First Impressions of Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine promises increased capacity and enhanced reliability for a popular platform. Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) is known for its innovative use of polymers in magazine design, offering a unique translucent aesthetic and purported durability. My initial interest stemmed from a desire to increase my M&P’s capacity for range training and potential competition use, without sacrificing reliability.
I was looking for a magazine that offered more rounds than the standard 17, and one that wouldn’t break the bank. Several aftermarket magazine options exist, but I was intrigued by the ETS magazine’s translucent polymer and claims of superior durability. Other magazines I considered were the Magpul PMAG 21 GL9 and the Strike Industries EMP. Ultimately, the ETS magazine’s price point and clear body swayed my decision, hoping to gain insight into round count and potential issues at a glance.
Upon receiving the ETS magazine, my first impression was mixed. The translucent polymer gives it a unique look, but also feels a bit “plasticky” compared to the factory S&W magazines. The magazine felt lightweight, but the build quality seemed decent, with tight seams and a smoothly finished baseplate. It wasn’t love at first sight, but I was cautiously optimistic about its performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The range offered a mix of target distances and shooting positions, allowing for comprehensive evaluation. I subjected the magazine to various drills, including rapid firing, reload drills, and malfunction clearing practice.
The magazine performed surprisingly well in dry conditions. It loaded easily, seated positively in my M&P 9mm, and fed rounds without any initial hiccups. However, when I introduced a bit of simulated rain (a spray bottle, to be precise), I noticed a slight increase in friction during loading. The rounds seemed to stick a little more against the polymer walls, though feeding remained consistent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine has held up reasonably well. There are some visible scratches on the polymer body, especially near the feed lips, but no cracks or significant damage. Regular cleaning and lubrication have been essential to maintain consistent performance.
I did experience a few failures to feed after approximately 500 rounds through the magazine. These malfunctions seemed to be related to the magazine spring losing some of its initial tension. Cleaning the magazine thoroughly seemed to resolve the issue temporarily, but I suspect the spring may eventually need replacing. Compared to my experience with factory S&W magazines, the ETS magazine requires more frequent maintenance to ensure reliable feeding.
Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for S&W M&P 9mm handguns. Its key specs include a 21-round capacity, constructed from advanced impact-resistant polymer. The magazine also features a translucent body, allowing for quick visual assessment of remaining ammunition.
It is chambered for 9mm Luger and has a clear color. The materials used are polymer. The increased capacity aims to provide more firepower without significantly altering the pistol’s ergonomics.
Performance & Functionality
The magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed 9mm rounds into an S&W M&P pistol. It generally performs this task adequately, offering a higher capacity than standard magazines. However, it doesn’t quite reach the reliability levels of factory magazines, especially under harsh conditions.
Its strength lies in the increased capacity and the clear body, making round counting easier. The weakness is its susceptibility to malfunctions after extended use or in adverse conditions, like excessive dirt. While it meets expectations for increased capacity, it falls slightly short in overall reliability compared to OEM magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine features a straightforward design with a focus on functionality. The translucent polymer is lightweight and relatively comfortable to handle. There is a slight learning curve associated with loading to full capacity, as the spring can be quite stiff initially.
The build quality is decent, although the polymer feels less robust than metal magazines. It is a user-friendly design, but the material choice impacts the overall premium feel.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine is reasonably durable for its polymer construction, but it is not indestructible. Expect scratches and some wear over time, especially with frequent use. Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent malfunctions, and the magazine is relatively easy to disassemble for maintenance.
The longevity depends on the usage intensity and maintenance practices. Regular cleaning and spring replacement (if needed) can extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine is compatible with ETS‘s line of 9mm double-stack magazine baseplates. This allows users to swap baseplates between different ETS magazines. The magazine is also designed to be compatible with Glock extensions, opening up further customization options.
The primary accessory is the ability to interchange baseplates with other ETS magazines. Compatibility with Glock extensions adds versatility.
Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Offers 21 rounds, providing a significant advantage in scenarios requiring more firepower.
- Translucent Body: Allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining ammunition, enhancing situational awareness.
- Affordable Price: Significantly cheaper than some other high-capacity magazine options.
- Interchangeable Baseplates: Compatible with ETS‘s line of 9mm double stack magazine baseplates.
- Glock Extension Compatibility: Designed to be compatible with Glock extensions.
Cons
- Reduced Reliability: Not as reliable as factory S&W magazines, especially under harsh conditions or after extended use.
- Polymer Construction: Feels less robust than metal magazines.
- Spring Tension: Spring tension can decrease over time requiring replacement.
Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine?
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters looking for increased capacity at an affordable price. It can also be suitable for competitive shooters who prioritize round count and don’t mind performing frequent maintenance. Those who use their M&P for home defense might consider it for the extra rounds, but should thoroughly test it for reliability first.
This product should be skipped by individuals who demand absolute reliability from their magazines in all conditions. Law enforcement or military personnel, or anyone relying on their firearm for life-or-death situations, should probably stick with factory magazines.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality magazine loader, as the spring can be stiff when loading to full capacity. Regular cleaning and lubrication are also essential to maintaining optimal performance.
Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine
The Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine offers a compelling combination of increased capacity and affordability. While it doesn’t match the rock-solid reliability of factory S&W magazines, it provides a decent alternative for specific uses. The translucent body is a nice touch, allowing for quick round count checks, and the compatibility with ETS baseplates and Glock extensions adds some versatility.
The price is justified for the added capacity and features, making it a worthwhile purchase for recreational shooters. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential for reduced reliability and the need for regular maintenance.
I would recommend the Elite Tactical Systems S&W M&P 9mm Luger 21 Round Detachable Pistol Magazine with reservations. If you prioritize capacity and don’t mind occasional cleaning and potential spring replacement, it’s a good buy. Just remember to thoroughly test it with your specific firearm and ammunition before relying on it in critical situations. So, if you’re looking for an affordable way to boost your M&P’s firepower, give the ETS magazine a try – just be prepared to keep it clean and well-maintained.