First Impressions of Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine promises a blend of durability and functionality, aiming to be a reliable addition to any Glock owner’s arsenal. These magazines, manufactured by Hexmag, are designed to be compatible with a wide range of Glock models, from the full-size 17 to the subcompact 26, covering Gen 3 through Gen 5 pistols.
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless magazines come and go. My search for the ideal magazine focuses on reliability, ease of maintenance, and compatibility across various Glock models.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the distinctive Hexmag‘s patented Hexture pattern. The magazine felt solid enough, though slightly lighter than the OEM Glock magazines I’m accustomed to using. Compared to Magpul’s Glock magazines, the Hexmag offers a more aggressive grip texture, which is a potential advantage in adverse conditions. My initial reaction was a mix of intrigue and cautious optimism; the unique design elements were interesting, but the true test would be in its performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine at my local shooting range, using a Glock 17 Gen 4 and a Glock 26 Gen 5. The weather was typical for a spring day – a bit damp and slightly windy.
The magazine loaded easily into both pistols, but I immediately noticed a slight resistance when seating it fully in the Glock 26. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid mag changes and controlled pairs. Unfortunately, within the first few magazines, I experienced a couple of failures to feed in both guns, particularly with the Glock 26. This was not encouraging.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I put approximately 500 rounds through each magazine, across both the Glock 17 and Glock 26. The results were inconsistent. The Hexmag magazines, unfortunately, started showing signs of wear much quicker than expected. The polymer body began to exhibit scuff marks and the finish on the feed lips started to wear.
Cleaning and maintaining the magazines was simple enough, thanks to the tool-less takedown design. However, disassembling the magazine revealed rough edges on the follower, confirming the user feedback I had seen prior to testing. Sadly, my fears were coming to fruition. I am afraid this magazine is not living up to its expectations and/or hype.
The Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine fails to outperform the OEM Glock magazines or even the Magpul PMAGs. They are not reliable and it is not something that I would trust in any self-defense scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine features:
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Compatibility: Glock 17, Glock 26, Glock 34 (Gen 3-5)
- Capacity: 17 Rounds
- Material: Carbon Senthex Advanced Carbon Fiber blend
- Spring: Stainless Steel
- Follower: Anti-tilt
- Other Features: Patented Hexture pattern, Indexing Serrations, Full Round Count Visibility, True Tool-less Takedown Design.
The Carbon Senthex Advanced Carbon Fiber blend promises enhanced strength and durability. The stainless steel spring is designed for consistent feeding and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine falls short in delivering consistent and reliable performance. The failures to feed and occasional jams detract from its overall usability.
The indexing serrations do offer a good grip when manipulating the magazine. The full round count visibility is a nice touch, allowing for quick assessment of remaining rounds.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hexture pattern provides a distinctive and aggressive grip surface, which is appreciated, especially in wet or gloved hands. The lighter weight, due to the polymer construction, is a minor advantage, though not significant enough to offset the reliability issues.
The tool-less takedown design simplifies cleaning and maintenance. Unfortunately, the rough edges on the follower indicate poor quality control.
Durability & Maintenance
The Carbon Senthex Advanced Carbon Fiber blend initially seemed promising. The magazine started showing wear relatively quickly. The ease of disassembly does aid in maintenance, but the underlying issue of potentially rough components remains a concern.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. As a standard Glock magazine, it’s compatible with most standard magazine pouches and loaders. The ability to easily disassemble the magazine may allow for aftermarket spring and follower upgrades, though I did not test this.
Pros and Cons of Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Hexture pattern provides a unique and aggressive grip.
- Tool-less takedown design simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
- Full round count visibility allows for quick assessment of remaining rounds.
- Lightweight design reduces overall carry weight.
- Compatible with a wide range of Glock models (Gen 3-5).
Cons
- Reliability issues: Failures to feed and occasional jams are significant concerns.
- Durability: Shows wear relatively quickly.
- Rough follower: Poor surface finishing contributes to potential malfunctions.
Who Should Buy Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine?
The Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine might be suitable for casual range shooters looking for a budget-friendly option. I would not recommend the Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine for anyone relying on their firearm for self-defense, duty carry, or competitive shooting.
A must-have modification would be replacing the follower with a higher-quality aftermarket option. However, at that point, it’s more cost-effective to invest in more reliable magazines.
Conclusion on Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine
The Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine presents a mixed bag. The unique design elements and ease of maintenance are appealing, but the reliability issues are a significant drawback.
At $19.99, the price point is attractive. However, the inconsistent performance and questionable durability make it a risky investment.
Based on my testing, I cannot recommend the Hexmag Glock 17/26/34 Gen 3-5 9mm Luger 17 Round Pistol Magazine. Invest in OEM Glock magazines or Magpul PMAGs for greater reliability and peace of mind. Do not risk your safety with sub-par equipment.