First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875
Glock magazines are the bread and butter of the 9mm pistol world, but OEM magazines can be expensive, especially when stocking up for training or competition. That’s where aftermarket options like the Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875 come in. Offering a more budget-friendly alternative, these magazines promise similar performance at a lower cost, and I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype.
As a firearms instructor, I’m constantly running drills and need a reliable supply of magazines that won’t break the bank. I was hoping these Elite Tactical Systems magazines would allow me to outfit my students with extra mags without sacrificing quality. The anticipation of finding a cost-effective training solution was high.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the polymer construction. While not as sleek as the OEM Glock magazines, they felt surprisingly solid in hand. I appreciated the bulk packaging, as it cut down on unnecessary waste and kept the price down. My initial thought was: these could be a great option for high-volume shooters, but I remained cautiously optimistic about their reliability.
I’ve used Magpul PMAGs for Glocks and ETS’s clear polymer magazines in the past. The PMAGs have proven very reliable, if a bit bulky. I have also used the clear ETS magazines and while they worked well for range use, I have had concerns about their durability in tougher environments. I was hoping this black polymer version would strike a better balance between cost, capacity, and durability.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The lower price point compared to OEM Glock magazines was definitely appealing. However, I knew that performance on the range would be the ultimate deciding factor.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875 to the Test
First Use Experience
I primarily tested the Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875 at my local outdoor range, running various drills including reload exercises and malfunction clearances. The weather was typical for spring, fluctuating between sunny and slightly drizzly.
The magazines fed reliably for the first few loading cycles, but I did notice a slightly gritty feel when loading the rounds, compared to the smoother action of Glock magazines. I experienced one failure to feed in the first 100 rounds fired, but after that, they seemed to settle in. I was relieved that the magazines performed adequately, although the initial hiccup raised concerns about long-term consistency.
The magazines initially were stiff to load but after the first cycle, they loosened up. I had a failure to feed on the first magazine I loaded, but the remainder of the magazines functioned perfectly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, involving approximately 1000 rounds fired through multiple magazines, I have a better understanding of the Elite Tactical Systems magazines’ reliability. They performed adequately for the most part.
I’ve seen some scuffing on the polymer body from regular use, but nothing that appears to compromise the structural integrity of the magazine. Cleaning was straightforward – a quick wipe down with a cloth and occasional use of a brush to remove debris. They are easy to maintain and the polymer is resistant to cleaning solvents.
Over time, the magazines continued to function with similar reliability. I experienced a couple more failures to feed, especially when the magazines were loaded to their full 17-round capacity. Ultimately, I would not trust these magazines for serious tactical use.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875 is designed to be a cost-effective alternative to factory Glock 17 magazines. It is chambered for 9mm Luger and has a capacity of 17 rounds.
The magazine body is constructed from a durable, impact-resistant polymer, and it features a standard black finish. The manufacturer, Elite Tactical Systems, designed this magazine specifically for use in Glock 17 pistols, offering a high-capacity option without the high price tag of OEM magazines. The overall dimensions are nearly identical to a factory Glock magazine, ensuring compatibility with standard magazine pouches and carriers.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875 generally performs its primary function of feeding ammunition into a Glock 17 adequately. However, it is not perfect.
While most rounds fed without issue, I encountered occasional failures to feed, particularly during rapid-fire scenarios. The magazines consistently locked the slide back on empty. But that failure rate is too high for me to recommend these for anything other than casual range use.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Elite Tactical Systems magazine is functional, prioritizing utility over aesthetics. The black polymer provides a secure grip, even in wet conditions.
The magazine’s weight is comparable to a factory Glock magazine, making it easy to integrate into your existing gear setup. The design is user-friendly, with a slightly extended baseplate that aids in stripping the magazine from the pistol, if needed. There is no learning curve, as the magazines are dimensionally the same as OEM Glock magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
While the polymer construction seems durable, the long-term lifespan of the Elite Tactical Systems magazine is still a question mark. Time will tell if they stand up to years of use.
The magazines are easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance, with a simple baseplate removal mechanism. Cleaning consists of removing residue and debris. Regular maintenance should help prolong the magazine’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875, in its standard configuration, does not offer many customization options. It is designed to function as a direct replacement for factory Glock magazines.
While there aren’t specific accessories designed solely for this magazine, it is compatible with most standard magazine pouches and carriers designed for Glock 17 magazines. I have used it with Safariland and Blade-Tech magazine pouches without issue. Aftermarket baseplates designed for Glock magazines are potentially compatible, but I did not test any for this review.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875
Pros
- The Elite Tactical Systems magazine offers a significantly lower price point compared to factory Glock magazines, making it a budget-friendly option for high-volume shooters.
- The magazine’s polymer construction is reasonably durable and lightweight, suitable for range use and training.
- Its 17-round capacity is standard for Glock 17 magazines, providing ample firepower for most scenarios.
- The magazine is compatible with standard Glock 17 magazine pouches and carriers, ensuring seamless integration with existing gear.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
Cons
- The magazine’s reliability is not as consistent as factory Glock magazines. I experienced occasional failures to feed during testing.
- The polymer construction doesn’t inspire the same confidence as a factory Glock magazine.
- Not suitable for duty use.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875?
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875 is perfect for recreational shooters who want to save money. It is also great for anyone needing extra magazines for range practice.
Anyone needing reliable magazines for duty or self-defense should skip this product. I would recommend sticking with factory Glock magazines in those instances. As for must-have accessories, a good magazine pouch is essential for carrying spare magazines.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875
The Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875 offers a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious Glock 17 owners. While not as reliable as factory Glock magazines, they provide adequate performance for recreational shooting and range practice at a significantly lower price.
The lower price makes these a great value. I would recommend these magazines for casual shooters who want to save a little money, but I would not recommend them for duty use. If you are okay with a few hiccups now and then, then give the Elite Tactical Systems Glock Handgun Magazine for Glock 17 9mm Luger 17/rd BULK 29F45875 a try.