What Makes Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC Stand Out?
The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC promises to significantly boost the capacity of Glock magazines used in Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCCs), a growing segment in competitive shooting and tactical applications. Taran Tactical Innovations is a known name in the firearms enhancement world, particularly known for their work with competition shooters. This base pad is designed specifically for Glock 9mm 30, 31, and 33 round magazines, pushing their capacity up to 40, 41, and 43 rounds respectively.
My interest in this product stemmed from a desire to enhance my Glock magazine capacity for PCC competitions. Reloads can be a real time killer, and the promise of minimizing those was enough for me to look for options to increase my Glock magazine capacity. I needed a reliable and durable solution that wouldn’t add excessive weight or bulk, and that’s where the Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC came into play.
Upon receiving the base pad, my initial impression was positive. The design appeared sleek and the aluminum construction felt robust. It was noticeably lighter than some other aftermarket base pads I’ve handled.
I considered options from Magpul and Strike Industries. I chose the Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC because of the reported weight savings and the reputation of Taran Tactical Innovations in the competitive shooting world, figuring I was more likely to get what I wanted for my PCC competition needs.
I was immediately excited by the potential for increased magazine capacity and reduced weight. The promise of improving my performance in PCC competitions with a simple upgrade was definitely intriguing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC primarily at my local shooting range, specifically during practice sessions for upcoming PCC matches. The conditions were fairly typical: a mix of sunny and partly cloudy days, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. We were doing speed drills and practicing reloads, which is where the increased capacity would really shine.
The base pad performed well, allowing for smoother and faster reloads due to the increased gripping surface and the added weight at the base of the magazine. It was easy to get used to the slightly extended length of the magazine. I noticed very little difference from normal magazine changes as far as movement goes.
My initial concern was with feeding reliability, but after running several magazines through my PCC, I experienced no issues. However, during one of the drills, I dropped a loaded magazine with the base pad installed onto a concrete surface and it dented the aluminum, creating a slight bulge.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use in practice and one local competition, the Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC continues to function reliably. Aside from the dent from the drop, there are no other significant signs of wear and tear. The anodized finish has held up well, showing no signs of fading or scratching.
Maintaining the base pad has been simple. Regular cleaning with a brush and a solvent to remove carbon buildup has kept it in good condition. I just wipe it down when I clean my firearms.
The performance has definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of magazine capacity and reload speed. However, the dent from the drop does make me question the long-term durability of the aluminum construction under more extreme conditions, such as harder impacts on rougher surfaces.
Breaking Down the Features of Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC
Specifications
- The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC is specifically designed for Glock 9mm 30, 31, and 33 round magazines. It is engineered to increase the magazine capacity by 10 rounds, bringing the total to 40, 41, or 43 rounds.
- The Manufacturer states the material as Aluminum. The lightweight aluminum construction is intended to reduce the overall weight compared to other aftermarket base pads.
- The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC increases the magazine capacity by 10 rounds. The Glock design magazines use this base pad to increase capacity by 10 rounds.
- The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC is designed for Glock firearms. It is intended to work seamlessly with Glock handguns and Pistol Caliber Carbines that accept Glock magazines.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the firearm’s performance and user experience. The increased magazine capacity reduces the frequency of reloads, which is crucial in competitive shooting and tactical situations. The aluminum construction balances weight and durability, while the compatibility with Glock magazines ensures seamless integration.
Performance & Functionality
The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC performs its job effectively, increasing magazine capacity and facilitating faster reloads. The increased capacity allows for more time shooting and less time reloading, increasing the time I am capable of competing.
The primary strength is the increased magazine capacity, which significantly reduces the need for reloads during competitions or extended shooting sessions. The weakness lies in the aluminum construction’s susceptibility to damage from hard impacts, potentially compromising its functionality.
The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC meets my expectations in terms of capacity and reload speed, but the aluminum may not be as durable as steel. I would feel more comfortable with steel if it did not add too much weight.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is good, with a sleek design and a well-anodized finish. The aluminum construction feels solid but might not withstand extreme abuse.
The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC design is very user-friendly, requiring no special tools or modifications for installation. The extended gripping surface also improves ergonomics during reloads. There is no learning curve, as it works as a direct replacement for the factory base pad.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability appears adequate for most shooting scenarios. However, as my testing showed, a significant impact on a hard surface can cause damage.
Maintaining the base pad is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a brush and solvent. Regular cleaning will prevent any carbon build-up that could hinder performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC itself doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. There are no included accessories other than the base pad itself.
Users can explore various aftermarket magazine pouches designed to accommodate extended magazines, which may be necessary due to the added length. The user should use magazine pouches designed for the extended magazines to accommodate the changes in the magazine length.
Pros and Cons of Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC
Pros
- Significantly increases magazine capacity (10 rounds).
- Lightweight aluminum construction minimizes added weight.
- Easy to install and maintain.
- Improved reload speed due to enhanced gripping surface.
- Sleek design and durable anodized finish.
Cons
- Aluminum construction can be damaged by hard impacts.
- Relatively expensive compared to some other base pad options.
Who Should Buy Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC?
The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC is perfect for competitive shooters participating in PCC divisions who need higher magazine capacity to minimize reloads during matches. It’s also well-suited for tactical shooters and law enforcement personnel who want to increase their firepower without adding significant weight to their gear.
Those who should skip this product include individuals who prioritize extreme durability over weight savings, or those who are on a tight budget and can’t justify the higher price point. These people should consider options from Magpul or Strike Industries as mentioned above, which may be more economical and equally durable if polymer.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality magazine pouch designed to accommodate extended Glock magazines. It is important to have these to ensure proper retention and easy access.
Conclusion on Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC
The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC is a worthwhile upgrade for Glock 9mm magazines used in PCCs, especially for competitive shooters seeking a performance edge. The increase in magazine capacity and improved reload speed are significant benefits that can improve match scores.
The price is justified by the increased capacity and the reputation of Taran Tactical Innovations for quality and performance. If you are a competition shooter this is a fantastic option for magazine upgrades.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking to maximize their Glock magazine capacity for competitive or tactical purposes, provided they understand the potential limitations of the aluminum construction’s durability. The Taran Tactical Innovations Ultralight Base Pad for Glock PPC will let you carry more ammo, which can be critical in the shooting sports world.