First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine promises to deliver increased capacity and reliability for Glock 17 owners. Its translucent polymer construction and competition-legal design are immediately appealing. This magazine piqued my interest as someone always looking for an edge at the range and in practical shooting scenarios.
I’ve always been on the hunt for magazines that offer more capacity without sacrificing reliability. Factory Glock magazines are excellent, but sometimes you need more rounds, especially in competition. My search led me to consider various extended magazines, but the ETS magazine stood out due to its competitive price point and positive reviews regarding its durability.
Upon unboxing, the ETS magazine feels robust despite its polymer construction. The translucent “Carbon Smoke” body is a nice touch, allowing you to quickly assess how many rounds are left. The magazine body felt smooth and well-finished, without any sharp edges or noticeable mold imperfections.
Compared to a standard Glock 17 magazine and a Magpul PMAG GL9, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine boasts a significantly higher capacity. It seemed like a good balance between added rounds and manageable size, unlike some of the truly massive “stick” magazines out there. I picked this magazine specifically because it offered that increased capacity while still being advertised as competition legal.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The price was attractive, and the features seemed promising, but the true test would be how it performed at the range. I was excited to see if the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine would live up to the hype or prove to be another range toy destined for the spare parts bin.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Elite Tactical Systems magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and sunny, ideal for a day of drills and target practice. I loaded the magazine with 115-grain FMJ rounds and ran it through my Glock 17, focusing on various shooting drills, including rapid fire, reloads, and malfunction clearing.
The magazine fed reliably for the first few cycles. I experienced no immediate issues with seating, feeding, or ejection. However, after approximately 100 rounds, I encountered a few failures to feed with the last few rounds in the magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine has shown both promise and a few drawbacks. While it initially performed well, the feeding issues persisted after about 100 rounds, regardless of ammunition type. Wear and tear have been minimal, though the translucent polymer body has picked up some minor scuffs from being dropped on the range.
Cleaning the magazine is relatively straightforward. The ETS baseplate is easy to remove, allowing for thorough cleaning of the magazine body and spring. Compared to my experience with Glock factory magazines, which have proven to be virtually indestructible, the ETS magazine requires a bit more care to ensure reliable performance. It doesn’t quite outperform factory mags in terms of sheer reliability, but the added capacity is tempting.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is designed for Glock 17 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. It features a 27-round capacity, significantly increasing the firepower compared to standard Glock magazines. The magazine body is constructed from an extreme impact-resistant advanced polymer, offering superior heat, cold, and UV resistance.
The translucent body allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining ammunition. The magazine is also designed to be creep-resistant, ensuring the feed lips and body won’t spread even when stored fully loaded for extended periods. The base plate is interchangeable with other Elite Tactical Systems double-stack magazines, and it is designed to be compatible with Glock extensions.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and user experience. The high capacity provides a tactical advantage, while the polymer construction ensures resistance to harsh environments. The translucent body offers a quick and easy way to monitor ammunition levels, enhancing situational awareness.
Performance & Functionality
When fully loaded, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine can be a bit difficult to seat in the Glock 17 with the slide forward. This is common with extended magazines, requiring a firm tap to ensure proper lockup. However, once seated, the magazine feeds relatively well for the first 100 rounds.
The main weakness of the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is its inconsistent feeding, especially towards the end of the magazine’s capacity. As mentioned earlier, it often has failures to feed when the last few rounds are chambered. Overall, it partially meets expectations but falls short of the rock-solid reliability of factory Glock magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The Elite Tactical Systems magazine is well-designed, offering a comfortable grip and seamless integration with the Glock 17 frame. The translucent polymer body is lightweight yet feels durable enough to withstand regular use. The ergonomically designed floor plate makes it easy to grab from mag pouches.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special tools or modifications for installation or use. The only learning curve involves getting used to the slightly increased size and weight compared to standard-capacity magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction of the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine should ensure a decent lifespan with proper care. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the magazine body and spring will help prevent malfunctions and extend its service life. The Elite Tactical Systems magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems magazine is compatible with Glock base pad extensions. This allows you to further customize the magazine to suit your individual preferences. There aren’t any included accessories from Elite Tactical Systems other than the magazine itself. The magazine is compatible with most standard Glock magazine pouches, though some may find the extended length a bit cumbersome.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High Capacity: Offers 27 rounds, providing a significant advantage in competition or tactical situations.
- Translucent Body: Allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining ammunition.
- Durable Polymer Construction: Resists impacts, heat, cold, and UV exposure.
- Competition Legal: Designed to meet requirements for many shooting competitions.
- Affordable: Provides a cost-effective alternative to other high-capacity magazines.
Cons
- Inconsistent Feeding: Prone to failures to feed, especially towards the end of the magazine.
- Seating Issues: Can be difficult to seat when fully loaded with the slide forward.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is perfect for competitive shooters seeking an affordable way to increase their round count. It’s also suitable for recreational shooters who simply want more rounds at the range. This magazine may also appeal to those who prioritize visual confirmation of ammunition levels.
Those who demand absolute reliability in their magazines, particularly for self-defense purposes, should proceed with caution. The feeding issues experienced make this magazine less suitable for critical situations. It’s best suited for range use and training scenarios where occasional malfunctions won’t have dire consequences.
Must-have accessories for this magazine include a reliable magazine loader to ease the loading process. Glock basepad extensions can also be added for improved grip and handling.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine presents a mixed bag of features and performance. While the high capacity, durable construction, and translucent body are appealing, the inconsistent feeding is a significant drawback. At around $16, the price is certainly attractive.
The value proposition is somewhat justified, given the increased capacity and durable construction. However, the reliability issues prevent it from being a truly outstanding product. I would personally recommend this magazine for range use and competition, but with the caveat that it may not be as reliable as factory Glock magazines.
Overall, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 17 Competition Legal 9mm Luger 27 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is a decent option for those seeking increased capacity at an affordable price. Just be aware of its limitations and ensure it functions reliably in your specific firearm before relying on it in high-stakes situations. Consider purchasing one for range use and testing it extensively before relying on it for competition or self-defense.