Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine Review

A Practical Look at the **Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine**

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of experience across diverse environments, I’ve learned that sometimes, minor modifications can yield significant improvements. The Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine falls into this category, offering a simple yet effective solution for those seeking to maximize their firearm’s capacity. My Glock 43, a compact and reliable sidearm, often felt a bit limited in magazine capacity during extended range sessions or in scenarios where every round counts. This led me to seek out a reputable solution, and the Taran Tactical Innovations offering stood out for its solid reputation and straightforward design. Upon initial inspection, the base pad impressed with its robust aluminum construction and the quality of its hard-anodized finish, suggesting it could withstand the rigors of regular use. I had considered a few other options, including polymer extensions, but the durability of machined aluminum held a distinct appeal. My first impression was one of quiet satisfaction, a sense that this small upgrade could address a genuine need without unnecessary complexity.

Real-World Testing: Putting **Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine** to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing for the Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine took place at my local indoor shooting range, a controlled environment where I could focus on function and feel. I fitted the base pad onto my existing Glock 43 magazines, noting the ease of installation; the push-pin design lived up to its promise, requiring no special tools. I then proceeded to load the magazines, confirming the advertised +2 capacity, bringing the total to 8 rounds plus one in the chamber.

During shooting, the base pad felt secure and integrated seamlessly with the magazine, neither snagging on my draw nor feeling loose. I ran through several standard drills, including rapid fire and controlled pairs, observing how the added rounds affected the magazine’s balance and handling. The one-ounce weight addition was negligible, contributing minimally to the overall firearm balance.

I experienced no feeding issues or malfunctions with the modified magazines during this initial range session. The flat black finish also complemented the aesthetics of my Glock 43 quite well, appearing almost flush with the firearm’s factory finish.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months, this Taran Tactical Innovations base pad has become a fixture on my Glock 43 magazines, seeing regular use at the range and in my workshop for dry practice. The magazines have been loaded and unloaded countless times, and the base pads have endured occasional drops onto the concrete floor of my garage without any visible damage or compromise in function.

The CNC-machined billet aluminum construction has proven to be exceptionally durable. There are no signs of cracking, excessive wear, or corrosion, even with exposure to varying humidity levels in my storage area. The hard-anodized finish remains intact, resisting the scuffs and scratches that lesser materials would succumb to.

Maintenance has been straightforward; the push-pin design allows for easy detachment, facilitating thorough cleaning of the magazine body and follower without special tools. This is a significant advantage over some competitor designs that require more intricate disassembly. Compared to the polymer extensions I’ve used in the past on other firearms, these TTI base pads offer superior resilience and a more premium feel.

Breaking Down the Features of **Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine**

Specifications

The Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine is constructed from CNC machined billet aluminum, providing a robust foundation for increased magazine capacity. Its hard-anodized finish offers excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, ensuring longevity even under demanding conditions. This extension provides an additional 2 Round capacity, bringing the total for a Glock 43 magazine to 8 + 1 rounds in 9mm Luger.

The gun make specified is Glock, with a direct fit for the Glock 43 model. The overall weight of this base pad is a mere 1 oz, which is remarkably light considering its metal construction and the capacity increase it offers. The dimensions are also practical, adding approximately 1 inch of length to the front of the magazine and about half an inch to the back, maintaining a relatively compact profile.

The push pin design is a key specification, facilitating tool-less installation and removal, which is crucial for maintenance and cleaning. This design, patented and proven, simplifies the process significantly. The included 10% stronger spring is vital for reliable feeding with the increased round count, ensuring consistent performance.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine is to reliably increase the ammunition capacity of the Glock 43 magazine, and it performs this task exceptionally well. The +2 round capacity is consistently achieved, transforming a 6-round magazine into a more capable 8-round unit, a substantial improvement for a subcompact pistol. The included, 10% stronger spring is essential for this functionality; it provides the necessary tension to reliably push the additional rounds up for feeding.

A significant strength is the flawless feeding performance I’ve experienced. Throughout my testing, I encountered zero malfunctions attributed to the base pad or the increased spring tension. The rounds presented consistently to the chamber, even during rapid firing sequences.

