Shield Arms Starter Kit S15 GEN3 9mm 15-Rounds Magazines w/Mag Catch for Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Glock 9 MM Model Review

First Thoughts on the Shield Arms Starter Kit S15 GEN3 9mm 15-Rounds Magazines w/Mag Catch for Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Glock 9 MM Model

The Shield Arms Starter Kit S15 GEN3 promises to solve a common frustration for Glock 43X and 48 owners: limited magazine capacity. This kit includes two 15-round magazines and a steel magazine catch, offering a significant upgrade over the factory 10-round magazines without extending the grip. The claim of improved reliability in the GEN3 iteration definitely piqued my interest.

I’ve always appreciated the slim profile of my Glock 48 for concealed carry, but the low capacity felt like a compromise. I needed a solution that increased firepower without sacrificing concealability. I had heard mixed reports about early Shield Arms magazines, so I was eager to see if the GEN3 lived up to the hype and addressed those concerns.

Unboxing the kit, the first thing I noticed was the robust feel of the steel magazines. They felt significantly sturdier than the factory polymer magazines. The black nitrocarburized QPQ finish looked durable and professional, and the included magazine catch appeared to be well-machined.

I considered alternatives like extended baseplates for the factory magazines, but these only added a couple of rounds and increased the grip length, defeating the purpose of the 43X/48’s slim design. Other aftermarket magazine options were either untested or had questionable reliability. The Shield Arms S15 GEN3 seemed like the best option, if it performed as advertised. I was cautiously optimistic and excited to give them a try.

Real-World Testing: Putting Shield Arms Starter Kit S15 GEN3 9mm 15-Rounds Magazines w/Mag Catch for Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Glock 9 MM Model to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local indoor shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to break in the magazines and assess their feeding and ejection reliability. I ran about 200 rounds through each magazine, using a variety of 9mm ammunition brands and bullet weights.

The magazines loaded smoothly, and the Shield Arms magazine catch functioned perfectly. I experienced only one failure to feed in the first magazine during the first 50 rounds. After that, both magazines ran flawlessly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Shield Arms S15 GEN3 magazines have proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through each magazine, including different types of ammunition, without any further malfunctions. There are only minor signs of wear on the finish of the magazines, particularly around the feed lips.

Cleaning the magazines is straightforward, as they disassemble easily. The new steel magazine catch shows no signs of wear and continues to function flawlessly. Compared to some early reports of issues with previous generations of Shield Arms magazines, the GEN3 has been a significant improvement. I am now confident enough to carry my Glock 48 with these magazines daily.

Breaking Down the Features of Shield Arms Starter Kit S15 GEN3 9mm 15-Rounds Magazines w/Mag Catch for Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Glock 9 MM Model

Specifications

• The Shield Arms S15 GEN3 is chambered in 9mm caliber. It provides a 15-round capacity, a 50% increase over the factory 10-round magazines.
• The magazines are made from steel and feature a black nitrocarburized QPQ finish for enhanced corrosion resistance. The kit includes a steel magazine catch designed for optimal performance with the steel magazines.

These specifications matter because they directly address the two main concerns of Glock 43X/48 owners: low capacity and magazine reliability. The steel construction and upgraded finish contribute to durability and longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The Shield Arms S15 GEN3 magazines significantly enhance the functionality of the Glock 43X/48. The increased capacity offers a substantial tactical advantage in defensive situations. The magazines load easily, feed reliably (after a brief break-in period), and drop free smoothly from the magazine well.

The greatest strength of this kit is the increased capacity without sacrificing concealability. The only area for potential improvement is more rigorous quality control to minimize any initial break-in issues. Overall, the kit meets and exceeds expectations for a high-capacity aftermarket magazine solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The Shield Arms S15 GEN3 magazines are designed to be flush-fitting with the Glock 43X/48 frame. The build quality is excellent, and the magazines feel solid and well-made. The increased weight compared to the factory magazines is negligible.

The magazines are user-friendly and require no special tools or modifications for installation (aside from swapping the magazine catch). There’s virtually no learning curve involved.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction and robust finish of the Shield Arms S15 GEN3 magazines suggest they will last a long time. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help to ensure optimal performance. The magazines are relatively easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.

Replacement parts, if needed, are available directly from Shield Arms.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Shield Arms Starter Kit includes the steel magazine catch, which is essential for proper function with the steel magazines. While the magazines themselves don’t offer customization options, the Glock 43X/48 platform is highly customizable, and the S15 GEN3 magazines are compatible with most standard accessories.

Users can customize their grip, trigger, sights, and other components without affecting the function of the Shield Arms magazines. It’s important to note that these magazines are designed specifically for the Glock 43X/48 and are not compatible with other Glock models.

Pros and Cons of Shield Arms Starter Kit S15 GEN3 9mm 15-Rounds Magazines w/Mag Catch for Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Glock 9 MM Model

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Shield Arms Starter Kit S15 GEN3 9mm 15-Rounds Magazines w/Mag Catch for Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Glock 9 MM Model?

This kit is perfect for Glock 43X/48 owners who prioritize concealed carry but desire increased magazine capacity. It’s also ideal for those seeking a reliable and durable alternative to the factory 10-round magazines. Those looking for a significant boost in firepower for self-defense or tactical applications will find this kit extremely beneficial.

Individuals who are uncomfortable with modifying their firearm (even something as simple as swapping a magazine catch) should skip this product. Also, those who are solely focused on the lowest possible price and are willing to accept potential reliability issues with cheaper alternatives may want to explore other options.

A must-have modification is ensuring that the magazine catch is properly installed and functions correctly. A quality gun lubricant is also essential for maintaining smooth operation of the magazines.

Conclusion on Shield Arms Starter Kit S15 GEN3 9mm 15-Rounds Magazines w/Mag Catch for Glock 43X/48 – 9mm Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Glock 9 MM Model

The Shield Arms Starter Kit S15 GEN3 is a game-changer for Glock 43X/48 owners seeking increased capacity and enhanced reliability. After extensive testing, I can confidently say that this kit delivers on its promises. The increased capacity is a significant advantage, and the GEN3 design has addressed many of the concerns surrounding earlier versions.

At a price of $54.00, the value proposition is excellent, considering the substantial improvement in functionality and the included steel magazine catch. The Shield Arms S15 GEN3 transforms the Glock 43X/48 into a more capable and versatile concealed carry firearm. I wholeheartedly recommend this kit to anyone looking to upgrade their Glock 43X/48. Don’t compromise on capacity – equip your Glock with the Shield Arms S15 GEN3 and experience the difference!

Check Best Price HERE