more pronounced with lower-powered range ammunition.

There are no major signs of wear and tear on the magazine body itself. The polymer seems durable enough to withstand regular use. I did notice some slight deformation of the feed lips after a few weeks, although not to a concerning degree.

The magazine is relatively easy to disassemble for cleaning, thanks to its simple baseplate design. I found that regular cleaning and lubrication of the internal components helped to mitigate some of the feeding issues. However, it never reached the flawless reliability of factory Glock magazines. Compared to factory Glock magazines, the ETS magazine’s reliability was noticeably inferior.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is designed for use with Glock 17, 18, 19, 26, 34, and 45 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. The magazine body is constructed from an extreme impact resistance advanced polymer. The magazine has a capacity of 40 rounds.

The magazine features a translucent body, allowing for visual confirmation of remaining ammunition. The base plate is interchangeable with other ETS 9mm double-stack magazines. Its creep resistant design prevents feed lip and body spreading during long-term storage, even when fully loaded.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is to provide a significantly increased ammunition capacity for compatible Glock pistols. While it does achieve this goal, its performance is inconsistent. The failures to feed and slide lock issues detract from its overall utility.

The magazine’s strengths lie in its high capacity and the ability to visually monitor ammunition levels. Its weakness is its reliability. It does not meet the performance standards of factory Glock magazines.

Design & Ergonomics

The translucent polymer construction is visually appealing and functional, allowing for quick assessment of remaining rounds. The magazine’s extended length does add significant weight, but it is still manageable. The ergonomically designed floor plate makes it relatively easy to grab from a magazine pouch.

The magazine is user-friendly in terms of loading and disassembly. The extended length may require some adjustment in terms of handling and reloading, especially for concealed carry purposes.

Durability & Maintenance

The extreme impact resistance advanced polymer appears to be durable, with no signs of cracking or breaking during testing. The feed lips, however, showed some slight deformation after extended use. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain optimal performance.

The magazine’s simple design makes it easy to disassemble and clean. With proper care, it should provide a reasonable service life, though its long-term durability remains to be seen.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine itself does not come with any additional accessories beyond its standard configuration. It is compatible with ETS’s line of 9mm double stack magazines and their base plates. It is designed to be compatible with Glock extensions.

While the magazine does not offer extensive customization options, its compatibility with Glock extensions allows users to tailor its length and grip to their preferences. This adds some degree of modularity.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine

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Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine?

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine might be suitable for competitive shooters who need a high round count for certain stages, and for recreational range shooters who prioritize capacity over absolute reliability. Those who value the ability to visually monitor their remaining ammunition may also find it appealing.

Those who require unwavering reliability in self-defense or duty applications should probably skip this product. Law enforcement or military personnel who rely on their firearms in life-threatening situations are better served by sticking with factory Glock magazines or other proven alternatives.

A must-have modification might be a stronger magazine spring to improve feeding reliability, but this would require further testing. Regular cleaning and lubrication are also highly recommended.

Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine offers a compelling combination of high capacity and a unique translucent design. However, its inconsistent reliability is a significant drawback. While the magazine does provide a substantial increase in firepower, it falls short of the performance standards set by factory Glock magazines.

At a price of $37.19, the value proposition is questionable. The price isn’t exorbitant, but the potential for malfunctions makes it a risky investment.

I would personally hesitate to recommend the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17/18/19/26/34/45 9mm Luger 40 Round Extended Pistol Magazine for serious applications where reliability is paramount. While it may be suitable for recreational shooting or certain competitive scenarios, its inconsistent performance makes it a less-than-ideal choice for self-defense or duty use. Consider your needs and prioritize reliability before making a purchase.