Testing the Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring: What You Need to Know
As an equipment specialist with over a decade immersed in diverse environments from rugged outdoors to sterile labs and busy workshops, I approach any new gear with a critical eye honed by practical experience. The Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring caught my attention because of its promise to enhance the capacity of a popular concealed carry pistol. My Glock 43, while a solid performer, often felt like it could benefit from just a couple more rounds for certain scenarios, especially during extended range sessions where magazine changes become more frequent. Initial impressions of this Taran Tactical Innovations-manufactured part, branded by Noveske, reveal a robust construction from billet aluminum, a departure from the typical polymer extensions. I considered a few other aftermarket options, but the unique push-pin design for easy disassembly piqued my interest, suggesting a thoughtful approach to maintenance. This base pad and spring combination offered a tangible upgrade, a welcome relief from the limitations of the factory magazine.
Real-World Testing: Putting Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing grounds for the Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring were primarily at my local indoor range and during my daily carry rotation, where I simulate various handling scenarios. I installed the base pad and spring onto a standard Glock 43 magazine, noting the straightforward installation process. The patented push-pin design made attaching and detaching the base pad for cleaning exceptionally simple; no specialized tools were required, which is a significant advantage. I fired approximately 200 rounds with the modified magazine, focusing on consistent feeding and reliability across different shooting positions. The added length was noticeable but not detrimental to concealment, and the added capacity felt reassuring.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of integration into my rotation, the Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring has proven its mettle. It has endured numerous magazine changes, casual drops onto carpeted surfaces, and the general wear and tear of being carried daily. The billet aluminum construction shows minimal signs of cosmetic wear, a testament to its durable hard-anodized finish. Maintenance has been as easy as advertised; disassembling the magazine for cleaning is a quick, tool-free process thanks to the push-pin mechanism. Compared to other polymer extensions I’ve used in the past, this unit feels substantially more durable and integrated, with no looseness developing over time.
Breaking Down the Features of Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring
Specifications
The Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring is specifically engineered for the Glock 43 pistol, aiming to boost its magazine capacity. This Taran Tactical Innovations product converts a standard 6-round magazine into an 8-round capacity magazine, adding two crucial rounds. The base pad itself is meticulously machined out of billet aluminum, a material chosen for its strength and durability. It features a hard-anodized finish which not only ensures a long-lasting color but also provides an extra layer of protection against corrosion and abrasion. A key design element is the patented push-pin design, which facilitates easy field stripping and cleaning of the magazine without the need for any specialty tools. This one-piece design eliminates any concerns about losing small components during disassembly. The included spring is engineered to reliably handle the increased tension from the additional rounds.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function, the Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring delivers admirably by increasing magazine capacity. The 8-round capacity is a welcome enhancement for concealed carry and range use, offering more shots before needing a reload. Feeding has been consistently smooth, with no indication of the added length or spring tension causing any malfunctions during my testing. The base pad itself feels solid and well-integrated, without any play or wobble that could compromise reliability. It successfully meets the expectation of providing extra rounds without introducing new failure points.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this base pad is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Machined from billet aluminum, it imparts a premium feel and a reassuring sturdiness that polymer extensions often lack. The hard-anodized finish provides a tactile grip and a professional look that complements the Glock’s utilitarian design. The one-piece design simplifies the user experience, ensuring no small parts are lost during maintenance. The patented push-pin design is a standout ergonomic feature, making magazine disassembly and reassembly incredibly intuitive and fast. This thoughtful design minimizes user frustration and maximizes convenience.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its billet aluminum construction and hard-anodized finish, the Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring is built for longevity. I anticipate it will hold up exceptionally well to regular use and the stresses of concealed carry. The ease of maintenance is a significant factor in its long-term viability; the tool-less disassembly means users are more likely to clean their magazines regularly, thus preserving overall reliability. There are no obvious points of failure in the design, suggesting this is a product intended for many years of service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring comes as a complete kit including the base pad and a specifically designed spring to accommodate the increased capacity. While this particular product doesn’t offer extensive customization in terms of interchangeable parts, its core functionality is its ability to adapt the existing Glock 43 magazine. Its one-piece design means there are no external pieces to swap out or upgrade. The primary “customization” it offers is the conversion of a standard magazine into an extended one, directly enhancing the firearm’s utility.
Pros and Cons of Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring
Pros
- Significantly increases magazine capacity to 8 rounds for the Glock 43.
- Constructed from durable billet aluminum with a tough hard-anodized finish.
- Tool-less disassembly via a patented push-pin design simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
- One-piece design eliminates the risk of losing small parts.
- Provides a premium feel and enhanced durability over polymer extensions.
Cons
- Higher price point than many polymer alternatives.
- Adds a slight but noticeable increase in magazine length, potentially affecting deep concealment for some.
- Includes only one spring, meaning a replacement would require purchasing another kit if a spare is desired.
Who Should Buy Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring?
This Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring is an excellent choice for Glock 43 owners who prioritize reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance, and are willing to invest a bit more for those qualities. It’s ideal for individuals who carry their Glock 43 daily and desire the added security of 8 rounds without compromising on quality. Range enthusiasts who want to reduce the frequency of magazine changes during practice sessions will also find great value here. Someone who has experienced durability issues with polymer base pads or finds traditional magazine disassembly a hassle would greatly benefit from this upgraded option.
Those who absolutely need the most compact concealed carry footprint or are on a very tight budget might want to consider simpler, polymer alternatives. However, for users seeking a robust, user-friendly, and capacity-enhancing upgrade for their Glock 43 magazines, this is a top-tier option. Pairing it with a quality magazine pouch designed to accommodate slightly extended magazines would be a sensible complement.
Conclusion on Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring
The Noveske Glock 43 Base Pad and Spring represents a significant step up in aftermarket magazine extensions for the Glock 43. Its billet aluminum construction and hard-anodized finish speak to its durability and premium feel, offering a tangible advantage over many plastic counterparts. The 8-round capacity it provides is a critical enhancement for both self-defense and recreational shooting, delivered with impressive reliability. The standout feature, the tool-less disassembly facilitated by the push-pin design, makes maintenance a non-issue, ensuring the longevity and consistent performance of your magazines. While its price point is higher than many basic options, the combination of robust materials, thoughtful engineering, and the inclusion of the necessary spring justifies the investment. For Glock 43 owners who demand quality, simplicity in maintenance, and a dependable capacity upgrade, this Noveske-branded Taran Tactical Innovations product is a highly recommended accessory that I would confidently integrate into my own gear.