Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine promises to offer Glock owners a reliable, high-capacity, and cost-effective alternative to factory magazines. These magazines, manufactured by Elite Tactical Systems (ETS), feature a translucent polymer construction allowing users to visually monitor their ammo count, coupled with a design compatible with Glock extensions. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I was keen to test these magazines in real-world scenarios and assess if they could live up to the hype.

I was looking for a magazine that would increase the capacity of my Glock 21 without sacrificing reliability. The promise of a clear magazine body for quick round counts was also appealing. Upon receiving the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine, I was immediately drawn to the translucent polymer. The material felt sturdy, although noticeably lighter than the factory Glock magazines, which inspire a bit more confidence.

Compared to the standard Glock 21 13-round magazines and the Magpul PMAG 21 GL9, the ETS magazine felt different. I chose these ETS magazines over other aftermarket options mainly due to the combination of increased capacity and the translucent body, providing instant visual confirmation of remaining rounds. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic, hoping the ETS magazine could deliver on its promises of reliability and durability despite the lower price point.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazines at my local shooting range, running them through various drills with my Glock 21. I subjected them to different conditions, including simulated rain (a simple spray bottle) and dusty environments (intentional drops in dry dirt). The magazines fed rounds smoothly, though the polymer felt slightly slick when loading in wet conditions.

The ETS magazines were easy to load and seat, requiring no excessive force. After the first few reloads, the magazine release became smoother. There were no immediate malfunctions or failures to feed during the initial testing session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range trips spanning a few months, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazines have held up surprisingly well. Minor scuff marks are visible on the polymer body. Regular cleaning with a standard gun cleaning solvent has kept them functioning smoothly.

I have experienced no cracks or significant wear, but the polymer does feel less rigid than the factory magazines. Disassembly for cleaning is simple, thanks to the ETS base plate design. While they have performed well so far, I still have some reservations about their long-term durability compared to the robust factory Glock magazines.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

• The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for use with Glock 21, 30, and 41 pistols chambered in .45 ACP. This versatility is a definite plus for Glock owners with multiple compatible models.
• It features a 13-round capacity, matching the standard Glock 21 magazine. This makes it compliant in areas where capacity is restricted and provides ample rounds for various shooting scenarios.
• The magazine body is constructed from an advanced polymer, offering extreme impact resistance. This material aims to withstand drops and impacts without cracking or breaking.
• The clear, translucent body allows for easy visual identification of remaining rounds. This is a unique and useful feature for quick ammo checks.
• The magazine is designed to resist “creep,” preventing feed lips and the body from spreading during long-term storage, even when fully loaded. This aims to enhance reliability and longevity.
• The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is compatible with Glock magazine extensions. This allows users to further increase capacity if desired.

Performance & Functionality

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine performs adequately, feeding rounds smoothly in most conditions. However, the slightly slick texture of the polymer in wet conditions can be a minor drawback. The clear body is a standout feature, providing a quick visual assessment of remaining rounds.

Its main strength is its affordability and adequate performance. While not on par with the bomb-proof reliability of factory Glock magazines, these ETS magazines offer a budget-friendly alternative. I find that they generally meet expectations for range use and casual shooting, but I would hesitate to rely on them in high-stress or self-defense situations without further extensive testing.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is decent, considering the price point. The polymer feels robust enough for standard use, although it lacks the substantial feel of factory magazines.

The ergonomic floor plate makes gripping and extracting the magazine from pouches relatively easy. While there isn’t a significant learning curve, users may need a few practice sessions to become fully comfortable with loading and seating.

Durability & Maintenance

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine seems reasonably durable, but its long-term lifespan is still uncertain. The polymer construction should resist most common wear and tear.

Disassembly and cleaning are straightforward. The ETS magazine features an easy-to-remove base plate, making maintenance quick and efficient.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any included accessories. However, its compatibility with Glock magazine extensions allows for capacity upgrades.

The magazine works seamlessly with various aftermarket magazine pouches designed for Glock magazines. The ability to use extensions adds versatility and allows users to tailor the magazine to their specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 21/30/41 45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine