Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine Review

The Story Behind the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine

The quest for reliable magazine extensions is a common one for Glock owners, and my own search led me to the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine. My primary Glock 22, a trusted companion for years, had always performed admirably, but I found myself needing more capacity for certain training scenarios. Specifically, I wanted to reduce the frequency of reloads during extended range sessions without sacrificing reliability.

Upon initial inspection, the polymer construction felt robust, with a satisfyingly solid feel that immediately instilled confidence. The translucent body was a feature I hadn’t experienced before in a standard capacity magazine, and it offered a unique visual cue to ammunition status. I had considered OEM Glock magazines for a direct replacement, but the allure of increased capacity and the Elite Tactical Systems reputation for durable polymer magazines made this model a compelling alternative. My first impression was one of practical curiosity and a hopeful anticipation of enhanced range performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local indoor range, a controlled environment where I could meticulously observe the magazine’s performance. I loaded the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine with standard 180-grain .40 S&W ammunition and inserted it into my Glock 22. The magazine seated with a familiar click, and I proceeded to fire.

The first few rounds fed smoothly, but the user feedback I had read about – namely, failures to feed on the initial round – began to manifest sooner than I’d hoped. While the magazine did seat properly, the very first round extracted from the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine experienced a feeding issue, causing a double feed. This was a surprising and disappointing outcome for a brand new piece of equipment, even from a reputable manufacturer.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several hundred rounds, the feeding issues persisted, albeit inconsistently. It felt like roughly every other magazine would present a malfunction, sometimes a failure to feed on the first round, other times a failure to feed midway through the magazine. While this certainly provided ample opportunity to practice clearing malfunctions – a valuable skill for any shooter – it severely undermined my confidence in the magazine for any application where reliability is paramount.

The polymer construction, while appearing durable, showed no significant wear and tear after this extended use. The translucent body remained clear, allowing for easy visual confirmation of rounds remaining. However, the core function of reliably feeding ammunition was compromised. In terms of maintenance, the magazine disassembles easily thanks to the specially designed base plate, allowing for simple cleaning. When compared to my standard Glock OEM magazines, which have performed flawlessly for thousands of rounds, this model fell considerably short.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine boasts a 16-round capacity, which is a notable increase over standard Glock magazines for the G22. It’s constructed from an extreme impact resistance advanced polymer, offering superior heat, cold, and UV resistance. The magazine features a translucent body, a distinct advantage for quickly assessing ammunition levels. Elite Tactical Systems claims the polymer is creep resistant, meaning the feed lips and body will not spread when stored long-term, even when fully loaded.

The ergonomic floor plate is designed for easy retrieval from magazine pouches, and the magazine is compatible with Glock extensions. This increased capacity is a significant selling point for those seeking to extend their firearm’s operational endurance between reloads. The advanced polymer promises durability against drops and environmental factors that can affect traditional materials.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of any magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm. In this regard, the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine performed inconsistently. While it generally seated correctly and held the advertised 16 rounds, the occurrence of feeding malfunctions, as noted in user feedback and my own testing, was a significant detractor. The issues ranged from failures to feed the first round to stoppages mid-magazine.

The strengths of this magazine lie in its polymer construction and 16-round capacity. The translucent body is a unique and practical feature, allowing for quick ammo checks. However, these strengths are overshadowed by the fundamental performance issue: unreliability. The magazine falls short of meeting basic expectations for consistent feeding in a defensive or training context.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine is functional and user-friendly. The extreme impact resistance polymer gives it a sturdy feel, and the translucent body adds a modern aesthetic while providing practical visual feedback. The specially designed base plate facilitates easy disassembly for cleaning and maintenance.

Ergonomically, the magazine fits well within the Glock 22’s magazine well, seating with a firm click. The floor plate is indeed easy to grip, aiding in rapid magazine changes under stress. However, the overall user experience is negatively impacted by the recurring reliability issues.

Durability & Maintenance

Elite Tactical Systems highlights the superior heat, cold and UV resistance of their advanced polymer, suggesting long-term durability even in harsh environments. The creep resistance is also a valuable feature, promising that the magazine will maintain its shape and function over extended periods of being fully loaded.

Maintenance is straightforward; the easy disassembly allows for thorough cleaning. Despite the promise of durability, the core functional issue of unreliable feeding negates the long-term benefits of robust construction if the magazine cannot consistently perform its primary task. There were no signs of physical damage or degradation during my testing period, but the recurring malfunctions presented a significant concern for its overall longevity in a critical role.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to be compatible with Glock extensions, which is a significant plus for users looking to further increase capacity. The base plate, while not an accessory in the traditional sense, is a key design element that aids in disassembly and offers an ergonomic grip for faster reloads. No other specific accessories were included with the magazine itself.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine

Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine?

This magazine is best suited for users who are prioritizing an increased magazine capacity for non-critical training purposes only. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option to extend your range time and practice malfunction drills with your Glock 22, then this model might serve that specific, limited purpose. It can provide an economical way to gain more rounds downrange per session.

However, anyone who requires absolute reliability for self-defense, competition, or duty carry should strongly reconsider this magazine. The documented and experienced feeding issues present too significant a risk for critical situations. Those prioritizing unwavering performance should opt for higher-tier, proven OEM magazines or other aftermarket options known for their reliability.

Conclusion on Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine

The Elite Tactical Systems Glock 22 .40 S&W 16 Round Pistol Magazine presents a mixed bag of features and performance. On paper, the increased 16-round capacity, durable advanced polymer construction, and translucent body are attractive attributes, especially at its price point of $17.89. The creep resistance and compatibility with Glock extensions also add to its potential value.

However, the fundamental issue of inconsistent reliability, marked by recurring feeding malfunctions, severely limits its practical application. While it might be acceptable for casual range practice where clearing stoppages is part of the training regimen, it simply does not meet the standard required for self-defense or any scenario where dependable function is paramount. Given the widespread availability of exceptionally reliable OEM Glock magazines, the risks associated with this particular aftermarket option are difficult to justify for critical use. I would recommend this magazine only to those who understand its limitations and are specifically looking for a low-cost option for practice only and are prepared to deal with potential malfunctions.