First Impressions of The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock
The The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock promises enhanced durability, improved ergonomics, and positive magazine extraction. The Gun Company positions this basepad as an upgrade over the stock Glock basepad, offering a more robust and functional alternative. I was intrigued by the claim of improved drop-weight characteristics compared to the factory plastic basepad. The hard anodized finish also caught my eye, suggesting a significant increase in longevity.
For years, I’ve struggled with the slippery texture of standard Glock magazine basepads, especially when reloading under duress during training scenarios. This often leads to fumbled reloads and wasted precious seconds. The appeal of a basepad that facilitates easier magazine stripping, particularly when using clothing or gear, was a major draw.
Upon unboxing, the The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock immediately felt more substantial than the OEM plastic basepads. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction gives it a noticeable heft. The hard anodized finish appears flawless, promising resistance to scratches and wear. The texture, while not aggressive, provides a secure gripping surface.
Compared to Strike Industries’ EMP basepads (known for their aggressive texture) and Taran Tactical Innovations’ basepads (primarily focused on capacity), The Gun Company seemed to strike a balance between functionality and concealability. I ultimately chose the The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock for its stated focus on durability and ease of magazine stripping from the pistol. My initial impression was positive, a sense of quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design that left me eager to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock at my local outdoor shooting range during a practical pistol drill session. The session involved rapid magazine changes, movement between shooting positions, and simulated malfunction clearances. The temperature was a mild 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze.
The improved grip surface of the basepad made magazine changes noticeably smoother and faster compared to the standard Glock basepads. I experienced no fumbling, even with sweaty hands after completing several iterations of the drill. The basepad’s slightly extended profile provided a better purchase for stripping the magazine, even when pressed against my belt or concealed carry garment.
There were no immediate issues, and the basepad installed easily on my Glock 19 magazines without any modification. However, I did observe that the hard anodized finish became slightly warm to the touch after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of consistent use in various training sessions and during my concealed carry rotation, The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the hard anodized finish. It resists scratches and abrasions from daily carry exceptionally well.
The basepad requires minimal maintenance. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove any dirt or grime. Compared to the plastic OEM basepads, this aluminum version feels significantly more robust and inspires confidence in its long-term durability.
In comparison to my previous experience with aluminum basepads from other manufacturers, The Gun Company‘s basepad has proven to be more resistant to deformation and cracking. The hard anodized coating appears to be superior in preventing surface damage.
Breaking Down the Features of The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock
Specifications
- The The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock is compatible with Glock 9mm, .40, and .357 SIG magazines. This broad compatibility makes it versatile for Glock owners with multiple calibers.
- It’s constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum. This material provides exceptional strength and lightweight characteristics for enhanced durability without adding excessive weight.
- The basepad features a hard anodized finish per Mil-A-8625, type 3, Class 2, and is teflon sealed. This surface treatment provides superior resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and wear, ensuring long-lasting performance and a comfortable feel.
- The Manufacturer is The Gun Company.
- The basepad is ergonomically designed. This optimizes concealment comfort and offers a positive purchase during loading or forceful magazine stripping from the pistol.
These specifications are crucial to the overall performance and user experience because they dictate the durability, functionality, and ease of use of the product. The aluminum construction and hard anodized finish contribute to its robustness, while the ergonomic design enhances handling and concealability.
Performance & Functionality
The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock performs exceptionally well in its intended function: improving magazine handling and durability. Magazine changes are noticeably faster and more secure due to the enhanced grip surface. The basepad’s slightly extended profile facilitates easy stripping from the pistol during malfunction drills.
The basepad’s strengths lie in its robust construction, ergonomic design, and ease of installation. There are no significant weaknesses. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a magazine basepad upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock is excellent. The 6061-T6 aluminum feels solid and well-machined. The basepad’s weight is noticeable but not excessive, adding a sense of quality without significantly impacting the magazine’s overall weight.
The ergonomic design is intuitive and user-friendly. There is no learning curve. The basepad provides a comfortable and secure grip during magazine changes.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the 6061-T6 aluminum construction and hard anodized finish, the The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock is built to last. It should withstand years of regular use and exposure to harsh conditions. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock does not come with any additional accessories. There are no readily available customization options beyond the black finish. However, the basepad is compatible with standard Glock magazine springs and followers, allowing users to customize the magazine’s internal components as desired.
Pros and Cons of The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock
Pros
- Enhanced Grip: Provides a more secure grip surface for faster and more reliable magazine changes.
- Durable Construction: Made from 6061-T6 aluminum with a hard anodized finish for exceptional resistance to wear and tear.
- Improved Magazine Stripping: Ergonomic design facilitates easy and forceful magazine stripping from the pistol, even with one hand.
- Easy Installation: Installs quickly and easily on standard Glock magazines without any modification.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Adds a touch of style to the Glock pistol.
Cons
- Slightly increased weight compared to OEM plastic basepads.
- No color options other than black.
Who Should Buy The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock?
The The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock is perfect for: law enforcement officers, military personnel, competitive shooters, and anyone who relies on their Glock for self-defense. It enhances magazine handling and durability, making it an ideal upgrade for those who demand peak performance from their equipment.
Those who prioritize the absolute lightest weight magazine setup might want to skip this product due to the aluminum construction.
A must-have modification would be a high-quality magazine spring to ensure reliable feeding with the enhanced basepad.
Conclusion on The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock
The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock is a well-designed and durable upgrade that enhances the functionality and aesthetics of Glock magazines. The improved grip surface, robust construction, and ergonomic design make it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters. The price is justified by the quality of materials and the tangible improvements in magazine handling.
I would personally recommend The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock to anyone looking to improve the reliability and performance of their Glock magazines. It’s a simple yet effective upgrade that can make a significant difference in high-stress situations. Upgrade your Glock magazines today with The Gun Company Black Scout Magazine Basepad for Glock and experience the difference!