What I Found Using the KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit
For years, I’ve been pushing the limits of my gear, whether I’m calibrating instruments in a lab, troubleshooting machinery in a workshop, or out in the unpredictable field. When it comes to firearms, reliability and capacity are paramount, especially when you’re running platforms like the KRISS Vector. I was looking for a way to significantly increase the round count of my standard Glock 17 magazines without sacrificing performance or introducing a host of potential failures. The KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit promised a substantial boost in capacity, aiming to bridge the gap between standard magazines and proprietary high-capacity solutions.
My specific need arose from wanting to maximize magazine endurance for drills and extended range sessions, particularly when using my KRISS Vector. Constantly swapping magazines can break the flow of practice, and the standard 17-round capacity, while perfectly adequate for self-defense, felt limiting for prolonged training. I considered other aftermarket extensions, but many looked like afterthoughts, often made of cheaper polymers or posing compatibility issues. This KRISS USA offering, however, stood out due to its integrated design and the manufacturer’s reputation.
Upon receiving the kit, my first impression was one of solid engineering. The reinforced composite construction felt robust, and the pieces fit together with satisfying precision. It was clear this wasn’t just a tacked-on piece of plastic; it was designed as an integral part of the magazine. My initial reaction was a blend of curiosity and pragmatic optimism, eager to see if the real-world performance matched the thoughtful design.
Real-World Testing: Putting KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an indoor range, specifically focusing on function checks and reliability with factory Glock 17 magazines. I wanted to ensure the extension kit integrated seamlessly with the existing magazine body and follower, which is crucial for consistent feeding. The assembly process itself was straightforward, taking mere minutes per magazine, and required no specialized tools beyond what was likely already in my range bag.
During repeated firing cycles, I paid close attention to the feeding of rounds. The Mag-Ex2 kit performed flawlessly, with no instances of jams or failures to feed from the increased capacity. I conducted rapid fire drills and several “dump” magazines to simulate high-stress scenarios, and the extended spring and follower design managed the increased payload of 40 rounds without issue. The real-world conditions of a busy range – with ambient noise and the pressure of performance observation – provided a solid baseline for its functionality.
The ease of use was a significant plus; it was intuitive from the start, integrating into my existing magazine handling procedures with minimal adjustment. One minor quirk was the slightly increased length of the magazine, which requires a bit more deliberate reinsertion during reloads, especially under pressure. This is a small price to pay for the doubled capacity, and it becomes second nature after a few reloads.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, including multiple range days and several hundred rounds through various Glock 17 magazines fitted with the KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit, its reliability has proven to be exceptional. The reinforced composite materials show no signs of stress, cracking, or significant wear, even after a few accidental drops onto the concrete floor of my workshop. These impacts, which would likely damage lesser extensions, were handled with remarkable resilience.
Maintenance has been surprisingly simple. Cleaning the magazines with the extension installed is no more difficult than with standard capacity magazines; a quick rinse and dry, and they’re ready to go. The extended spring, while providing the necessary tension for 40 rounds, hasn’t shown any signs of premature fatigue or permanent compression. Compared to some other aftermarket extensions I’ve used in the past, which sometimes developed feed issues after heavy use or required specific lubrication, the Mag-Ex2 maintains its performance consistently. It truly lives up to the reputation of being as reliable as a factory Glock magazine, just with significantly more ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit
Specifications
The KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit is designed to transform your factory Glock 17 9mm magazines into high-capacity units. It achieves a 40-round capacity by adding a substantial extension to the base of the magazine. The kit comprises three key components: the extended baseplate, an outer sleeve, and an extended spring. All these parts are constructed from durable and lightweight reinforced composites, which are engineered to withstand the rigors of regular use.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the functionality and longevity of the magazine. The reinforced composites offer a balance of strength and weight, ensuring the extension doesn’t make the magazine overly cumbersome. The extended spring is vital for reliably pushing 40 rounds up the feed path, a challenge that a standard spring wouldn’t manage. This design is specifically caliber-specific, ensuring optimal performance with 9mm Luger ammunition. When paired with a Gen 3 or later Glock 17 magazine body, it offers a seamless aesthetic that is particularly complementary to KRISS’s own firearm designs.
Performance & Functionality
In its primary role – increasing magazine capacity and ensuring reliable feeding – the KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit excels. It reliably feeds 40 rounds of 9mm ammunition from a standard Glock 17 magazine. There were absolutely no issues with feeding or chambering any of the rounds during my extensive testing. The engineering behind the extension ensures that the ammunition feeds smoothly and consistently into the firearm’s chamber.
