Let’s Talk About Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 promises to boost your Glock’s firepower without compromising reliability. Strike Industries is known for its innovative and aggressively styled accessories, and this magazine plate aims to deliver both form and function. This particular extension caught my eye as I was looking for a way to increase my magazine capacity for competition without switching to entirely new magazines.
I’ve always been a fan of the Glock platform for its simplicity and reliability, but the standard magazine capacity can feel a bit limiting during USPSA matches. Upon receiving the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22, I was immediately struck by its aggressive yet functional design. The polymer felt robust, and the inclusion of a steel locking plate gave me confidence in its durability. Compared to other magazine extensions I’ve seen, this one seemed to strike a good balance between added capacity and manageable size. I chose it over some of the bulkier options because I wanted something that wouldn’t drastically alter the handling characteristics of my Glock.
My first impression was excitement; the added rounds combined with the sleek design promised a noticeable improvement during competitions. The enhanced grip surface on the extension also seemed like a welcome addition. I was eager to get it installed and put it through its paces at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 at my local shooting range, during a practice session for an upcoming USPSA match. The weather was mild, with clear skies, providing ideal testing conditions. I ran several drills focusing on reloads and transitions, specifically paying attention to how the extended magazine affected my grip and overall handling. Installation was straightforward; it took only a few minutes per magazine, thanks to the included steel locking plate that provided a secure fit.
The extended baseplate made reloads faster and more consistent, offering a larger surface area to grab onto, especially during rapid reloads. I did experience one initial hiccup: one of my older Glock 17 magazines initially only accepted 5 additional rounds instead of the advertised 6. After disassembling and reassembling the magazine, ensuring the spring was seated correctly, I was able to load the full six rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 has held up remarkably well. There are some minor cosmetic scratches on the polymer, but the extensions have proven to be durable and reliable. Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe down with a cloth after each range session is usually sufficient. I have disassembled them a few times for a more thorough cleaning, and the process is very straightforward.
Compared to other magazine extensions I’ve used in the past, this one stands out for its secure fit and added durability. I’ve experienced issues with other brands where the extension would come loose during use, but the Strike Industries locking plate eliminates that problem entirely. I have yet to experience any malfunctions or failures directly attributable to the magazine extensions.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22
Specifications
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 is crafted from impact-resistant polymer, ensuring a lightweight yet durable design. It adds +6 rounds to 9mm Glock 17 magazines and +5 rounds to .40 caliber Glock 22 magazines, significantly increasing firepower. The included steel locking plate ensures a secure fit and prevents the extension from coming loose under stress. This feature adds a crucial layer of reliability and enhances the overall user experience.
The extension is designed to meet the USPSA 140mm race division limit, making it competition legal. It is available in black and designed for Glock 17 and 22 models. The Manufacturer is Strike Industries. The lightweight polymer construction doesn’t add excessive weight, maintaining a balanced feel in the hand.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 performs admirably in its intended role: increasing magazine capacity and facilitating faster reloads. The added rounds are a significant advantage during competitions or self-defense scenarios. The low-drag/no-snag design ensures smooth magazine insertion and extraction, minimizing the risk of malfunctions. The extension provides a more substantial gripping surface during reloads, which is especially beneficial under stress.
However, the stated +6 capacity for 9mm magazines can sometimes be optimistic, depending on the specific magazine and spring condition. Some users, like myself, have initially experienced only +5 capacity before adjusting the spring. Despite this minor issue, the overall performance and functionality of the extension are excellent, enhancing the shooting experience and providing a tangible advantage.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 features an aggressively styled yet ergonomic design. The textured surface provides a secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands. The extension seamlessly integrates with the Glock frame, maintaining a streamlined profile and preventing snagging.
The added length does slightly increase the overall size of the magazine, but the benefits of increased capacity and improved reload speed outweigh this minor inconvenience. There is a minimal learning curve; most users will adapt to the extended magazine within a few practice sessions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 is constructed from high-quality polymer, ensuring long-lasting durability. After months of use, I’ve observed only minor cosmetic wear, with no signs of structural damage. Maintenance is straightforward: a simple wipe down with a cloth and occasional disassembly for deeper cleaning is sufficient to keep the extension in optimal condition. The steel locking plate adds an extra layer of durability, preventing the extension from loosening or shifting during use.
With proper care, the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 does not require additional accessories for basic functionality. However, some users may opt to upgrade their magazine springs to ensure optimal feeding with the increased capacity. While the extension is designed to work with standard Glock magazines, it is compatible with various aftermarket basepads and magazine pouches. There are no specific customization options available directly from Strike Industries for this particular product.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22
Pros
- Significantly increases magazine capacity, providing a tactical advantage.
- Durable polymer construction with steel locking plate ensures long-lasting reliability.
- Low-drag/no-snag design facilitates smooth magazine insertion and extraction.
- Enhanced grip surface promotes faster and more consistent reloads.
- Meets USPSA 140mm race division limit, making it competition legal.
Cons
- The stated +6 capacity for 9mm magazines can sometimes be optimistic, requiring spring adjustments.
- Adds slight bulk to the magazine, which may affect concealability for some users.
Who Should Buy Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22?
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 is perfect for competitive shooters who need increased magazine capacity to stay competitive in USPSA and similar shooting sports. It’s also ideal for tactical shooters and those who prioritize increased firepower for self-defense scenarios. Anyone looking to improve their reload speed and overall handling of their Glock magazines will benefit from this extension.
Those who prioritize maximum concealability may want to skip this product, as the added bulk can make it more challenging to conceal. Users who prefer a flush-fitting magazine baseplate should also consider alternative options. A must-have modification would be to replace existing springs, especially on older magazines.
Conclusion on Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to increase their magazine capacity and improve reload speed. The durable construction and secure locking mechanism provide peace of mind, while the ergonomic design enhances overall handling. While the stated +6 capacity can sometimes be optimistic, the benefits of increased firepower and faster reloads outweigh this minor drawback.
At a price of $19.95, the value proposition is excellent. The performance improvements and added reliability are well worth the investment. I would personally recommend the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 to anyone looking to enhance their Glock platform. Upgrade your firepower and enhance your performance today!