First Impressions of Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag
The Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag promises to solve a common problem for Glock 43 owners: limited capacity. The Glock 43 is a fantastic concealed carry pistol, praised for its slim profile and reliability, but its standard 6-round magazine leaves something to be desired. Shield Arms, known for pushing boundaries in magazine design, claims to have squeezed an extra three rounds into a magazine the same size as the factory Glock 43 magazine with a pinky extension. This sounded too good to be true, and as a gear specialist always searching for performance upgrades, I had to get my hands on one to see if it lived up to the hype.
I’ve long felt the Glock 43’s capacity was its biggest drawback. It made me wonder how much I could improve its performance. When I first picked up the Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. The steel construction instilled confidence, a stark contrast to the Glock’s polymer-coated magazines.
I was comparing it to the factory Glock 43 magazine and a Magpul PMAG GL9, which I use in my Glock 19. I chose the Shield Arms magazine hoping for a capacity boost without sacrificing concealability. My first impression was that this magazine felt substantial.
Initially, I was impressed by the build quality and the promise of increased capacity. Time would tell if the Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag could deliver on its promises of enhanced reliability and performance. I was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag to my local shooting range for its initial trial. I fired approximately 200 rounds of various types of ammunition, including FMJ and JHP rounds. The range offered a controlled environment to evaluate the magazine’s basic functionality.
The magazine performed well in the dry, sunny conditions of the indoor range. It seated firmly, fed rounds smoothly, and ejected cleanly. I was initially relieved; the initial performance was encouraging.
Using the magazine was easy and intuitive. It clicked into place like the OEM magazine. After the first few magazines, the loading process became faster. However, there was a small detail that stood out – the need for a metal magazine catch that the manufacturer recommends.
I was initially pleased with the magazine’s performance. However, I wondered about the need to change the magazine catch, which was something I’d have to consider going forward.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, I’ve put several hundred rounds through the Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag. It became my go-to magazine for daily carry, which allowed me to assess its durability and reliability in more realistic scenarios.
The magazine held up remarkably well over time. There were only minor signs of wear on the finish, which is to be expected from frequent use. I noticed that the steel construction seemed more robust than the factory Glock magazines.
Maintenance was straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and occasional lubrication kept it running smoothly. I experienced no malfunctions related to the magazine itself during this period. The factory magazine, comparatively, needed less maintenance.
The Shield Arms magazine outperformed the factory magazine in terms of capacity, but the magazine catch requirement introduced a new variable. Ultimately, the magazine proved to be a worthwhile upgrade, enhancing the functionality of my Glock 43 for everyday carry.
Breaking Down the Features of Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag
Specifications
The Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag is designed specifically for the Glock 43 pistol. It increases the standard capacity from 6 to 9 rounds, a significant 50% increase in firepower. The magazine is constructed from steel, providing enhanced durability compared to the factory polymer magazines.
The magazine retains the same dimensions as the Glock 43 magazine with a pinky extension. This ensures compatibility with existing holsters and concealed carry setups. The color is black, and there are various finish options available, including Powercron, Electroless Nickel, and Black Electroless Nickel. The key here is the increased capacity without sacrificing concealability.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the usability and performance of the Glock 43. The steel construction ensures durability, while the increased capacity addresses a common complaint about the pistol. Ultimately, these aspects increase the overall functionality of the Glock 43.
Performance & Functionality
The Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag performed admirably in my testing. It provided smooth and reliable feeding, with no failures to feed or eject. The magazine consistently locked back the slide on empty, and the increased capacity provided a noticeable advantage in shooting scenarios.
The main strengths of the Shield Arms magazine are its increased capacity and robust construction. Its primary weakness is the requirement to use a Shield Arms magazine catch for optimal performance. While not a deal-breaker, this adds an extra cost and complexity to the upgrade.
The magazine exceeded my expectations regarding capacity and durability. I feel it met the expectations. The requirement of a metal magazine catch was unexpected.
Design & Ergonomics
The Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag is well-designed and feels solid in hand. Its steel construction gives it a reassuring weight, and it seats firmly in the Glock 43 magazine well. The magazine is the same length as the OEM magazine with a pinky extension.
The magazine is user-friendly, with a simple design that requires no special tools or training to use. However, the need for a specific magazine catch adds a small learning curve, as it involves disassembling the pistol and replacing the factory part. The metal construction gave the magazine a reassuring feel.
Durability & Maintenance
The Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag is built to last. Its steel construction provides excellent resistance to wear and tear, and it held up well to extended use and abuse. The finish is durable and resists corrosion.
The magazine is easy to maintain; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and occasional lubrication are all that’s needed. I anticipate that this magazine will provide years of reliable service with proper care. The construction of the magazine made me feel as though it would survive just about anything.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag itself doesn’t come with any accessories. However, Shield Arms offers a range of magazine catches designed specifically for use with their magazines. These catches are available in both standard and premium versions.
The magazine is compatible with all standard Glock 43 holsters and accessories. The magazine catch is the only required accessory for optimal performance. The catches available from Shield Arms are a must.
Pros and Cons of Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag
Pros
- Increased capacity: Provides a 50% increase in magazine capacity, enhancing firepower.
- Durable construction: Steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.
- Same form factor: Retains the same dimensions as the factory Glock 43 magazine with a pinky extension, maintaining concealability.
- Reliable feeding: Provides smooth and reliable feeding, with no failures to feed or eject.
- Easy maintenance: Simple design makes maintenance straightforward.
Cons
- Magazine catch requirement: Requires a Shield Arms magazine catch for optimal performance, adding extra cost and complexity.
- Finish wear: The finish may show signs of wear over time with frequent use.
Who Should Buy Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag?
The Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag is perfect for Glock 43 owners who want to increase their pistol’s capacity without sacrificing concealability. It’s also ideal for those who value durability and reliability in their magazines. It can be a must-have upgrade for concealed carry permit holders.
This product may not be for those who prefer to keep their Glock 43 completely stock. It is also not for those who are unwilling to install a new magazine catch. For those individuals, the benefits will be minimal.
A Shield Arms magazine catch is a must-have accessory for this magazine. Also, high-quality ammunition is essential for reliable performance.
Conclusion on Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag
Overall, the Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag is a worthwhile upgrade for Glock 43 owners. It addresses the pistol’s primary weakness: limited capacity. The steel construction ensures durability, and the increased capacity provides a noticeable advantage in shooting scenarios.
The price is justified given the increased capacity, durability, and enhanced performance it offers. I feel it is a very fair deal. The added metal magazine catch is a good investment as well.
I would personally recommend the Shield Arms Glock 43 9-Rounds Pistol Magazine, 1 Mag to any Glock 43 owner looking to improve their pistol’s capabilities. If you’re serious about concealed carry and want to maximize your firepower without sacrificing concealability, this magazine is worth the investment. Upgrade your Glock 43 today and experience the difference!