Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release Review

First Impressions of Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release

The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release promises an enhanced reloading experience for owners of these slimline Glocks. Designed to be extended for easier location, it aims to provide faster and more efficient magazine changes. This is particularly appealing for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their shooting, whether for competition, self-defense, or tactical applications.

My search for an improved mag release stemmed from a need for faster reloads during practical shooting drills. The factory Glock 43X magazine release, while functional, felt a bit small and recessed, especially with gloved hands. I was hoping the Lockstep Arms offering would address this and provide a more positive and tactile experience.

Upon receiving the Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release, my initial impression was… underwhelming. The finish appeared uneven, and closer inspection revealed some noticeable burrs and areas lacking proper anodization. Compared to other aftermarket mag releases I’ve used from Strike Industries and Agency Arms, the Lockstep Arms part looked and felt significantly cheaper. I picked the Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release because of the extremely low price. My first impressions were that I was going to regret buying the product.

Based on this initial assessment, I was definitely disappointed. The poor finish and apparent lack of quality control raised serious concerns about its functionality and durability. I wasn’t exactly brimming with confidence, but I was still willing to give it a shot – albeit with significantly lowered expectations.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release to the Test

First Use Experience

I decided to test the Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release during a live-fire session at my local shooting range. The range offered a controlled environment to assess its performance in practical shooting scenarios. I specifically focused on performing timed reloads, simulating the stress and urgency of a defensive situation.

During the first few magazine changes, the mag release felt gritty and stiff. The extended design made it slightly easier to locate compared to the factory release, but the poor finish hindered smooth operation. After about 20 reloads, the button started binding intermittently, requiring excessive force to release the magazine.

My initial experience was far from ideal. The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release added a negligible improvement in speed, and the binding issue significantly hampered reliability. At this point I was already planning on removing the part.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few more range sessions and approximately 200 magazine changes, the Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release showed no signs of improvement. The binding issue persisted, and the anodized finish continued to wear off in high-contact areas. The burrs I initially noticed became more pronounced, causing discomfort during operation.

The durability of the Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release proved to be extremely poor. The aluminum material seemed soft, and the release showed noticeable wear and deformation around the edges. Maintenance was limited to occasional cleaning, but the internal mechanisms remained gritty and unreliable.

Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket Glock parts from reputable manufacturers like GlockTriggers.com and ZEV Technologies, the Lockstep Arms offering was a complete letdown. It not only failed to improve performance but actually degraded the overall shooting experience. The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release was inferior to the stock magazine release.

Breaking Down the Features of Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release

Specifications

The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release is advertised as an extended magazine release for Glock 43X and Glock 48 pistols. It is constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum and features an anodized finish. Its weight is listed as 0.12 oz (or 1.1 oz with packaging).

• Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum.
• Finish: Anodized.
• Compatibility: Glock 43X and Glock 48.
• Weight: 0.12 oz / 1.1 oz (with packaging).

These specifications, at least on paper, suggest a lightweight and durable upgrade. However, the execution falls short, as evidenced by the poor finish and questionable material quality. The extended design should theoretically improve accessibility, but the functionality issues undermine any potential benefits.

Performance & Functionality

The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release fails to deliver on its promise of improved performance. Magazine changes are not significantly faster, and the binding issue introduces unreliability. The release button requires excessive force, especially when the magazine is fully loaded.

• Accuracy: Not applicable for a magazine release.
• Reliability: Extremely poor due to binding issues.
• Usability: Marginally better accessibility, but hindered by poor functionality.
• Comfort: The sharp edges and poor finish cause discomfort.

The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release falls far short of expectations. It introduces more problems than it solves, making it an undesirable upgrade. The low price doesn’t compensate for its shortcomings.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release is simple, but the execution is flawed. The build quality is subpar, with noticeable burrs and an uneven finish. The light weight of the aluminum doesn’t necessarily translate to a positive experience.

The ergonomic improvements are minimal. The extended design is slightly easier to reach, but the stiff and gritty operation negates any benefit. The sharp edges around the button create discomfort, especially during rapid magazine changes.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release exhibits poor durability. The soft aluminum material shows signs of wear and deformation after only a few range sessions. The anodized finish wears off quickly, exposing the bare metal underneath.

Maintenance is minimal, but cleaning doesn’t alleviate the binding issues. The internal mechanisms remain gritty and unreliable, suggesting poor manufacturing tolerances. This magazine release is not built to last.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release does not come with any accessories. It is a standalone replacement part designed to be compatible with factory Glock magazines. Customization options are limited to its inherent design, which cannot be further modified.

The product is designed to be a direct replacement for the factory mag release. Its compatibility with other aftermarket accessories is limited to its basic function of releasing the magazine. There’s not much to customize.

Pros and Cons of Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release

Who Should Buy Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release?

The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release is not recommended for anyone who values reliability and performance. While the low price might be tempting, the product’s shortcomings make it a poor investment. This is not a product for serious shooters or those who rely on their firearm for self-defense.

Who should skip this product? Anyone seeking a functional and durable upgrade for their Glock 43X or 48 should avoid the Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release. Save your money and invest in a higher-quality alternative from a reputable manufacturer.

Must-have accessories or modifications? Given the product’s inherent flaws, no accessories or modifications can redeem its poor performance. It is best to replace it with a better-quality magazine release.

Conclusion on Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release

The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release is a disappointing product that fails to deliver on its promises. The poor finish, binding issues, and questionable durability make it an unreliable and frustrating upgrade. The slightly improved accessibility is overshadowed by its numerous flaws.

The price is indeed low, but the value proposition is nonexistent. The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release is essentially a waste of money. I would not recommend this product to anyone.

My final thought is that you get what you pay for. The Lockstep Arms Glock 43X/48 Mag Release is a testament to the importance of investing in quality components, especially when it comes to firearms. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere for a reliable magazine release upgrade.