First Impressions of IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine promises Glock reliability at a more accessible price point. As someone who’s relied on Glocks in various professional and recreational settings for over a decade, I’m always curious to see how aftermarket magazines stack up against the originals. IMG’s offering boasts a durable polymer construction with steel inserts and a heat-treated chrome silicon spring, all features designed to inspire confidence.
My need for additional magazines stems from a combination of training requirements and preparedness. Extra magazines are a must whether you’re running drills at the range, competing, or simply wanting to have more available ammo.
Upon unboxing, the IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine feels solid. The polymer has a slightly different texture than factory Glock mags, but it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The witness holes are clearly visible, a crucial feature for quickly assessing remaining capacity.
Compared to a factory Glock magazine and a Magpul PMAG for Glock 22, the IMG magazine lands somewhere in the middle. It lacks the refined feel of the Glock OEM magazine, but appears to have a more robust build than the Magpul PMAG. Ultimately, the price point is what drew me to try this magazine over continuing to buy factory Glock magazines, hoping for similar performance at a fraction of the cost.
Initially, I’m cautiously optimistic about the IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine. It has the potential to be a reliable and cost-effective option for Glock owners, provided it performs well under pressure.
Real-World Testing: Putting IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine took place at my usual outdoor range, under relatively mild conditions. I ran several drills, including rapid fire, malfunction clearing, and reload practice. The magazine was loaded to full capacity each time.
The IMG magazine fed reliably through the first 50 rounds. There were no failures to feed or eject using a variety of ammunition including Blazer Brass and Federal HST. The magazine inserted smoothly into my Glock 22 Gen 4 and locked in place securely, however, the initial insertion was slightly tighter than with factory magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and approximately 500 rounds through the IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine, its performance has been generally consistent, but some minor issues have surfaced. The magazine continues to feed reliably, but I’ve noticed a slight increase in resistance when loading the final few rounds. There have been no failures to feed or eject so far.
Durability appears to be adequate, but the polymer body is showing some wear marks from repeated insertion and removal. I’ve also noticed that the magazine release button leaves a more noticeable impression on the polymer compared to factory mags. Cleaning is straightforward; I simply disassemble the magazine and wipe down the components with a CLP.
Compared to my experience with factory Glock magazines, the IMG magazine is a solid performer, but not quite on par in terms of refinement. The slightly stiffer spring and the polymer wear are minor drawbacks, but the overall reliability and significantly lower price make it a viable option.
Breaking Down the Features of IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine is designed for Glock 22, 23, and 27 pistols chambered in .40 S&W. It features a 13-round capacity, which is standard for compact Glock .40 models.
The magazine body is constructed from black polymer, reinforced with steel inserts for added durability. The magazine spring is made from heat-treated chrome silicon wire, intended to maintain stiffness and ensure consistent feeding. The magazine also features clearly visible witness holes for quick ammo assessment.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and ease of use. A strong spring and robust construction are crucial for preventing malfunctions. The witness holes allow the user to quickly determine how many rounds are remaining, a critical feature in tactical situations.
Performance & Functionality
The IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine performs its primary function – feeding ammunition – reasonably well. As mentioned earlier, the magazine has exhibited good reliability over several hundred rounds, with no major malfunctions. However, the slightly stiffer spring can make loading the last few rounds more difficult compared to factory magazines.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its reliable feeding, durable construction, and cost-effectiveness. Its main weakness is the somewhat stiff spring, which could be a concern for users with limited hand strength. Overall, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly aftermarket Glock magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine features a standard Glock-style design. The black polymer body has a textured surface for improved grip. The magazine is relatively lightweight, which is typical for polymer magazines.
The magazine’s build quality is acceptable, although not quite as refined as factory Glock magazines. The polymer feels durable, but the seams are slightly more noticeable. There is minimal learning curve, as the magazine functions identically to a factory Glock magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine appears to be reasonably durable. The polymer body is resistant to impacts and scratches, and the steel inserts provide added strength. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for several years of regular use.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The magazine disassembles easily for thorough cleaning. Replace the spring if feeding issues begin to occur.
Accessories and Customization Options
The IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. As a standard Glock magazine, it’s compatible with most Glock magazine pouches and carriers. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself, but users can modify their Glock pistol to accept different magazine baseplates, if desired.
It is worth noting that compatibility with aftermarket baseplates is not guaranteed, and some modification may be required.
Pros and Cons of IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Reliable feeding performance.
- Durable polymer construction with steel inserts.
- Cost-effective alternative to factory Glock magazines.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Compatible with most standard Glock accessories.
Cons
- Spring is stiffer than factory magazines, making loading the last few rounds difficult.
- Polymer body shows wear marks more easily than factory magazines.
Who Should Buy IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine?
The IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for Glock owners looking for a more affordable option for training and range use. It is also a good choice for individuals who need additional magazines for competition or personal defense but don’t want to spend the money on OEM Glock magazines.
Individuals who prioritize absolute reliability and flawless performance above all else may prefer to stick with factory Glock magazines. Those with limited hand strength might find the stiffer spring to be a drawback.
A must-have modification would be to consider a magazine loader, such as an Uplula, to ease the loading process, especially for those with weaker hands.
Conclusion on IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling value proposition for Glock owners seeking a cost-effective alternative to factory magazines. While it may not be quite as refined as the OEM version, it delivers reliable performance and durable construction at a significantly lower price. The price of $19.99 is absolutely justified.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to expand their magazine collection without breaking the bank. The IMG Glock .40 S&W 13 Round Pistol Magazine is a solid choice for range use, training, and even as a backup magazine for personal defense. Get yours today and experience reliable Glock performance without the premium price tag!