First Thoughts on the ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
The ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin promises to boost the capacity of your Glock 43X without breaking the bank. This magazine, manufactured by Elite Tactical Systems Group (ETS), boasts a 19-round capacity in a platform originally designed for only 10, and it’s transparent, allowing for quick visual confirmation of remaining rounds.
I was looking to increase the round count for my Glock 43X without sacrificing reliability, and the ETS mag seemed like a worthy contender. The promise of a near-double capacity at such an affordable price point definitely piqued my interest.
Out of the box, the ETS magazine feels… different. The polymer feels a bit lighter and less dense compared to the OEM Glock magazines, and the carbon smoke finish gives it a unique aesthetic. It’s noticeably longer than the factory 10-round mag, which is to be expected given the increased capacity.
Compared to other aftermarket magazines for the Glock 43X, like those from Shield Arms (though they require a metal mag catch), the ETS mag stands out with its transparent design and lower price. I chose the ETS mag hoping to achieve a balance between capacity, affordability, and the ability to use my existing polymer magazine catch.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The increased capacity is enticing, but the lighter polymer and the mixed user reviews I had seen online had me slightly concerned about long-term durability and reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin primarily at an indoor shooting range. The range offered a controlled environment to evaluate its feeding, function, and overall reliability. I ran approximately 200 rounds of various 9mm ammunition types through the magazine, including standard 115-grain FMJ, 124-grain FMJ, and some 147-grain JHP rounds.
The magazine performed adequately under the controlled conditions. However, I did encounter a few failures to feed with the 147-grain JHP rounds, which is somewhat concerning. The magazine was easy enough to load, although getting to the full 19-round capacity required a bit of extra effort and thumb strength.
The most immediate issue I noticed was the difficulty in seating the fully loaded magazine into the Glock 43X with the slide forward. It required significantly more force than a standard Glock magazine, and sometimes it wouldn’t seat at all without a very firm smack. This could be a problem in a high-stress situation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds cycled through the ETS magazine, the initial concerns regarding durability began to materialize. The magazine body itself seems to be holding up fine, but the feed lips show some signs of wear. I’m not confident that they will hold up for thousands of rounds without issue.
Cleaning the ETS magazine is relatively straightforward. The polymer body is easy to wipe down, and the magazine spring and follower can be accessed for deeper cleaning, though I would not disassemble it unless truly necessary. One thing I noted during cleaning is that the clear body makes it very easy to see any debris or powder residue.
Compared to my experience with OEM Glock magazines, the ETS mag is simply not in the same league. Glock magazines are known for their legendary reliability, and so far, the ETS mag hasn’t instilled the same level of confidence. It feels like a budget alternative, which it is, but the potential compromises in reliability are a significant concern.
Breaking Down the Features of ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Specifications
The ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin is designed specifically for the Glock 43X pistol. It features a 9mm caliber and boasts a 19-round capacity. This is a significant increase over the factory 10-round magazine.
The magazine is constructed from a transparent, carbon smoke-colored polymer. This allows for easy visual confirmation of round count. The ETS mag is an OEM-origin product, meaning it’s manufactured to fit the Glock 43X platform. It utilizes the factory magazine release without modification.
Performance & Functionality
When it comes to performance, the ETS magazine delivers mixed results. In controlled environments, it generally functions adequately, providing increased capacity for the Glock 43X. The transparent design is a nice feature, allowing for quick visual confirmation of remaining rounds.
However, the reliability isn’t on par with OEM Glock magazines. I experienced some failures to feed, particularly with JHP ammunition, and the magazine can be difficult to seat when fully loaded. The feed lips also appear to be less robust, raising concerns about long-term durability.
The ETS mag does meet the basic expectation of increasing capacity, but the reliability issues prevent it from fully exceeding expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The ETS magazine’s design is functional, but it lacks the refined feel of OEM Glock magazines. The polymer feels less dense and the overall construction feels less robust. The transparent design is a novel feature, but it doesn’t necessarily contribute to improved ergonomics or handling.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, although loading to full capacity can be challenging. The extended length of the magazine doesn’t significantly impact ergonomics for me, but it could be an issue for those with smaller hands.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the ETS magazine is questionable. The polymer body seems reasonably strong, but the feed lips are a potential weak point. I’ve already noticed some wear after only 500 rounds.
Maintenance is straightforward, as the magazine can be easily disassembled for cleaning. However, given the concerns about durability, frequent disassembly and reassembly may accelerate wear and tear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin doesn’t require any specific accessories for basic functionality. Because it’s designed to work with the factory magazine release, no modification is needed. However, users might consider purchasing a magazine loader to ease the process of loading to full capacity.
There are no direct customization options for the magazine itself, such as different baseplates or followers. It is designed to be used as-is. The ETS magazine is compatible with any Glock 43X that accepts standard magazines, assuming no aftermarket modifications have altered the magazine well dimensions.
Pros and Cons of ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Increases Glock 43X capacity from 10 to 19 rounds.
- Transparent polymer allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds.
- Affordable price point compared to other high-capacity magazine options.
- No modification required to use with the factory magazine release.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
Cons
- Reliability is questionable, with potential for failures to feed, especially with JHP rounds.
- Difficult to seat fully loaded magazine into the Glock 43X with the slide forward.
- Feed lips show signs of wear after limited use, raising concerns about long-term durability.
Who Should Buy ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin?
The ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin is perfect for Glock 43X owners who prioritize increased capacity at an affordable price and are willing to accept potential compromises in reliability. It might also appeal to range shooters looking for more rounds between reloads.
This magazine may not be suitable for concealed carry or self-defense situations where absolute reliability is paramount. Law enforcement or military personnel who rely on their firearms in life-threatening situations should stick with factory Glock magazines.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine loader to aid in loading the magazine to its full capacity.
Conclusion on ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
The ETS MAG FOR GLK 43X 9MM 19RD CRB SMK – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin offers a tempting proposition: nearly doubling the capacity of your Glock 43X at a very reasonable price. However, after extensive testing, the concerns about reliability outweigh the benefits. While it functions adequately in controlled environments, the failures to feed and the difficulty in seating the magazine raise serious questions about its suitability for critical applications.
The value proposition is questionable. While the price is certainly attractive, the potential for malfunctions detracts from its overall worth. I would personally recommend investing in higher-quality magazines, even if they come at a higher cost.
Ultimately, the ETS magazine feels like a gamble. If you’re willing to take the risk for the sake of increased capacity and a lower price, it might be worth a try. But for those who demand unwavering reliability from their firearms, I recommend sticking with factory Glock magazines or exploring other, more reputable aftermarket options. Don’t compromise on something as important as your magazine. Invest wisely and stay safe out there.