Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine promises to deliver enhanced reliability and visibility for Sig P320 owners. Boasting a clear polymer construction and features like a non-tilt follower, it aims to provide a competitive alternative to factory magazines. As someone who relies on the Sig P320 platform for both recreational shooting and home defense, a reliable magazine is paramount; anything less can lead to malfunctions and potential danger.

I’ve been a Sig Sauer enthusiast for years, and the P320 has become my go-to handgun. I was searching for a magazine that offered increased visibility of remaining rounds without sacrificing durability. The appeal of a clear magazine that supposedly resists cracking, heat, and chemicals was hard to ignore, especially at the price point.

Upon unboxing, the magazine felt lighter than my factory Sig magazines. The clear polymer body offered a full view of the internals, and the Elite Tactical Systems logo was cleanly embossed. Compared to my Mec-Gar magazines, which are known for their reliability, the ETS mag felt slightly less robust in hand, but the non-tilt follower was a welcome feature.

I chose this over other aftermarket options primarily because of the clear body. My experience with other clear polymer magazines has been mixed, so I approached this with cautious optimism. Initial impressions were cautiously positive, but I needed to see how it performed under real-world conditions before making a judgment. I was excited about the potential benefits, but also aware of the potential for issues.

Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine took place at my local indoor shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to assess its feeding and cycling performance. I loaded it with 17 rounds of standard 115-grain FMJ ammunition and inserted it into my Sig P320.

The first thing I noticed was that it didn’t seat as smoothly as my factory mags; it required a more forceful push. While shooting, I experienced two failures to feed within the first 50 rounds. The magazine seemed to be having trouble keeping up with the slide.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions, I’ve logged approximately 300 rounds through the Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine. The failures to feed persisted, albeit less frequently, occurring about once every 100 rounds. The polymer body, however, showed no signs of cracking or significant wear.

Cleaning the magazine was straightforward, as the clear body made it easy to spot any debris. However, I noticed that the feed lips seemed slightly wider than my factory magazines, potentially contributing to the feeding issues. Compared to my reliable Mec-Gar magazines, the ETS magazine simply didn’t perform as reliably. It left me with a distinct feeling of being underwhelmed.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Elite Tactical Systems
• Gun Make: SIG Sauer
• Gun Model: SIG Sauer P320
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Magazine Capacity: 17 Round
• Color: Carbon Smoke
• Condition: New

The Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to be a flush-fitting, high-capacity magazine for the Sig P320 platform. The clear polymer construction allows for quick visual confirmation of remaining rounds, a feature that some shooters find highly desirable.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of any magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm. In this area, the Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine falls short. The intermittent failures to feed are a significant drawback, especially in a self-defense scenario where reliability is crucial.

The magazine’s strengths lie in its clear body and relatively low price point. However, these are overshadowed by its performance issues. It simply doesn’t meet the standard of reliability I expect from a magazine used in a critical application.

Design & Ergonomics

The clear polymer body of the Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine is a unique design feature. It does provide a clear view of the remaining ammunition. The magazine feels relatively lightweight, but the fit in the magazine well isn’t as snug as factory magazines.

The magazine is easy to load, and the non-tilt follower is a nice touch. However, the occasional difficulty in seating the magazine fully is a minor inconvenience.

Durability & Maintenance

The polymer construction seems durable enough to withstand regular use. The clear body makes it easy to spot dirt and debris, facilitating easier cleaning. Regular cleaning and inspection are still necessary to ensure optimal performance, despite the durable construction.

Based on my experience, I expect the body of the magazine to last a reasonable amount of time. However, the feed lips and spring might require replacement sooner than those of higher-quality magazines.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t offer any specific customization options. It’s designed to be a standard capacity magazine for the Sig P320. While it doesn’t directly interface with any accessories like optics or grips, its performance can indirectly affect the overall shooting experience.

It’s compatible with standard Sig P320 magazine pouches. However, I’m unaware of any aftermarket accessories specifically designed to enhance or modify this particular magazine.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine

Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine?

The Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine might be suitable for casual range shooters who prioritize visual round count over absolute reliability. It could also be a viable option for those on a very tight budget who are willing to accept the potential for occasional malfunctions.

However, I would not recommend this magazine for anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense or competition shooting. The potential for failures to feed is simply too high to risk in a critical situation. For those applications, investing in higher-quality magazines from Sig Sauer or Mec-Gar is a much wiser choice. A must-have accessory would be a reliable magazine loader, as the spring tension can make loading all 17 rounds a bit challenging.

Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine offers an intriguing combination of features, most notably its clear polymer construction and budget-friendly price. However, its inconsistent reliability ultimately undermines its value proposition. While the ability to visually confirm remaining rounds is appealing, the failures to feed I experienced are a significant concern.

At a price of $15.19, it might seem like a worthwhile gamble. However, when it comes to magazines, reliability is paramount. I would personally recommend spending the extra money on factory Sig Sauer magazines or Mec-Gar alternatives.

Ultimately, I cannot recommend the Elite Tactical Systems Sig P320, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine for serious use. While it might be acceptable for casual range sessions, its lack of consistent reliability makes it unsuitable for self-defense or any situation where your life may depend on it. Invest in quality, your life may depend on it.