Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine promises to solve a common problem: limited capacity in the slim-frame Glock platform. As someone who carries a Glock 43X daily, I’ve always felt the standard 10-round magazine was a compromise, especially when considering potential threats. This Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) magazine aims to nearly double that capacity without sacrificing the pistol’s concealability too drastically, and that immediately piqued my interest.

My journey to this magazine started with a desire for increased confidence in my EDC setup. The Glock 43X is a fantastic pistol for its intended purpose, but 10 rounds can feel insufficient. I was looking for a reliable, high-capacity magazine that wouldn’t significantly alter the ergonomics or concealability of my pistol.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was positive; the translucent polymer immediately sets it apart from standard Glock magazines. It felt sturdy and well-constructed, though noticeably lighter than a comparable metal magazine. The translucent body allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds, a feature I greatly appreciate.

I was also considering the Shield Arms S15 magazine and the Magpul PMAG 15 GL9 for Glock 43X/48. The Elite Tactical Systems magazine stood out because of its polymer construction, which I hoped would provide better resistance to harsh chemicals and temperature extremes. While the Shield Arms option offers similar capacity, it requires a metal magazine release, adding extra cost and complexity.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The extended capacity and polymer construction are appealing, but reliability is paramount. I was eager to put the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine through its paces and see if it lives up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine at my local indoor shooting range. I ran several drills focusing on reloads and malfunction clearing, simulating high-stress scenarios. The magazine functioned flawlessly through the first 100 rounds, feeding reliably with various types of 9mm ammunition.

During this initial range session, the weather was dry, and the temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This was not a demanding environmental test, but it provided a baseline for performance. The magazine was easy to insert and remove, and the increased capacity allowed for more sustained firing without constant reloading. There were no surprises or issues after the first-time use; the magazine performed as expected.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine has proven to be surprisingly reliable. I’ve experienced only one failure to feed, which I attributed to a slightly underpowered round. The magazine body shows minimal signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to repeated loading, unloading, and dropping during drills.

Maintenance is straightforward; I simply wipe down the magazine body and follower with a dry cloth after each range session. I’ve also disassembled it a few times for a more thorough cleaning, which is easily accomplished thanks to ETS’s specially designed base plate. Compared to my experience with other aftermarket Glock magazines, the Elite Tactical Systems magazine has significantly outperformed some metal options in terms of consistent feeding and overall reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine

Specifications

• The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is chambered in 9mm Luger, making it compatible with standard 9mm ammunition. This is a common and readily available caliber, ensuring easy access to ammo.
• The magazine boasts a capacity of 19 rounds, a significant increase over the Glock 43X/48’s standard 10-round magazine. This increased capacity offers a greater level of confidence in self-defense situations.
• Constructed from an advanced polymer, the magazine is designed for extreme impact resistance. This polymer is also highly resistant to harsh chemicals, ensuring long-term durability.
• The magazine’s translucent body allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds. This is a valuable feature for quickly assessing ammunition levels.
• It is designed to be creep resistant, meaning the feed lips and body won’t spread even when fully loaded for extended periods. This is essential for maintaining consistent feeding and reliability.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the magazine’s performance, reliability, and longevity. The increased capacity offers a tactical advantage, while the durable polymer construction ensures it can withstand harsh conditions and repeated use.

Performance & Functionality

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine performs its primary function of feeding ammunition reliably. The magazine consistently loaded and fed rounds during my testing, with only a single, easily cleared malfunction. It is easy to load, and the rounds seat properly without requiring excessive force.

The strength of this magazine lies in its combination of increased capacity and reliable feeding. However, the added length of the magazine can slightly impact concealability, which is a weakness for concealed carry. Overall, it meets my expectations for a high-capacity magazine intended for self-defense purposes.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s polymer construction contributes to a relatively lightweight design, even with its extended capacity. The translucent body allows for a quick visual check of the remaining rounds, a thoughtful design choice. The ergonomically designed floor plate makes it easy to grab from mag pouches, even with gloved hands.

The magazine inserts smoothly into the Glock 43X/48 and locks firmly in place. While the added length does extend the grip slightly, it doesn’t significantly compromise the pistol’s overall ergonomics. There is no significant learning curve; it functions essentially the same as a standard Glock magazine.

Durability & Maintenance

The advanced polymer construction suggests that the Elite Tactical Systems magazine will last for an extended period, even with frequent use and exposure to various environmental conditions. So far, there are no signs of cracking or deformation. Maintenance is simple; cleaning involves disassembling the magazine and wiping down the internal components.

The ETS magazine seems easy to maintain and repair (if necessary). The easy disassembly with ETS’s specially designed base plate is a plus.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is compatible with standard Glock magazine extensions, allowing users to further customize the magazine’s capacity and grip length. While no accessories come standard with the magazine, its compatibility with Glock extensions provides additional customization options.

The magazine is designed to work with the Glock 43X/48 without requiring any modifications to the pistol itself. This makes it a convenient and user-friendly upgrade.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 43X/48 9mm Luger 19 Round Extended Pistol Magazine