The standout strength of this product is its ability to double the ammunition capacity without compromising the trusted reliability of a Glock magazine. Its functionality is straightforward and effective, meeting and exceeding expectations for a magazine extension. A minor weakness, if one could even call it that, is the slight increase in magazine length, which can make reloads in tight spaces a bit more deliberate. However, given the substantial capacity increase, this is a negligible drawback.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The reinforced composite materials provide a solid feel, and the matte black finish blends well with most Glock magazines and firearms. The outer sleeve adds a streamlined profile, preventing snagging and offering a more integrated look than some bulky, bolt-on extensions.
Ergonomically, the extension is a natural extension of the magazine itself. While it adds length, it doesn’t introduce any awkward contours or sharp edges. The grip surface at the base of the extension remains comfortable and provides a solid purchase when handling the loaded magazine. The practical design details, like the subtle texture on the sleeve and the robust construction, all contribute to a user-friendly experience.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from reinforced composites and the manufacturer’s reputation, the KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit is built for long-term durability. I’ve intentionally subjected it to impacts that would likely shatter lesser polymer products, and it has held up remarkably well. Under normal use, which for me includes frequent range trips and training sessions, I expect this kit to last for many years.
Maintenance is incredibly simple. Cleaning is generally limited to wiping down the exterior of the magazine and extension. If the magazine is disassembled for deeper cleaning, the components of the Mag-Ex2 kit are easily handled and reassembled. There are no complex parts or delicate mechanisms to worry about. Potential failure points would likely be extreme abuse, but within its intended operational parameters, it’s a very robust piece of equipment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit is primarily a standalone product designed to augment existing Glock magazines. It does not come with additional accessories. However, its strength lies in its compatibility with factory Glock 17 magazines (Gen 3 and later).
This kit offers a straightforward way to increase capacity, but it doesn’t lend itself to further customization beyond ensuring you’re using a quality factory Glock magazine as the base. The focus here is on enhancing functionality rather than adding modular components.
Pros and Cons of KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit
Pros
- Doubles magazine capacity: Effectively increases Glock 17 magazines from 17 rounds to 40 rounds, providing significantly more ammunition.
- Exceptional reliability: Feeds ammunition consistently and without failure, mirroring the reliability of standard Glock magazines.
- Durable construction: Made from reinforced composites that are resistant to impact and wear.
- Easy installation: Simple to assemble onto factory Glock 17 magazines with basic tools.
- Aesthetically pleasing: Offers a streamlined and integrated look that complements firearms like the KRISS Vector.
Cons
- Increased magazine length: The extended magazine is longer, requiring a slightly more deliberate insertion during reloads.
- Requires compatible base magazines: Only functions with factory Glock 17 9mm magazines (Gen 3 and later); not a standalone magazine.
Who Should Buy KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit?
This kit is ideal for law enforcement officers, competitive shooters, and firearms enthusiasts who frequently use Glock 17 pistols or compatible firearms and want to maximize their ammunition capacity for training or extended engagements. If you own a KRISS Vector pistol caliber carbine, this kit offers an excellent way to synchronize your magazine capacity. It’s also perfect for anyone who simply desires the convenience of carrying more rounds with fewer magazines.
Individuals who prioritize ultra-compact firearms for concealed carry or who require extremely fast reloads in high-stress, close-quarters situations might find the increased length less than ideal. For these users, a standard capacity magazine or a lower-capacity extended magazine might be a better fit. A quality set of Glock 17 magazines (Gen 3 or later) is a must-have companion accessory to make the most of this extension kit.
Conclusion on KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit
The KRISS USA Mag-Ex2 Glock 17 9mm 40 Round Pistol Magazine Magazine Extension Kit is an outstanding product that delivers on its promise of significantly increased capacity without sacrificing the reliability that Glock magazines are known for. Its robust construction, ease of installation, and consistent performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to maximize their firepower. At $37.49, the value proposition is excellent, effectively doubling your magazine’s capacity for a fraction of the cost of purchasing new, proprietary high-capacity magazines.
I can wholeheartedly recommend this kit to anyone who uses Glock 17 magazines and desires a substantial capacity boost. It’s a well-engineered solution that blends seamlessly with the functionality and aesthetics of the original magazine, making it an essential upgrade for serious shooters and training professionals alike.