Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine promises a significant boost in firepower for HK VP9 owners. Elite Tactical Systems is well known for its polymer magazines, and this offering boasts a 40-round capacity, transparent body, and a lifetime warranty. The promise of increased capacity and the ability to visually check ammo levels immediately grabbed my attention.

For years, I’ve relied on standard capacity magazines for my VP9, but have often wished for more rounds during training drills and competitive shooting events. I’ve always been a proponent of “more is better,” especially in dynamic shooting scenarios. This magazine seemed like an affordable and reliable solution to extend my VP9’s capabilities, and the clear body was intriguing since I could quickly verify the number of rounds remaining in the magazine.

Upon unboxing, the magazine felt surprisingly solid despite its translucent polymer construction. The weight was noticeably more than a standard magazine, but that’s to be expected with the extended length and increased capacity. I immediately noticed that the polymer felt robust and the spring tension felt appropriate.

I considered other extended magazines on the market, including those from Magpul and other aftermarket manufacturers, but the ETS magazine stood out due to its combination of price, capacity, and the clear polymer design. Many competitors offer similar capacities, but their opaque bodies make it impossible to visually confirm ammo count. The Elite Tactical Systems lifetime warranty also gave me peace of mind.

My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine appeared well-built, offered a substantial increase in capacity, and had a unique, practical design. I was eager to put it through its paces and see how it performed at the range.


Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded the magazine with 115-grain FMJ ammunition and ran it through a series of drills, including rapid-fire sequences and controlled pairs. The weather was sunny and warm, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

The magazine performed flawlessly during the first few loading and firing cycles. I experienced no feeding issues or malfunctions, even during rapid firing. The extended length of the magazine took a little getting used to, but it didn’t negatively impact my grip or shooting stance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use and hundreds of rounds fired, the Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine has held up remarkably well. I’ve used it in various weather conditions, from hot and dry to cool and slightly damp, without any issues. The polymer body hasn’t shown any signs of cracking or significant wear, which makes me confident in the magazine’s construction.

Cleaning the magazine is straightforward. I simply disassemble it, wipe down the polymer body and follower, and lightly lubricate the spring. So far, maintenance has been minimal, and the magazine continues to function reliably. I will admit to being concerned about the longevity of the polymer feed lips after reading other user reviews.

In comparison to my standard HK magazines, the ETS magazine offers a significant advantage in terms of capacity, but the extended length is not ideal for concealed carry. For range use and competitive shooting, however, it’s a clear winner. It exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and durability for a polymer magazine at its price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Elite Tactical Systems
  • Gun Make: Heckler & Koch
  • Gun Model: Heckler & Koch VP9
  • Caliber: 9mm Luger
  • Magazine Capacity: 40 Rounds
  • Construction: Translucent polymer
  • Spring: Steel wire
  • Follower: Injection-molded polymer

These specifications are crucial because they determine the magazine’s compatibility, capacity, and overall performance. The 40-round capacity dramatically increases the VP9’s firepower. The translucent polymer construction allows for quick visual confirmation of the remaining ammunition.

Performance & Functionality

The Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine performs its primary function – feeding ammunition – exceptionally well. I’ve experienced no failures to feed or malfunctions directly attributable to the magazine. It exceeded my expectations, and the ability to quickly visually check the ammo count is an underrated feature that I now value.

The magazine’s main strength is its high capacity and reliable feeding. A potential weakness is the long-term durability of the polymer feed lips, but so far they seem resilient. I would prefer steel reinforced feed lips like some of the more expensive magazines offer.

Design & Ergonomics

The Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine features a simple, functional design. The translucent polymer body allows for easy identification of ammunition type and remaining capacity. The extended length may not be ideal for concealed carry, but it enhances grip and control during rapid firing.

The build quality is surprisingly good for a polymer magazine at this price point. The magazine body feels robust and the spring tension is appropriate. The magazine is very easy to load using a magazine loader.

Durability & Maintenance

The magazine’s polymer construction is designed to withstand heat, cold, UV exposure, and harsh chemicals. So far, it appears to be living up to those claims. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining its performance.

The Elite Tactical Systems lifetime warranty provides peace of mind. Should any issues arise, the company stands behind its product. However, I would recommend avoiding harsh solvents during cleaning to prolong the life of the polymer.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. However, using a magazine loader makes loading the 40 rounds significantly easier. The magazine is compatible with standard HK VP9 magazine pouches.

There are no real customization options for magazines beyond caliber conversions which is obviously not applicable. However, colored followers and baseplates are sometimes available from third-party manufacturers and could add a personalized touch.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine

Pros

  • High Capacity: 40 rounds provide a significant increase in firepower.
  • Translucent Polymer: Allows for quick visual confirmation of ammunition type and remaining count.
  • Reliable Feeding: Consistent and reliable performance in various shooting conditions.
  • Affordable Price: Excellent value for the money, especially compared to other extended magazines.
  • Lifetime Warranty: Provides peace of mind and demonstrates Elite Tactical Systems‘ confidence in its product.

Cons

  • Extended Length: Not ideal for concealed carry.
  • Polymer Feed Lips: Potential long-term durability concern compared to steel.


Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine?

This magazine is perfect for: competitive shooters, range enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to maximize the firepower of their HK VP9. It provides a significant advantage in situations where a high round count is beneficial.

Who should skip this product? Those prioritizing concealed carry might find the extended length impractical. Also, those who demand absolute, bulletproof reliability above all else might prefer magazines with steel-reinforced feed lips, though those come at a much higher price point.

A must-have accessory is a quality magazine loader. Loading 40 rounds by hand can be tedious.

Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine is a well-designed and affordable upgrade for HK VP9 owners. Its high capacity, reliable feeding, and translucent polymer body make it a standout product in the crowded market of pistol magazines. While the extended length may not be suitable for all applications, its benefits for range use and competition are undeniable.

The price is justified, especially considering the added capacity and the lifetime warranty. High capacity magazines from Heckler & Koch are considerably more expensive for a negligibly higher build quality. I personally recommend it to anyone looking to enhance the capabilities of their VP9 without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a reliable, high-capacity magazine that offers excellent value for the money, the Elite Tactical Systems HK VP9 9mm 40 Rounds Pistol Magazine is an excellent choice. Upgrade your VP9 today!

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