Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 Review

The Truth About Using the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22

As someone who’s spent well over a decade pushing gear to its limits across a variety of demanding environments, I’m always on the lookout for small upgrades that offer significant gains. My workshop, lab, and field experiences have taught me that often, it’s the subtle refinements that make the biggest difference in efficiency and overall performance. This search led me to the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22, a product promising a smoother reload and increased capacity for a staple firearm.

The need for this particular accessory arose during extended range sessions and competitive shooting practice. I found myself consistently wishing for a few extra rounds per magazine to minimize downtime and maximize training efficiency. While standard Glock magazines are reliable, the incremental advantage of a few more rounds can translate into tangible benefits, especially in timed drills or competitive scenarios.

My first impression of the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate was positive. The impact-resistant polymer construction felt robust, and the inclusion of a steel locking plate suggested a thoughtful approach to durability and security. It felt substantial enough to handle the rigors of frequent use and forceful magazine drops, a common occurrence in dynamic shooting disciplines.

I briefly considered a few other aftermarket extensions and higher-capacity magazines, but the Strike Industries offering seemed to strike a good balance between cost, perceived quality, and compatibility with established competition rules, specifically mentioning the USPSA 140mm race division limit. The immediate takeaway was a sense of pragmatic enhancement, a sensible solution to a practical problem.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 to the Test

My testing grounds for this magazine extension have been varied, reflecting its intended purpose. Primarily, it saw extensive use at the shooting range, both during casual target practice and more structured training drills that involve frequent reloads. I also used it as a spare magazine during extended carbine courses, where quick and reliable magazine changes are paramount.

Under these conditions, the plates performed admirably. I deliberately subjected them to simulated stress by intentionally dropping magazines onto concrete and compacted dirt surfaces after live fire. The impact-resistant polymer held up exceptionally well, showing only minor cosmetic scuffs rather than any structural damage. The steel locking plate ensured that the extension remained firmly attached even after these deliberate impacts.

Ease of use was a standout aspect of this product. The installation process was remarkably straightforward, requiring only basic tools and minimal familiarization with the Glock magazine disassembly. Once installed, the added rounds were immediately accessible, and magazine seating felt as secure as with an OEM plate. There was no real “learning curve” in terms of operation; the Glock platform’s intuitive magazine manipulation remained unchanged, only now with an extended grip base.

An initial surprise was how smoothly the extended baseplate aided in seating the magazine, especially during a tactical reload under pressure. The slightly larger surface area provided a more positive tactile reference point, contributing to a faster and more confident magazine insertion. This subtle ergonomic improvement was an unexpected but welcome bonus.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, spanning hundreds of rounds and countless reloads, the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 continues to impress with its reliability. It has become a standard component on my primary range and competition magazines for my Glock 17.

Durability has been excellent; I haven’t observed any cracks, warping, or material fatigue in the polymer. The locking mechanism remains tight, with no signs of looseness or play developing between the extension and the magazine body. This consistent performance is crucial for a component that’s critical to firearm function.

Maintenance is as simple as cleaning the rest of the magazine. The polymer surface is easy to wipe down, and the internal steel plate requires no special attention beyond ensuring it’s clean during routine magazine maintenance. I have found no particular issues to watch out for, which speaks to the robust design.

In comparison to other aftermarket extensions I’ve used over the years, this Strike Industries model stands out for its combination of plus 6 round capacity (for 9mm, though the user feedback indicated some variations) and its rugged construction. While some premium options offer slightly more capacity or advanced features, the value and performance offered by this particular extension are hard to beat for its price point. It reliably delivers on its promise of increased capacity without compromising the core functionality of the magazine.

Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22

The Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22 is designed to enhance the utility of standard Glock magazines. Its primary function is to add capacity while also improving the ergonomics of the magazine base.

Specifications

The specifications provided clearly outline the product’s design intent. It boasts a plus 6 round capacity for Glock 17 (9mm) magazines and a plus 5 round capacity for Glock 22 (40 cal) magazines. This is achieved by extending the magazine’s base, allowing for additional rounds to be seated.

The construction features impact-resistant polymer, a material known for its durability and resistance to shocks and chemicals. Crucially, it includes a locking steel plate, which adds a secondary locking mechanism for increased security and longevity. The design is described as low drag/no snag, a vital consideration for any firearm accessory intended for dynamic use.

This extension is engineered to fit the USPSA 140mm race division limit, making it a viable option for competitive shooters looking to maximize their firepower within specific regulatory frameworks. The overall package is compact and designed to integrate seamlessly with OEM Glock magazines, offering a significant boost in firepower with a simple attachment.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of this magazine extension is to reliably increase magazine capacity. In my testing, it successfully achieved this, allowing for the stated increase in rounds. The added rounds seated properly and were consistently fed into the firearm without any noticeable increase in feeding issues, even under rapid fire.

