New ETS Glock 42 and 43 Magazines

ETS manufactures new magazines for the Glock 42 and 43 (7-round 9mm flush magazine shown here.)

Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) released new Glock magazines for the very popular Glock 42 and Glock 43 pistols.

These magazines are the latest addition to the ETS line of Glock magazines. Though some non-OEM magazines fail to live up to advertised expectations, the ETS magazines have worked well in my hands.

Previously, ETS has released various capacity Glock magazines for 9mm, and .40 S&W. I had the opportunity to shoot and review multiple versions in both 9mm and .40 S&W and have found them to be reliable, well-made, and durable.

The ETS 9-round 9mm magazine extends slightly outside of the magazine well.

ETS Glock 42 and 43 Magazines

Like all ETS Glock magazines, the new models for the Glock 42 and Glock 43 are made with an impact-resistant polymer material. ETS claims its polymer construction will not crack or break when dropped, despite its stiffer overall composition from the softer polymer Glock OEM magazines.

During our own ETS Glock magazine review, we ejected empty (and some full) ETS magazines onto a concrete range floor to test out the claims from ETS. The magazines sustained several drops from a height of 4-5 feet and continued to function flawlessly.

During one range session, I did notice a slight scuff mark on the edge of one of the magazine’s front edges at the open-ended top where cartridges sit ready for loading. The scuff was noticeable, but any polymer magazine will show signs of wear when dropped onto concrete from a height of 4+ feet.

ETS translucent polymer provides an outstanding visual reference for load and capacity (.380 ACP shown).

ETS magazines are made with translucent polymer, allowing the shooter to make a fast confirmation on ammunition type and capacity. This can be very beneficial in a self-defense shooting situation and provides much greater visual confirmation than simple small dots found on the back of Glock factory magazines.

The ETS Glock magazines have a slick siding that helps eject magazines smoothly. Glock factory magazines, with their softer polymer construction, tend to get a little sticky with use. This combination tends to require additional effort to eject magazines, beyond simply pressing the magazine release lever.

During our own experiences, we found the ETS magazines would sometimes fall completely free with simply a magazine release lever press. This is highly advantageous in rapid reload situations, such as self-defense shooting or even competition shooting. Around half of the time, the ETS magazines required some assistance in ejecting from the magazine well. This could be accomplished from the wrist-flick technique or by off-hand manual removal. The ETS floorplates have a grooved side providing additional tactile grip to assist with this technique.

The ETS Glock-style floorplates include a horizontal groove to give extra tactile gripping for extraction.

The ETS magazines do have their own follower. Similar to the Glock there are some slight differences, likely required by patent or trademark protection. As mentioned, our experience with ETS magazines has not produced any concerns about the functionality of the magazines, including proper feeding. Should the shooter desire to switch out the follower, the ETS magazines break down just like Glock OEM magazines, and the switch out could take place in minutes. In fact, the floorplates are easily interchangeable as well.

Magazine Features

• Designed to fit properly in assigned Glock models
• Made with extreme impact resistant advanced polymers
• Translucent polymers allow for fast and easy load and round count confirmation
• 7-round capacity magazines sit flush like OEM 6-round magazines
• 9-round and 12-round extended magazines available for both Glock 42 and 43
• Compatible with many aftermarket floorplates
• Easy disassembly with ETS specially designed floorplate
• Ergonomically designed floorplate for easy access from mag pouches
• Superior heat, cold and UVE resistance – polymer will not become brittle
• High level of chemical resistance
• Designed for feed lip creep resistance, allowing mags to be stored fully loaded

The ETS 7-round magazines in both .380 caliber and 9mm, provide the shooter with 1+ capacity over Glock’s own factory magazines. This is accomplished while still maintaining a flush fit in the magazine well. This may not seem like much, but many CCW shooters carrying limited capacity firearms are more than happy to invest in one extra round.

Adding 1+ capacity to the flush-fitting 7-round magazine is a great benefit over Glock OEM magazines.

ETS 12-round magazines extend noticeably from the magazine well, but offer the highest capacity.

Final Thoughts

I am always cautious about recommending firearms accessories as they may impact the reliability of the gun. This includes magazines such as the ETS Glock magazines.

I am also aware of the tremendous financial benefit of after-market magazines when compared to typically expensive OEM magazines. Fortunately, factory Glock magazines are not as expensive as those from SIG, FN, Smith & Wesson and others. Nevertheless, aftermarket Glock magazines still offer a price advantage.

The balance of quality and dependability versus price and availability is not one to take lightly.

From my experience with ETS magazines, I believe them to be well-made and durable. Mine have functioned flawlessly. I’ve tested them with multiple reloads, rapid follow-up shots, and ejections of the magazines onto concrete floors. So far (other than the above-noted scuff mark) the ETS magazines have endured the treatment very well.

However, it would be hard to fully support the use of ETS magazines as primary duty magazines at this time.

For a variety of reasons, I believe factory Glock magazines should be used as primary duty magazines. With that in mind, ETS magazines make a strong case for training, and perhaps even back-up or off-duty situations. This is especially true if an officer must supply magazines at their own expense. We still highly recommend users to conduct their own familiarity and compatibility tests to ensure ETS magazines are a good fit for you and your Glock.

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