Glock pistol magazine, using their high quality polymer construction that has made the Pmags worldwide favorites. Much to the excitement of Glock users, Magpul has expanded the original offering of Glock magazines to now include 15, 21, and 27-round capacity magazines.
Glock still provides the majority of law enforcement handguns in America, and the addition of Magpul magazines (at a much lower cost than Glock branded magazines) could mean greater availability and options to those who protect and serve.
The 15-round GL9 magazine with beefed up optional floor plate.
Magpul was very tight with the new Glock Pmags, but thankfully our press credentials were all it took to get a close up look, and more importantly, close-up pictures of these new offerings. Vendors, distributors, and guests to the SHOT Show were not so lucky.
What started last year, has opened the flood gates to Glock fans. Combining Magpul’s legendary quality, durability and functionality with a lower end price for the customer is a very big deal considering Glock users were stuck with expensive factory magazines until just recently. The Magpul GL9 Pmags are made of the same materials and quality as their famous big brothers for the AR-15 and AR-10 rifles.
The (3) new GL9 options – 15, 21, and 27-round (L-R). Note the optional beefed up floor plate on the left magazine.
One difference is that the GL9 magazines are slick-sided, for obvious use in a pistol. However, this design feature also makes the GL9 magazines incredibly easy to change out – whether in a tactical reload or a combat reload. The GL9 magazines are so slick they literally fall out on their own, whether loaded or unloaded. Don’t depress that magazine release button until you’re absolutely ready, or you’ll be fetching your GL9 magazine off the floor!
The enhanced and beefed up Magpul GL-L plate for their GL9 magazines.
Magpul also came out with an enhanced GL9 floor plate, called the GL-L plate, that provides more grip surface. Though not really needed for unloading, the additional material may come in handy for loading. The GL-L plates install just like standard Glock floor plates, and are available in a 3-pack for $19.95.
All (4) Magpul GL9 Pmags in order of capacity (15, 17, 21, 27-round, L-R).
Magpul GL9 Pmag specifications
- Material: Polymer
- Caliber: Only 9mm at this time
- Compatibility: Glock only for now
- Sizes: 15, 17, 21 and 27-round capacity
- Available: 2-3 months.
The Magpul GL9 21-round magazine sticks out just over an inch from the base of the Glock.
Magpul GL9 Pmag Prices
- GL9 15-round: $15.95
- GL9 17-round: $15.95
- GL9 21-round: $19.95
- GL9 27-round: $21.95.
The Magpul GL9 Pmags are much longer, but could still be an excellent option for ballistic shield operators, or other specialists.
Magpul GL9 Magazines and Law Enforcement
The introduction of 15-round and 17-round Magpul GL9 Glock magazines is great for every day use. Though Glock typically provides (3) factory magazines with the purchase of new law enforcement Glocks, they do not provide a discount for follow-up purchases at a later time.
Law enforcement agencies work on tight budgets all the time. The GL9 magazines could very easily replace lost, broken, or worn out magazines for on-duty use at a fraction of the cost. In addition, GL9 magazines could be used for training and range work to avoid undue stress on Glock factory magazines.
Finally, there will be some who do not see the value of the larger capacity magazines for law enforcement. I disagree. First, I see a the 21-round GL9 could be a standard issue to tactical teams. The higher capacity would provide extra firepower to an officer who has had to transition to their sidearm. The 21-round GL9 only sticks out about an extra inch from the base of the Glock so it would not be overly cumbersome.
The 27-round GL9 is the answer to the problem every shield operator has had at one time or another – how am I going to stay in the fight with only my pistol and a standard load! Shield operators are typically the first to enter a hostile situation, and due to their configuration those officers are usually restricted to only a handgun. Standard 15-round or 17-round magazines can quickly be depleted if the shield officer gets into a prolonged shooting. The 27-round version gives them an advantage.
In addition, since the GL9 magazines are so slick, the shield operator can drop the empty magazine with one-hand, and with reload magazines properly seated bullets up with open-top carriers, they can even reload one-handed as well.