A significant strength is the low drag/no snag design. The rounded edges and smooth polymer surface prevent it from catching on clothing, holsters, or other gear during movement. This is a critical design element that contributes to its practical usability in dynamic shooting scenarios.

The main weakness I encountered, and which others have noted, is the actual capacity achieved. While advertised as plus 6 rounds for the G17, I consistently found it to seat plus 5 rounds in my OEM G17 magazines. This variation can be due to magazine follower design or spring tension, but it’s worth noting for those expecting the full advertised capacity.

Overall, it meets and mostly exceeds expectations for its intended purpose. The minor discrepancy in capacity for the 9mm variant is a common occurrence with aftermarket extensions, and the overall benefit of increased capacity and improved ergonomics still makes it a valuable upgrade.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate is commendable. The impact-resistant polymer feels solid and well-molded, with a consistent finish. The integration of the steel locking plate is seamless, adding a reassuring sense of robustness to the entire assembly.

Ergonomically, the extension provides a slightly larger surface area at the base of the magazine. This aids in quicker and more positive magazine seating, especially during rapid reloads. The low drag/no snag profile means it doesn’t interfere with drawing from a holster or moving aggressively while carrying a concealed firearm.

Practical design details include the textured surface, which offers a secure grip for magazine changes. The overall profile is sleek and unobtrusive, avoiding the bulkiness sometimes associated with extended bases. This thoughtful design ensures it enhances rather than detracts from the handling of the firearm.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, this magazine extension is built for longevity. The impact-resistant polymer is designed to withstand repeated impacts from drops. The steel locking plate is a smart addition that reinforces the connection point, which is often a weak spot in lesser designs.

Maintenance is straightforward. The polymer is non-porous and easy to clean with a damp cloth or mild solvent. During magazine disassembly for cleaning, the plate comes off easily and reattaches without issue. There are no complex parts or mechanisms that require specialized care.

Potential failure points are minimal given the robust construction. The primary concern would be accidental damage to the polymer, but its impact resistance is quite high. The securing mechanism is also straightforward, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure over time.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific product is an accessory itself, designed to modify existing OEM Glock magazines. It does not typically come with additional accessories or offer internal customization options beyond its intended function.

However, its design is intended to work seamlessly with standard Glock 17 and Glock 22 magazines. Compatibility with the USPSA 140mm race division limit is a key functional aspect, rather than an accessory. It integrates without needing separate mounts or adapters.

The primary “customization” is the increased magazine capacity it provides, effectively allowing users to tailor their ammunition loadout for specific needs. For instance, competitive shooters can meet division requirements with this simple attachment.

Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22

Who Should Buy Strike Industries Extended Magazine Plate for Glock 17/Glock 22?

This magazine extension is ideally suited for Glock 17 and Glock 22 owners who participate in competitive shooting disciplines such as USPSA, or for those who simply want to increase the magazine capacity for range training and defensive readiness. Range shooters looking to minimize downtime between reloads will also find significant benefit. Its low drag/no snag design makes it a practical choice for individuals who carry a Glock pistol and want a reliable spare magazine with extra rounds.

Those who should probably skip this product are individuals seeking sterile, medical-grade components or those who only use firearms in very controlled, static environments where extended capacity is not a factor. If you demand absolute adherence to advertised capacities without any variance, you might be disappointed by the typical +5 result for 9mm magazines.

For users looking to maximize the utility of this extension, I’d recommend purchasing quality OEM Glock magazines to ensure the best fit and performance. Having a magazine disassembly tool can also make the initial installation process smoother, especially for those new to Glock magazine maintenance.

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 well-executed accessory that delivers on its core promises of increased capacity and improved reloading ergonomics. Its robust impact-resistant polymer construction, coupled with a secure steel locking plate, ensures it can withstand the rigors of frequent use. While the actual 9mm capacity increase might consistently be five rounds instead of the advertised six, this minor variance does little to detract from its overall value.

For the modest price of $19.95, you receive a durable and functional upgrade that enhances both the utility and the feel of your Glock magazines. It’s a smart investment for competitive shooters, serious range enthusiasts, and anyone looking to carry a few extra rounds of peace of mind.

I would confidently recommend this magazine extension to any Glock 17 or 22 owner looking for a practical and affordable way to boost their firearm’s firepower. It’s a testament to Strike Industries’ ability to produce reliable, performance-enhancing gear that offers genuine advantages in real-world applications.