First Impressions of Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension
As a tactical gear specialist with over a decade under my belt, I’ve always been on the lookout for reliable and effective upgrades. One crucial aspect of any firearm setup is magazine capacity, especially when seconds count. That’s why I was immediately intrigued by the Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension.
My primary motivation for seeking this product was to enhance the capacity of my duty Glock 17 magazines without sacrificing reliability or adding excessive bulk. I had previously used some cheaper, generic extensions that ultimately failed during training, leading me to prioritize quality over cost. The Shield Arms name, known for its innovative Glock components, gave me confidence that this extension would be a significant upgrade.
Upon receiving the package, I was immediately impressed by the build quality. The aluminum felt robust and well-machined, and the gold finish (while perhaps not my first choice aesthetically) looked durable. Compared to the plastic extensions I’d used before, the Shield Arms extension felt like a premium product; I chose it over extensions from Magpul and Strike Industries because of its all-metal construction and reputation for reliability.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to test it at the range and see if it lived up to the hype, or would simply be another flashy paperweight.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension at my local shooting range, during a typical outdoor training session. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for evaluating the extension’s performance. Installation was straightforward, and the magazine seated firmly in my Glock 17.
I ran several drills, focusing on reloads and malfunction clearance. The added weight of the extension improved magazine ejection, but I immediately noticed how much harder it was to load the magazine to full capacity. There were no malfunctions in the first 100 rounds, but I will need a mag loader.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including weekly range sessions and a two-day tactical training course, the Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension has proven to be remarkably durable. The finish has held up well, showing only minor wear marks from repeated insertion and removal from magazine pouches. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe-down with a cloth and a bit of lubricant on the spring are all that’s needed.
Compared to my previous experiences with plastic extensions that cracked or failed to feed reliably, the Shield Arms extension has exceeded my expectations. It provides a significant increase in capacity without compromising the reliability of my Glock 17 magazines. The magazine capacity increase is especially handy in situations where a reload is required or in competitions where every bullet counts.
Breaking Down the Features of Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension
Specifications
- The Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension is constructed from 6061 Aluminum, providing a lightweight yet durable platform. It adds 5 rounds to Glock 17/19X/34/45 9mm magazines and 4 rounds to Glock 22/35 .40 S&W magazines.
- It is compatible with both 9mm Luger and .40 S&W calibers and is designed specifically for Glock 17 and Glock 22 models. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for those who own multiple Glock pistols.
- The extension features a unique easy-access floor plate design, allowing users to service or clean the magazine body without removing the extension. The inclusion of a +10% power spring is crucial to ensuring reliable feeding with the increased capacity.
These specifications translate to enhanced functionality and longevity. The aluminum build ensures that the extension can withstand the rigors of regular use, while the increased spring power ensures proper cycling of rounds.
Performance & Functionality
The Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension performs exceptionally well in increasing magazine capacity without compromising reliability. It reliably feeds rounds, even during rapid firing, and integrates seamlessly with factory Glock magazines. The only caveat is the increased difficulty in loading to full capacity.
The design is well-thought-out, and the overall functionality is impressive. One area that could be improved is the loading experience: it would be excellent to have some type of loading assist feature or improved spring design.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension is outstanding. The aluminum construction feels solid and well-machined, and the added weight provides a more substantial feel to the magazine. Its user-friendly design makes installation straightforward and requires no special tools.
The indexing cuts on the extension are also a nice touch to increase grip during mag changes. There is no learning curve to use; it is as easy to install as any other magazine extension.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction, the Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension is built to last. The aluminum body resists wear and tear, and the robust spring ensures reliable feeding for an extended period. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
The easy-access floor plate design further simplifies maintenance. I expect this product to last for years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension comes with a +10% power spring, which is essential for reliable feeding with the added capacity. It is compatible with OEM Glock magazines only. It also fits most aftermarket flared mag wells.
While it doesn’t offer direct customization options like different colors or textures, its compatibility with standard Glock magazines and flared mag wells provides flexibility for users to integrate it into their existing setups. I haven’t felt the need for any additional accessories as the extension works well as it is.
Pros and Cons of Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension
Pros
- Increased Magazine Capacity: Adds 5 rounds to Glock 17/19X/34/45 9mm magazines, and 4 rounds to Glock 22/35 .40 S&W magazines, providing a significant tactical advantage.
- Durable Construction: Made from 6061 Aluminum, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Reliable Feeding: Includes a +10% power spring to ensure consistent and reliable feeding of rounds.
- Easy Maintenance: Features a unique easy-access floor plate design for quick and simple cleaning and maintenance.
- Broad Compatibility: Fits OEM Glock magazines and most aftermarket flared mag wells, making it versatile for various setups.
Cons
- Loading Difficulty: Magazines can be harder to load to full capacity due to the increased spring tension.
- Aesthetic Preference: The gold finish may not appeal to all users, and there are no other color options available.
Who Should Buy Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension?
This product is perfect for: competitive shooters seeking an edge, law enforcement officers requiring increased firepower, and serious firearm enthusiasts looking to enhance their Glock’s capacity without sacrificing reliability.
Who should skip this product? Those who prioritize ease of loading over capacity increase, or those who are strictly on a budget and are willing to gamble on cheaper, less reliable alternatives.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality magazine loader to ease the loading process, and potentially a flared mag well to further enhance reload speed.
Conclusion on Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension
The Shield Arms Glock 17/22 9mm Luger & .40 S&W Plus 5/ Plus 4 Round Pistol Magazine Extension is a well-designed and durable upgrade that delivers on its promise of increased magazine capacity without compromising reliability. While the loading difficulty and limited aesthetic options might be minor drawbacks, the overall performance and build quality make it a worthwhile investment.
At $35.99, the price is justified considering the quality of materials and the enhanced functionality it provides. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to improve their Glock’s performance and increase their tactical advantage.
Upgrade your Glock today and experience the difference! It provides an additional edge in many tactical scenarios.