ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag Review

First Thoughts on the ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag

The ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag promises to solve a common problem for Glock 42 owners: limited magazine capacity. Elite Tactical Systems (ETS), known for their innovative magazine designs, attempts to address this with a 12-round extension that maintains reliability and durability. The Carbon Smoke tint also offers a distinctive aesthetic.

I’ve always felt the Glock 42’s standard 6-round capacity was its biggest drawback; it’s a fantastic concealed carry pistol, but that capacity felt limiting, especially when compared to other options on the market. I wanted a reliable magazine extension that didn’t compromise the pistol’s concealability too much. When I saw the ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag, I was intrigued by the potential for doubled capacity in a relatively compact package.

Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid. The Carbon Smoke translucent polymer looked and felt durable, not cheap or flimsy like some aftermarket magazines I’ve handled. The extended baseplate, while adding length, seemed ergonomically designed.

Compared to the standard Glock 42 magazine, the ETS mag is significantly longer. Other options considered were the Pearce Grip extensions and the MagGuts +2 conversion for the OEM magazine; the ETS mag won out due to its higher capacity and self-contained design, which should theoretically offer more reliability.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The magazine looks promising, but aftermarket Glock magazines can be hit or miss. Hopefully, this magazine would prove to be a reliable upgrade for my Glock 42.

Real-World Testing: Putting ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag was held at my local indoor range. I wanted to see how the magazine performed with a variety of ammunition. I tested it with Federal American Eagle, Winchester White Box, and Hornady Critical Defense.

The magazine loaded easily into the Glock 42. The increased length made it easier to seat firmly. I experienced no initial feeding or ejection issues with any of the ammunition types.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and approximately 500 rounds fired through the ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag, I can say it’s held up surprisingly well. There are some minor scuff marks on the polymer body from regular use, but nothing that impacts functionality. The magazine spring seems to have retained its strength.

Cleaning the magazine is relatively straightforward; the baseplate is easy to remove without tools. I have noticed that the translucent polymer makes it easy to spot any dirt or debris inside the magazine. Compared to some other aftermarket magazines I’ve used, this one seems much more resistant to deformation or cracking.

In terms of reliability, the ETS mag has performed admirably, but not perfectly. I experienced a handful of failures to feed, roughly 2-3 per 100 rounds, usually with the Winchester White Box ammunition. These failures were non-existent with the Hornady Critical Defense, which leads me to believe the issue is ammunition related, rather than a complete failing of the magazine.

Breaking Down the Features of ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag

Specifications

• The ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag is chambered in .380 ACP. This is specifically designed for the Glock 42 platform.

• It has a 12-round capacity, doubling the standard capacity of the Glock 42. This provides a significant increase in firepower without drastically altering the overall size.

• The magazine body is constructed from advanced translucent polymer in a Carbon Smoke finish. This allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds.

• The overall length extends approximately 2 inches below the magwell. This provides a longer gripping surface.

• The magazine is compatible with Glock and aftermarket floor plates. This allows for customization to meet individual preferences.

These specifications directly influence the usability and performance of the magazine. The increased capacity is a major selling point. The durable polymer construction and easy disassembly contribute to its long-term value.

Performance & Functionality

The ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag performs its primary function of feeding ammunition into the Glock 42 reliably, with the noted exceptions with Winchester White Box. The increased capacity is a definite advantage in training scenarios and potentially in a self-defense situation. The easy disassembly is also a plus for cleaning and maintenance.

The magazine’s strengths lie in its high capacity, ease of use, and durable construction. The occasional feeding issues are a weakness, requiring careful ammunition selection. Overall, it meets my expectations for an extended magazine, providing a significant increase in capacity with only a slight decrease in reliability compared to the factory magazine.

Design & Ergonomics

The Carbon Smoke polymer gives the magazine a modern, tactical look. The extended baseplate provides a comfortable gripping surface, even for larger hands. The translucent body is a practical design feature, allowing for quick visual confirmation of the remaining rounds.

The magazine is generally user-friendly. Seating the magazine takes a bit more force when fully loaded, but is manageable. There is no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag appears to be quite durable, withstanding regular use without any signs of cracking or deformation. The polymer construction is resistant to most common solvents and cleaning agents. Maintenance is simple; the magazine disassembles easily for cleaning.

With proper care, this magazine should last for a significant amount of time. The ETS lifetime warranty provides additional peace of mind.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag itself doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with Glock and aftermarket floor plates. This allows for some customization.

There are no other major customization options for this magazine. The focus is on its extended capacity and durable construction.

Pros and Cons of ETS For Glock 42 380ACP 12rd Carbon Smoke Mag