What Makes Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension Stand Out?
In the world of Glock accessories, reliability and capacity are king. The Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension promises both. This upgrade combines a factory Glock magazine with a Shield Arms +5 extension, offering a blend of OEM dependability and enhanced firepower.
As a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for improvements to existing platforms. My interest in the Shield Arms magazine extension stemmed from a need for increased capacity without sacrificing the reliability I expect from my Glock 17. I was searching for a solution that offered more rounds without the bulk of some aftermarket magazines I’ve tested.
Upon receiving the magazine, I immediately noticed the quality feel of the Shield Arms extension. The anodized finish was smooth and the fit to the factory magazine body was seamless. The weight felt balanced, hinting at a robust construction.
I considered several other options including complete aftermarket magazines from different manufacturers, and other extension kits. Ultimately, I chose the Shield Arms product because it leverages the trusted Glock magazine as its base, and the Shield Arms reputation for quality extensions. The easy access floor plate design was a major selling point.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The combination of a factory magazine and aftermarket extension seemed promising, but real-world testing would be the ultimate decider. I was excited to see if it could deliver on its promise of increased capacity and unwavering reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range. I ran several drills involving rapid reloads and multiple target engagements. The weather was dry and sunny, a typical range day.
The magazine performed flawlessly during the first few cycles. Loading the full 22 rounds (17+5) was relatively easy, and the magazine seated securely in my Glock 17 every time. The added weight was noticeable, but not detrimental to handling. There were no noticeable feeding issues or malfunctions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension has proven itself to be a reliable addition to my gear. I have put several hundred rounds through it with no issues.
The anodized finish on the extension has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, and the easy access floor plate is a huge plus. I can quickly disassemble the magazine for thorough cleaning and inspection without needing special tools. Compared to some of the aftermarket magazines I’ve used, this one has proven much more robust and reliable, with consistent feeding and seating. This contrasts sharply with some of my experiences with other brands where feeding failures increased over time due to spring fatigue.
Breaking Down the Features of Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension
Specifications
The Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension features a standard Glock 17 17-round 9mm magazine body combined with a Shield Arms +5 round extension. The total capacity is 22 rounds. The extension is made from anodized aluminum and features an easy access floor plate. The factory spring is retained, however, the product comes with the Shield Arms Spring for Lifeguarantee. The overall weight increases slightly compared to a standard 17-round magazine, due to the added material of the extension.
These specifications directly impact the magazine’s performance and user experience. The increased capacity provides a significant advantage in situations where higher round count is beneficial. The anodized aluminum extension adds durability and resistance to corrosion. The easy access floor plate simplifies maintenance.
Performance & Functionality
The magazine performs admirably, providing reliable feeding and smooth cycling. Its increased capacity is a significant advantage in various shooting scenarios.
Its main strengths are its increased capacity and reliable feeding. A minor weakness is the added weight, which might affect some users’ handling. It absolutely meets my expectations for increased capacity, reliable performance, and durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Shield Arms extension is well-designed and seamlessly integrates with the Glock magazine. The materials are high-quality and the construction feels robust.
The magazine is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The easy access floor plate simplifies maintenance.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, the magazine is expected to last a long time with proper care. The anodized aluminum extension resists corrosion and wear.
Maintenance is simple, and the easy access floor plate makes cleaning and inspection easy. Regular cleaning and lubrication will keep the magazine functioning smoothly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension comes pre-assembled and ready to use. There are no additional accessories included, and its primary function is to increase magazine capacity.
The magazine is compatible with any Glock 17 that accepts standard Glock magazines. It will not be compatible with Glock 19X models without modification (removal of the lanyard loop).
Pros and Cons of Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Provides a significant boost to firepower with 22 rounds.
- Reliable Feeding: Utilizes a factory Glock magazine for dependable performance.
- Easy Maintenance: The easy access floor plate allows for quick cleaning and inspection.
- Durable Construction: The anodized aluminum extension resists wear and corrosion.
- Shield Arms Spring for Lifeguarantee: Demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.
Cons
- Added Weight: The extension adds slightly to the overall weight of the magazine.
- Glock 19X Incompatibility: Requires modification (removal of the lanyard loop) for use with Glock 19X.
Who Should Buy Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension?
The Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension is perfect for competitive shooters who need higher round counts without sacrificing reliability. It is also great for tactical users and anyone who wants to increase their Glock 17’s capacity for home defense or general use.
Those who prioritize minimal weight or require magazines compatible with the Glock 19X without modification should skip this product.
A must-have modification would be to ensure proper function with your specific Glock model through testing and potentially replacing the factory spring with a heavier duty spring if experiencing feeding issues.
Conclusion on Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension
The Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension offers a compelling blend of increased capacity and reliable performance. It builds on the foundation of a proven Glock magazine.
The price of $73.99 is justified by the quality construction, enhanced capacity, and the convenience of the easy access floor plate.
I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone looking to increase the capacity of their Glock 17 without compromising reliability. Upgrade your firepower with the Shield Arms Glock 17, 9mm Luger, 17 Round Pistol Magazine with 5 Round Magazine Extension and experience the difference!