The Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish Made a Bold First Impression
The Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish promises to boost the capacity of your large-caliber Glock magazines, and at a price point that’s hard to ignore. This simple polymer extension, manufactured by Pearce Grip, is designed to add two rounds to your .45 ACP or 10mm magazines, and claims to blend seamlessly with the factory grip. My interest was piqued – I’m always looking for ways to improve the ergonomics and capacity of my carry guns without sacrificing reliability.
Having carried a Glock 29 for years, the short grip has always been a compromise I accepted for concealability. I longed for a better grip and a couple of extra rounds for peace of mind. Initially, I was considering purchasing larger capacity magazines, but they are costly. I was looking for an affordable solution to increase magazine capacity without having to buy new magazines.
The package is simple: the extension itself. Upon opening, the plastic felt like a reasonable match to my Glock’s frame, though slightly less textured. Comparing it to similar extensions from other brands, the Pearce Grip stood out due to its lower profile design – less bulky than some competitors.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. For under $7, my expectations weren’t sky-high, but I was hoping for a functional and reliable extension that would improve my grip on my Glock 29. The reviews were mixed, and I was determined to find out for myself if this affordable upgrade was worth it.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish primarily at an outdoor shooting range, focusing on drills that involved rapid reloads and drawing from concealment. The weather was fair, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, providing ideal testing conditions. Installation was straightforward: just punch out the factory floorplate and slide this one on.
The added length to the grip made a noticeable difference in my ability to get a full, secure grip on the Glock 29. With the Pearce Grip, the small pistol filled my hand better. There was one initial issue; one of my magazines with the installed extension had a noticeable rattle with a full load.
Initially, I experienced no malfunctions during the first 100 rounds. However, the rattle in one of the magazines with a full load was unnerving. I was concerned about the loose fit.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a few weeks of carrying the modified magazines, I’ve put around 500 rounds through each of the magazines fitted with the Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish. The magazine rattle persisted in one magazine but not in the others. There were no malfunctions related to the magazine extension.
There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the extension itself. It has proven to be quite durable. Cleaning is simple: just wipe it down with a cloth.
Compared to my previous setup (factory floorplates), the improved grip is a significant advantage. The added capacity provides a small but welcome increase in firepower. The rattle in one magazine is still concerning and suggests some potential inconsistency in manufacturing tolerances.
Breaking Down the Features of Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish
Specifications
The Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish is a polymer magazine extension designed for specific Glock models. It fits Glock 20, 21, 29, 40, and 41 magazines chambered in .45 ACP and 10mm. The extension adds capacity, increasing magazine capacity by two rounds for .45 ACP and 10mm magazines. The material is a durable polymer designed to match the texture and color of the Glock frame.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the firearm’s capacity, ergonomics, and concealability. The added capacity can be valuable in defensive situations. The improved grip enhances control and accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish largely delivers on its promise to improve grip and increase capacity. Reliability has been acceptable overall, with no significant malfunctions related to the extension itself. However, the rattle in one of the test magazines raises concerns about consistent fit and potentially unreliable feeding over the long term.
Its primary strengths are the enhanced grip and the increased capacity. Its weakness is the potential for inconsistent fit and magazine rattle. It mostly meets expectations given the low price point, although I did expect a more consistent fit across all magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for a polymer accessory in this price range. The polymer seems durable, and the textured surface provides a decent grip. The added length is minimal, but it significantly improves the ergonomics for users with larger hands.
Installation is quick and easy, requiring no special tools. However, the fit could be tighter to eliminate the magazine rattle issue.
Durability & Maintenance
The Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish seems durable enough to withstand regular use. With no visible signs of wear and tear after hundreds of rounds, it should last a reasonable amount of time. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. It is designed to work with factory Glock magazines and compatible with most standard magazine pouches. There are no specific customization options directly related to the extension itself, beyond potentially stippling it for enhanced grip texture.
Pros and Cons of Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish
Pros
- Significantly improves grip, especially for users with larger hands.
- Increases magazine capacity by two rounds.
- Very affordable, making it a budget-friendly upgrade.
- Easy to install with no special tools required.
- Durable polymer construction.
Cons
- Potential for inconsistent fit, leading to magazine rattle.
- Only compatible with specific Glock models and calibers.
Who Should Buy Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish?
The Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish is perfect for Glock 20, 21, 29, 40, and 41 owners seeking a more comfortable grip and slightly increased magazine capacity without breaking the bank. It’s a good fit for concealed carriers who want a better grip on their subcompact or compact Glocks. It’s also appropriate for range shooters and home defense enthusiasts who want a bit more firepower at an economical price.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who demand absolute reliability and consistent magazine performance. If magazine rattle or the slightest chance of feeding issues is unacceptable, then this extension might not be the best choice. Buyers looking for significant capacity increases may also prefer to invest in larger aftermarket magazines.
A must-have modification would be testing to ensure that the magazine functions properly with your pistol. It also might be a good idea to have factory magazines at hand.
Conclusion on Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish
The Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish offers a solid value proposition for Glock owners on a budget. For under $7, it provides a tangible improvement in grip and a modest increase in capacity. The inconsistent fit and potential for magazine rattle are drawbacks that must be considered, but if you’re willing to accept these limitations, this extension can be a worthwhile upgrade.
The price is certainly justified for what you get, and it is an inexpensive way to improve the ergonomics and firepower of compatible Glocks.
I would cautiously recommend it. If you go into it with realistic expectations and are prepared to accept the possibility of some minor issues, the Pearce Grip PG1045+ Magazine Extension For Glock 20/21/29/40/41 Black Finish can be a useful and affordable addition to your Glock. Give it a shot, test it thoroughly, and decide for yourself if it meets your needs.