The only minor area for consideration might be the slight increase in magazine length, which could potentially affect concealment for some users depending on their chosen holster and carry method. However, for range use or open carry, this is a non-issue and a worthwhile trade-off for the added firepower.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The one-piece construction is a smart choice, eliminating the possibility of losing small components during disassembly and reassembly, which can be a frustration with some other magazine extensions. Its CNC machined billet aluminum build contributes to a substantial yet lightweight feel, indicating high manufacturing precision.

Ergonomically, the base pad adds minimal bulk, and the added length is generally manageable. The patented proven push pin design is exceptionally user-friendly, allowing for quick and secure attachment and detachment without the need for any tools. This intuitive interface is a major plus for ease of maintenance and field stripping.

The hard anodized finish, available in options like flat black, not only provides durability but also contributes to a professional appearance that integrates well with the firearm’s factory finish. The addition of a slightly extended surface at the rear of the pad can also subtly aid in a firmer grip when performing emergency reloads, though this is a secondary benefit.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine is a standout feature, directly attributable to its hard-anodized aluminum construction. After months of consistent use, including accidental drops on hard surfaces, the base pad shows no signs of significant wear, cracks, or structural compromise. It feels as solid and reliable as the day I installed it, which speaks volumes about the quality of materials and manufacturing.

Maintenance is remarkably simple due to the tool-less push pin design. Detaching the base pad for cleaning is a quick process, allowing for thorough access to the magazine’s internal components without special tools or intricate steps. This ease of maintenance is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of any firearm accessory.

Potential failure points are minimal with this design. The inherent strength of machined aluminum and the simplicity of the one-piece construction minimize areas where stress or wear could lead to issues. It’s designed to be a robust, integrated component rather than a fragile add-on.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine comes with a crucial accompanying accessory: a 10% stronger spring. This enhanced spring is not just an add-on; it’s an integral part of the system, necessary to reliably function with the increased round count. Without it, the base pad’s performance would be severely compromised.

Beyond the included spring, the base pad itself is not designed for further customization in terms of swappable parts or interchangeable components. Its strength lies in its one-piece design, which simplifies its use and enhances reliability by removing potential points of failure. The primary customization available is the choice of finish, often including options like flat black to match various firearm aesthetics.

This focus on a robust, integrated system means users don’t need to worry about sourcing additional parts to make it function correctly. The provided spring ensures the base pad operates as intended right out of the box, a testament to Taran Tactical Innovations’ thoughtful engineering.

Pros and Cons of **Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine**

Who Should Buy **Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine**?

This base pad is an excellent choice for Glock 43 owners who prioritize increased ammunition capacity without sacrificing reliability or durability. It is particularly well-suited for range shooters who want more rounds for practice sessions or competitive shooting. Self-defense minded individuals who carry a Glock 43 will also benefit from the enhanced magazine capacity, offering a greater margin of safety.

Anyone who values robust construction and simple maintenance will appreciate the aluminum build and tool-less disassembly. Those who have experienced failures with less robust polymer extensions might find this a superior, more dependable option. Conversely, individuals prioritizing the absolute smallest concealed footprint might need to carefully consider the added length.

For those looking to maximize their Glock 43’s utility, I would recommend pairing this base pad with high-quality ammunition that feeds reliably through the increased capacity. Ensuring your holster allows for the slightly extended magazine profile will also be a key consideration for carry purposes.

Conclusion on **Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine**

The Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine is a superb upgrade that effectively addresses the common desire for more ammunition in a compact pistol. Its combination of durable aluminum construction, hard-anodized finish, and tool-less installation makes it a standout product in its category. The inclusion of a 10% stronger spring is critical to its flawless performance, ensuring reliable feeding with the added rounds.

While it does add a marginal amount of length to the magazine, the trade-off for an additional two rounds is, in my experience, more than worth it for enhanced capability at the range or for self-defense. The price point is justified by the quality of materials and the precision engineering involved, offering excellent value for a part that genuinely improves firearm functionality. I wholeheartedly recommend the Taran Tactical Innovations +2 Base Pad for Glock 43 Magazine to any Glock 43 owner looking for a reliable, durable, and effective way to boost their firearm’s capacity.