The ETS FITS GLOCK 22, 23, 24, 27, 35 – 30RD .40 MAG (length 210mm) – 40 S&W Caliber, 30 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The ETS FITS GLOCK 22, 23, 24, 27, 35 – 30RD .40 MAG (length 210mm) – 40 S&W Caliber, 30 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin is a high-capacity magazine designed for several popular Glock models chambered in .40 S&W. Manufactured by ETS (Elite Tactical Systems), this 30-round magazine boasts a clear polymer construction, allowing for quick visual assessment of remaining ammunition.
I’ve always been a proponent of responsible firearm ownership and preparedness, and high-capacity magazines offer a distinct advantage in certain scenarios. I was looking for a reliable extended magazine for my Glock 22 that wouldn’t break the bank and would provide a clear view of the rounds remaining.
Upon receiving the ETS magazine, I was immediately struck by its transparent design. The polymer felt sturdy, although noticeably lighter than the factory Glock magazines, and the overall build quality seemed acceptable for the price point.
I considered other extended magazines from Glock directly and Magpul, but the price and the clear polymer of the ETS mag ultimately swayed me. The factory Glock magazines are significantly more expensive, and while Magpul offers a reputation for reliability, the visual round count of the ETS magazine was a compelling feature. I was excited to test it, but also a little apprehensive, given the mixed reviews I had encountered online.
Real-World Testing: Putting ETS FITS GLOCK 22, 23, 24, 27, 35 – 30RD .40 MAG (length 210mm) – 40 S&W Caliber, 30 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the ETS magazine to my local shooting range for its initial trial run. I primarily tested it with my Glock 22, but also tried it in a Glock 23 to ensure compatibility.
The magazine performed adequately through the first 100 rounds, mostly in dry and relatively clean conditions. Loading the magazine was surprisingly easy, even towards the higher end of its capacity, although I recommend using a magazine loader for the last few rounds.
My first major concern arose after firing about 200 rounds, when I experienced two failures to feed within a single magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, the ETS magazine’s performance became less consistent. The initial novelty of the clear design wore off as I started to prioritize reliability over the ability to visually check the round count.
I began noticing significant wear and tear on the feed lips, particularly after several loading and unloading cycles. Cleaning the magazine was relatively easy due to its simple design, but I found that the polymer seemed to attract dirt and grime more easily than the factory Glock magazines. The ETS magazine didn’t quite meet my expectations compared to the standard Glock magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of ETS FITS GLOCK 22, 23, 24, 27, 35 – 30RD .40 MAG (length 210mm) – 40 S&W Caliber, 30 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: .40 S&W. This magazine is designed specifically for firearms chambered in this popular cartridge.
- Capacity: 30 rounds. The extended capacity provides a significant increase in firepower compared to standard magazines.
- Finish: Clear / Transparent. The translucent polymer allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining ammunition.
- Origin: Aftermarket. Manufactured by Elite Tactical Systems (ETS), not Glock.
- Length: 210mm. The extended length necessitates caution when holstering.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the magazine’s functionality and intended use. The high capacity and clear design are geared toward users prioritizing round count visibility and increased firepower.
Performance & Functionality
The ETS magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed .40 S&W rounds into compatible Glock pistols. While it functions reasonably well when new and kept clean, it exhibited some reliability issues over time, especially when approaching full capacity or when slightly dirty.
The main strength of this magazine is its high capacity and clear design, allowing for a quick visual check of remaining rounds. The weakness lies in its reliability compared to factory magazines, especially when fully loaded or subjected to prolonged use. While it does meet the basic expectations of a high-capacity magazine, it falls short in terms of consistent reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine body is constructed from a clear, impact-resistant polymer, providing a unique visual appeal. The weight is noticeably lighter than the factory magazines, which can be beneficial for reducing overall firearm weight, but also potentially impacts reliability.
The ETS magazine is user-friendly and easy to load, even without a magazine loader, though recommended for full capacity loading. There isn’t a steep learning curve, but the potential for feeding issues does require awareness and vigilance.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the ETS magazine is a concern, given the observed wear on the feed lips. Regular cleaning and inspection are essential to maintain optimal performance, but the polymer material appears more susceptible to scratches and grime compared to factory magazines.
Repairing the magazine isn’t typically feasible; replacement is generally the more practical option. The magazine’s lifespan may be shorter than that of a factory Glock magazine, especially with frequent use and exposure to harsh environments.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ETS magazine itself doesn’t directly accommodate accessories. However, magazine pouches designed for extended Glock magazines are compatible.
There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself beyond potentially modifying the baseplate. Compatibility with aftermarket baseplates and followers designed for Glock magazines is possible, but not guaranteed.
Pros and Cons of ETS FITS GLOCK 22, 23, 24, 27, 35 – 30RD .40 MAG (length 210mm) – 40 S&W Caliber, 30 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- High 30-round capacity.
- Clear polymer construction allows for easy visual round count.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to factory Glock magazines.
- Easy to load, even without a magazine loader.
- Compatible with Glock 22, 23, 24, 27, and 35 models.
Cons
- Reliability issues, especially when fully loaded or dirty.
- Polymer material seems less durable than factory Glock magazines.
- Feed lips prone to wear and tear over time.
Who Should Buy ETS FITS GLOCK 22, 23, 24, 27, 35 – 30RD .40 MAG (length 210mm) – 40 S&W Caliber, 30 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin?
The ETS magazine is perfect for range shooters looking for high capacity fun and easy round count. It might be good for someone wanting to experiment with aftermarket Glock accessories without a significant financial investment.
This product should be skipped by anyone relying on their firearm for self-defense or duty use. Those prioritizing ultimate reliability and durability should invest in factory Glock magazines or other higher-end aftermarket options.
A magazine loader is a must-have accessory to ease loading to full capacity, as is routine cleaning after range use.
Conclusion on ETS FITS GLOCK 22, 23, 24, 27, 35 – 30RD .40 MAG (length 210mm) – 40 S&W Caliber, 30 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin
The ETS FITS GLOCK 22, 23, 24, 27, 35 – 30RD .40 MAG (length 210mm) – 40 S&W Caliber, 30 Rounds, Clear / Transparent, Aftermarket Origin offers an intriguing combination of high capacity and a visually appealing clear design. However, its reliability issues and questionable long-term durability prevent me from wholeheartedly recommending it for serious applications.
At $18.99, the price is certainly attractive, making it a viable option for range use or casual shooting where absolute reliability isn’t paramount.
I would only recommend this magazine with a strong caveat: understand its limitations and be prepared to accept occasional malfunctions. For anything beyond recreational shooting, investing in more reliable factory magazines is the wiser choice. Ultimately, the ETS magazine is a fun range toy, but not a dependable tool for critical situations.