Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine Review

The Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine Made a Bold First Impression

The Elite Tactical Systems Group (ETS) 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine promises a simple, yet significant upgrade: an extra round for Glock’s popular subcompact without sacrificing flush fit. As someone who carries a Glock 42 regularly, I’m always looking for ways to enhance its capabilities without compromising concealability.

For years, I’ve relied on the standard 6-round magazines that came with my Glock 42. The low capacity always felt like a compromise, especially considering the scenarios where I might need it. I’ve tried other extended magazines, but they all sacrificed concealability with their added length, which is not ideal for daily carry.

Upon receiving the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine, I immediately noticed the clear, “carbon smoke” polymer construction. The translucence allows for quick visual confirmation of remaining rounds, which is a definite plus. Holding it in my hand, the magazine felt sturdy and well-made, appearing nearly identical in size to the original Glock 42 magazine.

Compared to the factory Glock magazine, the ETS magazine offers one extra round and claims improved ergonomics for easier handling. The ProMag Glock 42 7-round magazine is a similar alternative, but I’ve heard mixed reviews regarding reliability, and the ETS magazine’s reputation for quality polymer swayed me. The MagGuts +1 conversion is another option to modify the OEM magazine, but I wanted a dedicated, purpose-built 7-round magazine.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The promise of an extra round in a flush-fitting magazine seemed too good to be true. I was eager to put the ETS magazine through its paces and see if it lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. It was a relatively dry day, with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I loaded both ETS magazines I purchased with a mix of FMJ and JHP rounds to test for feeding reliability.

Initially, the magazines loaded smoothly and seated firmly in my Glock 42. During the first few magazines, I experienced two failures to feed with JHP rounds, which was concerning. After about 50 rounds through each magazine, the feeding issues seemed to resolve themselves, and I experienced no further malfunctions.

Ease of use was excellent, and I found the slightly extended baseplate offered a more secure grip when seating the magazine, even under rapid-fire conditions. This was a definite improvement over the factory magazines. My initial concerns about reliability were somewhat allayed, but I needed more time to truly assess their performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine has become a regular part of my carry rotation. I’ve put several hundred rounds through each magazine with only the initial few malfunctions during the first range session.

Durability seems excellent so far. Despite regular use and exposure to varying temperatures, there are no cracks or signs of excessive wear on the polymer body. I’ve carried the magazines in both kydex and leather magazine pouches, and they’ve held up well to daily use.

Cleaning and maintenance are simple; the baseplate is easy to remove, allowing for thorough cleaning of the magazine body and spring. Compared to my previous experience with aftermarket Glock magazines, the ETS magazine is far more reliable and durable than some of the cheaper options I’ve tried. It definitely outperforms some of the budget-friendly magazines on the market.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine

Specifications

• Caliber: .380 ACP. This magazine is specifically designed for the .380 ACP cartridge used in the Glock 42.
• Capacity: 7 rounds. It offers a +1 capacity over the factory Glock 42 magazine while maintaining a flush fit.
• Material: Advanced Polymer. The ETS magazines are constructed from a translucent, high-impact resistant polymer.
• Compatibility: Glock 42. The magazine is designed specifically for the Glock 42 and should function without modification.
• Floor Plate: Ergonomically designed, easily removable base plate. This allows for quick disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the performance and usability of the magazine. The polymer construction provides durability and chemical resistance, while the increased capacity offers a tactical advantage. The easy-to-disassemble design simplifies cleaning and maintenance.

Performance & Functionality

The Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine generally performs its job well, providing reliable feeding and smooth operation after the initial break-in period. Accuracy isn’t directly affected by the magazine itself, but the added capacity provides more rounds before needing to reload, extending shooting sessions.

The primary strength of this magazine is its ability to add capacity without sacrificing concealability. A minor weakness is the initial break-in period where I experienced a few failures to feed. Overall, the ETS magazine meets my expectations by providing increased capacity and reliable function after proper break-in.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is good, with the polymer body feeling solid and well-constructed. The magazine weighs slightly more than the factory magazine when loaded, but the difference is negligible. The ergonomically designed baseplate is comfortable to grip and aids in positive magazine insertion.

The magazine is user-friendly, requiring no modifications to the Glock 42 for proper function. The translucent body allows for quick visual confirmation of the number of rounds remaining, which is a useful feature. There’s virtually no learning curve involved, and it functions like a standard Glock magazine.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine appears to be durable and long-lasting. The polymer construction resists cracking and deformation under normal use. ETS also provides a lifetime warranty, adding to the confidence in the product.

Maintenance is straightforward, with the easily removable baseplate allowing for thorough cleaning and inspection of the magazine body and spring. Regular cleaning will help ensure reliable performance and extend the life of the magazine. I use compressed air and a nylon brush to remove debris.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with aftermarket Glock floor plates, allowing users to customize the magazine to their liking. The ETS magazine uses a standard Glock-compatible floorplate design.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine

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Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine?

The Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine is perfect for Glock 42 owners who prioritize concealability but want a slight increase in capacity. It’s a great option for everyday carry, providing a balance between size and firepower. The magazine is also a good choice for range practice, allowing for longer shooting sessions without frequent reloads.

This product might not be ideal for those who demand absolute reliability out of the box or who prefer the feel and weight of metal magazines. Users who prefer larger-capacity magazines that extend beyond the grip should explore other options. Those who don’t mind modifying their existing magazines to squeeze in one more round might find the MagGuts +1 conversion to be a sufficient alternative.

A must-have accessory for this magazine is a quality magazine pouch to ensure proper retention and protect it from damage.

Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine offers a worthwhile upgrade for Glock 42 owners seeking a balance between capacity and concealability. The extra round is a welcome addition, and the flush fit ensures comfortable carry. While I experienced a few initial feeding issues, they resolved with use.

At a price of $9.99, the ETS magazine offers excellent value, providing a tangible improvement over the factory magazines without breaking the bank. I would personally recommend the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine to anyone looking to enhance their Glock 42’s capabilities. Purchase yours today and experience the benefits of increased capacity and reliable performance.

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