Why Shield Arms Mags are NOT the Answer for the Glock 43x and 48

Published on May 15, 2023
Duration: 3:47

This video critically examines the reliability of Shield Arms S15 magazines for the Glock 43X and 48. While offering a capacity increase to 15 rounds, the presenter highlights significant inconsistencies in performance, with some users experiencing 100% reliability and others facing frequent failures to feed and lock back. The presenter personally experienced issues with springs weakening over time, leading to a decision to revert to OEM 10-round magazines for primary carry, while still carrying a Shield Arms magazine as a backup.

Quick Summary

Shield Arms S15 magazines aim to solve the Glock 43X/48's low 10+1 capacity, offering 15 rounds. However, reliability is inconsistent, with some users experiencing frequent malfunctions like failures to feed and lock back. Spring degradation over time is a noted issue, leading many to prefer OEM 10-round magazines for primary carry.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Glock 43X/48 Ergonomics & Capacity Issue
  2. 00:20Competitor Capacity vs. Glock
  3. 00:32Shield Arms S15 Mags: The Solution?
  4. 00:40Presenter's 100% Reliable Shield Arms Gen 2 Mags
  5. 00:55Inconsistent Reliability: Other Users' Experiences
  6. 01:11Spring Degradation and Malfunctions
  7. 01:27Shield Arms Customer Service Experience
  8. 01:45Can Shield Arms Mags Be Trusted?
  9. 01:56Decision: OEM Mags for Carry, Shield Arms as Backup
  10. 02:13Viewer Feedback & Future Gen 3 Mags

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main problem with the Glock 43X and 48 that Shield Arms magazines aim to solve?

The primary issue with the Glock 43X and 48 is their limited 10+1 round capacity. This is seen as a disadvantage compared to newer micro-compact pistols like the SIG P365 and Hellcat, which offer higher magazine capacities.

Are Shield Arms S15 magazines always reliable for the Glock 43X and 48?

No, reliability with Shield Arms S15 magazines is inconsistent. While some users report 100% flawless performance, others experience significant issues such as failures to feed and failure to lock back, even after replacing springs.

What causes Shield Arms S15 magazines to become unreliable over time?

The presenter experienced issues where the magazine springs in Shield Arms Gen 2 magazines appeared to deplete or weaken over time, leading to recurring malfunctions like failures to feed and failure to lock back.

What is the presenter's recommendation for carrying the Glock 43X or 48 with capacity concerns?

Due to inconsistent reliability with aftermarket magazines, the presenter recommends using OEM 10+1 round magazines for primary carry. A Shield Arms magazine is carried as a backup, acknowledging the trade-off between capacity and absolute reliability.

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