First Thoughts on the ETS Pistol Magazine 9mm Luger 30 Rounds For SIG Sauer P320 – 9mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin
The ETS Pistol Magazine 9mm Luger 30 Rounds For SIG Sauer P320 – 9mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin promises increased capacity and enhanced reliability for the popular SIG Sauer P320 platform. Manufactured by ETS (Enhanced Tactical Systems Group), this magazine aims to deliver consistent feeding and durability at an affordable price point, boasting improved internal geometry and a more robust polymer formula. With its translucent carbon smoke finish and compatibility with factory extensions, it piqued my interest as a potential upgrade for range days and training sessions.
As an avid shooter and instructor, I’m always looking for ways to improve my efficiency and reduce reloading time at the range. The standard 17-round capacity of my P320 Compact felt limiting during drills, leading me to search for a higher-capacity alternative. I wanted a magazine that wouldn’t compromise reliability for increased round count.
Upon receiving the ETS magazine, the first thing I noticed was its light weight and translucent finish. The polymer felt sturdy, and the smoke tint allowed me to easily check the remaining round count. Compared to my standard SIG Sauer magazines, the ETS offering felt slightly less refined but certainly not flimsy. I chose this magazine over similar offerings from other aftermarket brands due to ETS’s reputation for quality and the positive reviews I’d seen regarding their improved internal geometry.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. While the finish wasn’t as polished as the factory magazines, the overall build seemed solid, and I was eager to test its performance on the range. If it proved reliable, the ETS magazine could become a valuable addition to my training kit.
Real-World Testing: Putting ETS Pistol Magazine 9mm Luger 30 Rounds For SIG Sauer P320 – 9mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ETS magazine at my local outdoor shooting range during a standard training session. The conditions were dry and sunny, providing an ideal environment for evaluating its performance. I ran several drills, including rapid-fire exercises and malfunction clearing, to assess its feeding reliability and overall usability.
Initially, the magazine performed well, feeding rounds smoothly and locking the slide back consistently after the last round. However, after about 100 rounds, I experienced two failures to feed, where the slide failed to fully chamber the next round. This prompted me to examine the magazine more closely for any obvious issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the following weeks, I continued to use the ETS magazine during my regular range trips. I logged approximately 500 rounds through it, experimenting with different types of ammunition (FMJ, JHP). While the initial failures to feed seemed isolated, I encountered occasional hiccups, roughly one every 100 rounds.
The ETS magazine showed minimal signs of wear and tear despite repeated use and loading/unloading. Cleaning was straightforward, as the magazine body easily disassembled for thorough maintenance. Compared to my factory SIG Sauer magazines, the ETS offering required more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
Breaking Down the Features of ETS Pistol Magazine 9mm Luger 30 Rounds For SIG Sauer P320 – 9mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The ETS Pistol Magazine 9mm Luger 30 Rounds For SIG Sauer P320 – 9mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin is designed for the SIG Sauer P320 platform, chambered in 9mm Luger. Its key specifications include a 30-round capacity, constructed from a translucent carbon smoke polymer, and features a high-visibility anti-tilt follower. The ETS magazine is an aftermarket origin product.
The 30-round capacity significantly increases firepower, ideal for competitive shooting or extended training sessions. The translucent polymer allows for quick visual confirmation of the remaining rounds, a valuable feature in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the ETS magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the SIG Sauer P320. While it generally performed well, the occasional failures to feed were a concern, impacting its overall reliability. The high-visibility follower was a helpful feature, making it easy to confirm that the magazine was empty.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its increased capacity and ease of loading. The occasional feeding issues and the slightly less refined finish could be improved. Overall, it meets the basic expectations of a high-capacity magazine but falls short of the reliability of factory magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The ETS magazine’s translucent carbon smoke polymer body provides a tactical aesthetic. The weight is comparable to a fully loaded standard-capacity magazine, and it fits comfortably in the hand. The design is user-friendly, with a standard magazine release and an easily removable baseplate for cleaning.
The magazine’s ergonomics are similar to standard P320 magazines. It is easily managed during reloads. The polymer, while durable, feels less premium than the metal construction of factory magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The ETS magazine appears to be reasonably durable, withstanding repeated use and exposure to various weather conditions. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent malfunctions. Disassembly and reassembly are simple, requiring no special tools. With proper care, the magazine should provide a reasonable service life.
While the polymer construction is resilient, it may not be as resistant to extreme temperatures or harsh impacts as metal magazines. Careful handling and regular maintenance will maximize its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ETS magazine is compatible with factory SIG Sauer P320 magazine extensions. This allows users to further customize the magazine’s capacity and grip. The translucent polymer also allows for aftermarket stenciling or painting for personalization.
Beyond extensions and cosmetic modifications, there are limited customization options for the ETS magazine. However, its compatibility with factory extensions is a welcome feature.
Pros and Cons of ETS Pistol Magazine 9mm Luger 30 Rounds For SIG Sauer P320 – 9mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Increased 30-round capacity for extended shooting sessions.
- Translucent carbon smoke finish allows for easy visual confirmation of remaining rounds.
- Compatible with factory SIG Sauer P320 magazine extensions.
- Affordable price point compared to factory high-capacity magazines.
- Easy to disassemble and clean for routine maintenance.
Cons
- Occasional failures to feed experienced during testing, impacting reliability.
- Polymer construction feels less refined than factory metal magazines.
- Requires more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
Who Should Buy ETS Pistol Magazine 9mm Luger 30 Rounds For SIG Sauer P320 – 9mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin?
The ETS Pistol Magazine 9mm Luger 30 Rounds For SIG Sauer P320 – 9mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for competitive shooters, range enthusiasts, and individuals seeking increased firepower for training purposes. It provides a cost-effective way to extend shooting sessions without frequent reloads.
This product might not be suitable for individuals who prioritize absolute reliability in self-defense scenarios. It is also not for those who prefer the premium feel and durability of factory metal magazines. If reliability is paramount, stick with factory magazines.
Conclusion on ETS Pistol Magazine 9mm Luger 30 Rounds For SIG Sauer P320 – 9mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin
The ETS Pistol Magazine 9mm Luger 30 Rounds For SIG Sauer P320 – 9mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Smoke, Aftermarket Origin offers an appealing combination of increased capacity and affordability. However, its occasional reliability issues prevent it from being a top-tier recommendation.
The price is justified for range use and drills. However, I would hesitate to rely on it in critical situations. I would recommend this product to those seeking an affordable high-capacity option for recreational shooting, provided they understand its limitations.