First Thoughts on the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine
The Glock 42 is a fantastic little pistol for concealed carry, offering a slim profile and comfortable ergonomics. However, one of its biggest drawbacks is the limited 6-round capacity of the factory magazine. That’s where the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine comes in. This magazine promises to increase the capacity by one round while maintaining a flush fit, making it an appealing upgrade for Glock 42 owners.
For years, I’ve carried a Glock 42 as a backup gun, primarily because its compact size is unmatched. The low capacity has always been a concern, so I was eager to find a reliable magazine that offered a higher round count without sacrificing concealability. I needed something that wouldn’t extend the grip and make it harder to conceal, as this would defeat the purpose of carrying this particular handgun.
Upon receiving the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine, my initial impression was positive. The translucent carbon smoke polymer gave it a modern look, and the build quality seemed solid. It felt slightly heavier than the factory magazine, suggesting a potentially more robust construction.
Compared to the standard Glock 42 magazine and a couple of aftermarket extended magazines I’ve tried, the Elite Tactical Systems Group offering seemed like the best compromise. Other extended magazines added too much length, while the factory magazine felt lacking. This one promised that extra round in the same form factor. I was cautiously optimistic, but the real test would be at the range.
My first impression was a mixture of excitement and anticipation. I was excited about the potential for increased capacity and maintained concealability. I also hoped that it would perform reliably, as aftermarket magazines can sometimes be finicky.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine was held on an outdoor range on a sunny afternoon. I wanted to thoroughly test its reliability, so I brought a variety of ammunition types, including FMJ and hollow points. I loaded and unloaded the magazine repeatedly, and I ran several drills simulating self-defense scenarios.
The magazine performed admirably in these initial tests. It loaded easily, seated positively in the Glock 42, and fed ammunition smoothly without any failures to feed or eject. The extra round made a noticeable difference in shooting strings.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine continues to perform well. I’ve run hundreds of rounds through it without any malfunctions. The carbon smoke polymer has held up nicely. There is no noticeable wear or cracking.
Maintenance is incredibly simple; I usually just wipe it down with a cloth after each range session. The Elite Tactical Systems Group magazine is easy to disassemble for a more thorough cleaning, thanks to its specially designed base plate. Compared to some other aftermarket magazines I’ve used, this one has been significantly more reliable and durable. It has become my go-to magazine for everyday carry.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine is designed specifically for the Glock 42 pistol chambered in .380 ACP. It holds 7 rounds, providing a +1 capacity over the factory Glock 42 magazine. The magazine body is constructed from an advanced translucent carbon smoke polymer for impact resistance and visibility of the remaining rounds.
It is compatible with Glock and aftermarket floor plates, offering customization options. The magazine features an ergonomically designed floor plate for easy gripping and extraction from magazine pouches. The translucent body allows for quick visual confirmation of ammo count and type.
Performance & Functionality
The Elite Tactical Systems Group magazine performs exceptionally well. It consistently feeds ammunition reliably and smoothly. The increased capacity provides a tangible advantage, especially in self-defense situations. It feels just as reliable as the factory magazine, which speaks volumes about its quality.
The only potential weakness is that the polymer body might not be as durable as a steel magazine in extreme conditions, though I haven’t experienced any issues in my testing. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for an aftermarket magazine. It combines increased capacity with reliable performance in a compact package.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design is well-thought-out. The carbon smoke polymer looks great and feels robust. The ergonomic floor plate makes it easy to grip and manipulate, even with gloved hands. The translucent body is a useful feature for quickly checking ammo levels.
The magazine is user-friendly and requires no break-in period. It functions flawlessly right out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The Elite Tactical Systems Group magazine is built to last. The polymer construction is resistant to impact, chemicals, heat, cold, and UV exposure, as claimed by Elite Tactical Systems Group. Maintenance is minimal; a simple wipe-down is usually sufficient. Disassembly for deeper cleaning is straightforward thanks to the easy-to-remove base plate.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine is compatible with standard Glock 42 floor plates and most aftermarket options. This allows for further customization in terms of aesthetics and functionality. While no specific accessories come with the magazine, its compatibility with existing Glock 42 accessories is a definite plus. The fact that it integrates seamlessly with my existing gear is a huge advantage.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine
Pros
- Increases magazine capacity by one round while maintaining a flush fit.
- Reliable feeding with various types of ammunition.
- Durable carbon smoke polymer construction.
- Easy to disassemble and maintain.
- Compatible with Glock and aftermarket floor plates.
Cons
- Polymer construction may not be as durable as steel in extreme conditions.
- The translucency might be a concern for users prioritizing ultimate concealment.
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 want to increase their firearm’s capacity without sacrificing concealability. It’s a must-have for concealed carry permit holders, self-defense enthusiasts, and anyone who relies on their Glock 42 for personal protection. This magazine is also great for range use and training.
Those who prioritize absolute durability and are concerned about the potential limitations of polymer magazines in extreme conditions might want to explore other options. If you prefer steel magazines or require magazines for specialized applications (e.g., competition shooting with specific weight requirements), this might not be the best choice. A must-have accessory is a good magazine pouch designed for single-stack magazines.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine
Overall, the Elite Tactical Systems Group 380 ACP 7 Rounds for Glock 42 Magazine is an excellent upgrade for Glock 42 owners. It effectively addresses the low-capacity issue of the factory magazine. It does this without compromising the pistol’s concealability.
At a price of $9.99, the value proposition is outstanding. It offers a significant improvement in capacity and functionality. It does this at a very reasonable cost.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to any Glock 42 owner looking to enhance their firearm’s performance and capacity. It’s a reliable, durable, and affordable upgrade that makes a real difference in practical use. If you own a Glock 42, do yourself a favor and pick up a few of these magazines. You won’t be disappointed.
