Glock Magazines, Magpul Or ETS Can You Trust Aftermarket Mags

Published on January 8, 2019
Duration: 9:39

This expert guide, drawing on extensive experience from a firearms instructor, compares aftermarket Glock magazines (Magpul, ETS) with factory Glock magazines. It highlights that while aftermarket options are cost-effective for training, factory magazines are recommended for self-defense and duty due to superior durability, particularly steel-reinforced feed lips. The guide details specific features and potential failure points of each type, enabling informed decisions based on application.

Quick Summary

For self-defense and duty, Glock factory magazines are recommended due to their steel-reinforced feed lips, offering superior durability over aftermarket options like Magpul and ETS. Aftermarket magazines are cost-effective for training but may have all-polymer feed lips prone to breakage under stress.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Trusting Your Life to Magazines
  2. 00:30Aftermarket Mag Brands: Magpul & ETS
  3. 01:20Personal Experience with Aftermarket Mags
  4. 02:07Self-Defense vs. Training Magazine Strategy
  5. 02:51Magazine Close-up Comparison
  6. 03:40Feed Lips: Polymer vs. Steel Durability
  7. 04:30Magpul Base Plate Advantage
  8. 05:08ETS Mag Flexibility Concerns
  9. 05:59Observed Aftermarket Mag Failure Rates
  10. 06:21Final Verdict: Trust and Application
  11. 08:21Recommendation: Training vs. Self-Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

Are aftermarket Glock magazines like Magpul and ETS reliable for self-defense?

While aftermarket magazines are cost-effective for training, this expert guide recommends trusting Glock factory magazines for self-defense and duty. Factory mags feature steel-reinforced feed lips, offering superior durability compared to the all-polymer feed lips found on many aftermarket options, which are more prone to breakage.

What is the main durability advantage of Glock factory magazines over aftermarket ones?

The primary durability advantage of Glock factory magazines lies in their steel-reinforced feed lips, encased in polymer. This construction is significantly more robust than the all-polymer feed lips of many aftermarket magazines, making them less susceptible to damage from repeated loading and use.

Can Magpul or ETS magazines be used for training purposes?

Yes, Magpul and ETS magazines are considered excellent and cost-effective options for firearm training. Using them for practice helps preserve the lifespan and condition of more expensive Glock factory magazines, which are recommended for critical applications like self-defense or duty.

What practical feature does the Magpul PMAG GL9 offer over a standard Glock magazine?

The Magpul PMAG GL9 features a slightly wider base plate with serrations. This design provides a better grip, making it easier to strip a stuck magazine from the firearm in the event of a malfunction, a feature not typically found on standard Glock factory magazines.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Tactical Considerations

View all →