Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine promises to be a game-changer for Glock 42 owners seeking enhanced capacity and reliability. As someone who has carried and trained with the Glock 42 extensively, I’m always on the lookout for improvements that enhance its performance. This magazine’s translucent body, increased capacity, and creep-resistant polymer construction immediately piqued my interest.

For years, the limited capacity of the factory Glock 42 magazine has been a point of contention. The standard six-round capacity felt restrictive, especially in scenarios where every round counts. I needed a reliable magazine that offered more capacity without sacrificing the pistol’s concealability and overall functionality.

The Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) magazine arrived in simple packaging, revealing the clear polymer body. My first impression was positive; the magazine felt sturdy and well-made. The polymer had a nice texture, not too slick, and the translucent design was a welcome feature.

Compared to the factory Glock 42 magazine and a couple of aftermarket extended magazines I’ve previously tried, the ETS magazine stood out due to its advertised 12-round capacity and the promise of superior material durability. The other extended magazines I had tested often suffered from feeding issues or felt flimsy, so I was eager to see if the ETS magazine lived up to its claims. I chose it over the others, hoping its advanced polymer and design would address the reliability issues I had experienced.

Initial thoughts were optimistic, but I remained cautiously optimistic. A magazine’s true worth is proven only after extensive use and rigorous testing. I was excited to see if the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine could become a staple in my carry rotation, providing both added capacity and peace of mind.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine primarily at my local shooting range. I ran approximately 200 rounds through it during the first session. The ammunition used included a variety of .380 ACP brands and bullet weights, from FMJ to hollow points, to assess its feeding reliability.

The magazine performed admirably in dry conditions. I encountered no immediate feeding issues. Loading the magazine to its full 12-round capacity was surprisingly easy, and it seated firmly into the Glock 42 without needing excessive force.

After only shooting a few magazines, I began to notice several malfunctions. After further inspection, I discovered the magazine was swelling. I disassembled the magazine and noticed that the polymer feed lips were significantly wider than before, causing the rounds to not feed into the chamber correctly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After the initial range test, I continued to use the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine over the next few weeks, but this time, I loaded only 10 rounds instead of 12. I put approximately 500 additional rounds through it. I’ve also left it loaded in my safe for extended periods to test the magazine’s creep resistance, another feature touted by ETS.

Unfortunately, the durability has been a concern. While the polymer body itself seems robust, the feed lips started showing wear, and the magazine spring seemed to weaken slightly over time, even with the reduced capacity. Cleaning the magazine is relatively straightforward due to its simple disassembly. However, I noticed some staining on the clear polymer from certain types of ammunition.

Compared to my experience with factory Glock magazines, the ETS magazine falls short in terms of long-term reliability. The Glock factory magazines have consistently performed flawlessly over thousands of rounds, whereas the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine required more frequent attention and cleaning, especially due to its reduced performance with a full 12 rounds.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Glock 42 pistol chambered in .380 ACP. It boasts a 12-round capacity, a significant increase over the factory six-round magazine. The magazine body is constructed from an advanced polymer with extreme impact resistance.

The magazine also features superior heat, cold, and UV resistance, and is also creep resistant. The translucent body allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining ammunition. The ergonomically designed floor plate aids in quick extraction from magazine pouches.

These specifications are crucial for a reliable magazine. The increased capacity provides a tactical advantage, while the durable polymer construction ensures the magazine can withstand harsh conditions and repeated use. The translucent body offers a convenient way to monitor ammunition levels, adding to the user’s situational awareness.

Performance & Functionality

When the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine works correctly, it performs adequately. However, due to the feed lips’ deformation with time and use, there is a high risk of malfunction. These issues hinder its usability and overall reliability.

The primary strength is its potential for increased capacity, which could be an advantage in self-defense scenarios. However, the reliability issues and spring weakness significantly overshadow this benefit. Improvement is needed in the material composition of the feed lips and the overall robustness of the spring.

Unfortunately, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine does not meet the high expectations set by the promises of its design. The design shows promise, but the execution needs improvement.

Design & Ergonomics

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine features a lightweight design, thanks to its polymer construction. It provides a comfortable, yet slightly bulky, grip. The translucent body is a visually appealing feature, providing a clear view of the remaining rounds.

The magazine is relatively user-friendly, with easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. There is a slight learning curve to loading the magazine to its full capacity, but with practice, it becomes more manageable. However, the magazine’s reliability issues overshadow the ergonomic benefits.

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine comes apart easily making it easy to clean. The floor plate design helps remove the magazine from tight magazine pouches.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is where the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine falls short. While the polymer body seems resilient, the feed lips are prone to deformation and wear, which can lead to reliability issues. The magazine spring also appears to weaken over time, especially when stored fully loaded.

Maintaining the magazine is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove debris and residue. However, the need for frequent maintenance due to reliability concerns is a drawback. Given the issues I experienced, I question the long-term lifespan of this magazine, especially with regular use.

Although easily disassembled, its prone nature of malfunction and deformation makes it hard to trust this magazine. I would not expect it to last as long as a factory magazine.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. It is designed as a standalone magazine, intended to replace the factory Glock 42 magazine. The magazine is compatible with some Glock magazine extensions.

The clear body does not allow for much customization options aside from some paint. There are some floor plates that can be added, but that is the only option.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine?

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine might appeal to casual range shooters who prioritize higher capacity and are willing to accept potential reliability issues. It could also be useful for those who enjoy experimenting with aftermarket accessories and don’t rely on the Glock 42 for self-defense purposes.

This product is not suitable for individuals who require absolute reliability in their firearms, such as law enforcement officers, concealed carry permit holders, or those who depend on the Glock 42 for personal protection. The potential for malfunctions makes it unsuitable for high-stakes situations.

A must-have modification would be a stronger magazine spring and a redesign of the feed lip material to improve durability.

Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine

Overall, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine presents a mixed bag of features and drawbacks. While the increased capacity and translucent body are appealing, the reliability issues and durability concerns are significant drawbacks. The price of $23.89 might seem reasonable for an extended magazine, but the potential for malfunctions makes it a questionable value proposition.

Personally, I would not recommend this magazine for anyone who relies on their Glock 42 for self-defense or serious use. The peace of mind that comes with a reliable magazine is worth far more than the added capacity offered by the ETS magazine.

While the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 42 .380 Auto 12 Round Pistol Magazine shows promise, it requires further refinement to address its reliability and durability issues. Until then, I would stick with factory Glock magazines or other aftermarket options with a proven track record. Invest in reliability, and you won’t be disappointed.