Let’s Talk About Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9 promises to boost your magazine capacity by five rounds, offering a tactical advantage and enhanced range time. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear realm, I’m always looking for reliable upgrades that provide a tangible benefit, and this product piqued my interest. I’ve been running a VP9 for several years now as my go-to range pistol, and the thought of increasing its capacity without sacrificing reliability was attractive.
For years, I’d struggled with the limited capacity of my VP9 during local shooting competitions. I needed a reliable extension that wouldn’t compromise the pistol’s ergonomics or feeding. The promise of extra rounds and a low-drag design led me to the Strike Industries offering, hoping to streamline my reloads and boost my competitiveness.
Upon unboxing, the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate felt surprisingly lightweight yet sturdy, thanks to its polymer construction. The build quality appeared solid, and the included locking steel plate added a sense of security. It was immediately clear that Strike Industries prioritized a streamlined design over unnecessary bulk.
I considered other extensions, like those from Magpul and Taran Tactical Innovations, but ultimately chose Strike Industries due to its balance of price and features. Magpul’s offering seemed a bit too basic, while the Taran Tactical version, though highly regarded, was significantly more expensive. The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate appeared to offer a sweet spot between affordability and performance.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential increase in capacity but also wary of potential feeding issues that can sometimes plague magazine extensions. I was eager to get to the range and put the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9 to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate at my local outdoor shooting range. Conditions were typical for a Southern California afternoon: sunny, with a slight breeze and a bit of dust in the air. I ran several drills, focusing on speed reloads and malfunction clearance, with the extensions installed on two of my VP9 magazines.
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate initially performed well, offering a positive grip during reloads and feeding rounds smoothly. However, I did notice that loading the magazines to their full 20-round capacity (15+5) required significant effort, and the last round felt particularly difficult to seat. I experienced one failure to feed in the first 50 rounds, which I attributed to the increased spring tension when fully loaded.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a few hundred rounds, the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate has held up reasonably well. There are minor scratches on the polymer from repeated magazine insertions and removals, but no signs of cracking or structural damage. The finish is holding up.
Maintaining the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate is simple. I disassemble the magazines during routine cleaning and wipe down the extension with a lightly oiled cloth. The polymer is resistant to most solvents, which makes cleaning easy and worry-free.
Compared to my previous experience with stock VP9 magazines, the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate offers a clear advantage in capacity but introduces a slight compromise in ease of loading and potential reliability. While the added rounds are welcome, the increased spring tension demands careful loading practices. On a competition stage the extra capacity is welcome, but I ensure I only load 19 rounds so as not to stress the magazine spring unnecessarily.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Strike Industries. The Strike Industries reputation for affordable and functional upgrades precedes them.
- Color: Black. This provides a seamless match with the factory VP9 magazines.
- Fabric/Material: Polymer. The impact-resistant polymer ensures durability without adding excessive weight.
- Magazine Capacity: +5 Round (9mm). This significantly increases the firepower of the VP9.
- Gun Make: Heckler & Koch. The extension is specifically designed for H&K pistols.
- Gun Model: Heckler & Koch VP9. It offers a perfect fit and finish for this particular model.
- Low drag / no snag design: This feature minimizes interference during reloads and handling.
- Fits USPSA 140mm race division limit: Makes the VP9 competition legal.
- Impact resistant polymer: Ensures the magazine plate can withstand impact without failing.
These specifications are vital for the performance of the product. The polymer construction ensures the extension is lightweight and durable. The added capacity is beneficial for competitive shooting and tactical applications, allowing for fewer reloads and more rounds on target.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9 performs its primary function – increasing magazine capacity – effectively. Reloads are generally smooth, and the added grip area provides a secure purchase. However, as mentioned earlier, loading the magazine to full capacity requires significant effort, and I experienced a single failure to feed during my initial testing.
The main strength is the increased capacity, while the primary weakness is the increased spring tension when fully loaded, which can affect reliability. I feel that the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9 meets expectations, but falls slightly short of exceeding them due to the loading difficulty.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for a polymer extension. The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate feels solid in hand and integrates well with the overall design of the VP9 magazine. There is a minor learning curve associated with loading the magazine to full capacity, but overall, the design is intuitive and user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate appears to be reasonably durable. After several range sessions, there are only minor cosmetic scratches, and no signs of structural weakness. Cleaning and maintaining the extension is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a cloth and some CLP. With proper care, the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9 should last for a reasonable amount of time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate comes with the extended magazine plate and a locking steel plate. There are no included accessories for this product. The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9 is compatible with most standard VP9 magazine pouches.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Adds 5 rounds to your VP9 magazine, providing a significant tactical advantage and extended range time.
- Low-Drag Design: The smooth, snag-free profile ensures quick and efficient reloads without interfering with gear.
- Affordable Price: Offers a budget-friendly upgrade compared to other premium magazine extensions on the market.
- Durable Polymer Construction: Withstands the rigors of regular use, ensuring reliability and longevity.
- Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward installation process, allowing for a quick and hassle-free upgrade.
Cons
- Loading Difficulty: Loading the magazine to full capacity (20 rounds) requires significant effort and can be challenging.
- Potential Reliability Issues: Increased spring tension when fully loaded may lead to occasional feeding issues.
Who Should Buy Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9?
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9 is perfect for competitive shooters seeking an affordable capacity boost that still meets USPSA 140mm race division limits. It’s also a good fit for recreational shooters who want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading.
However, this product might not be ideal for those who prioritize absolute reliability above all else, especially in life-or-death situations. Those who struggle with hand strength may also find loading the magazine to full capacity challenging. A must-have modification would be a high-quality magazine loader to ease the loading process.
Conclusion on Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9
The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9 is a decent upgrade that provides a tangible increase in magazine capacity for a reasonable price. While it’s not without its flaws, particularly the difficulty in loading to full capacity and the potential for minor reliability issues, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks.
The price is justified for the added capacity and enhanced ergonomics. I would recommend it to shooters looking for an affordable way to boost their VP9’s firepower. The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Heckler & Koch VP9 provides value, but consider using it with caution and thoroughly testing its reliability before relying on it in critical situations.