Another great addition you can make to your Glock arsenal is a magazine extension. Not only does it give you extra surface area if your gorilla mits didn't quite fit on a particular Glock frame, but increases your magazine capacity. If you own a Glock as opposed to say a 1911, you probably already side with the reasoning that "more bullets are better" for the possibility of confronting multiple assailants. So why settle for the standard high capacity magazines from the factory when you can add a few more rounds by installing an "Extendo" as the kids call it?
Adding a Pearce Grip Glock Plus XL Magazine Extension is advertised to increase your 9mm magazine capacity (double stack only) by three rounds. If you want to add on to your 40SW or 357SIG magazine, you get an extra 2 rounds. If you are a very loyal Glock Fanboy and rock the 45 GAP round, you will earn just one extra bullet in the magazine.
I bought a couple Pearce extendos and added them to a 15rd and 17rd magazine. In both cases I found adding the last round (20th for the 17rd, 18th for the 15rd) was almost impossible, and could see the feed lips start to warp under the strain of forcing that 3rd extra bullet that Pearce claims you can achieve. After leaving two extra rounds in and giving the mag time to relax, I still could not add the 3rd round. It's conceivable that you could remove one or two loops from the magazine spring to give more room but I did not wish to make that commitment. The mags weren't brand new / stiff, but perhaps a mag with over 1000 rounds and years of loading/unloading would have more 'give' to add that last widow-maker.
In a Glock 22 15rd 40SW magazine I found adding the 2nd additional round was also difficult but not impossible, and feel more comfortable with the lifespan of the magazine itself when fully loaded to 17rds, and the same applies to .357SIG.
My recommendation is for Glock 19 Gen 2 & 3 owners to pick up a few, which effectively will give you the same capacity as a Glock 17 using 17 round magazines. Of course, you could just use a 17 magazine in the Glock 19 if the gap / overhanging magazine isn't a concern to you. But these extensions do give a more professional look and operational feel.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: Adds capacity to Mid and Full Size Glock high capacity magazines
Target Market: Glock owners
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)
- Add three rounds to the 9mm magazine capacity, two rounds to the 40SW and 357SIG and one round to the 45GAP models.
- Fits Glock Models: 17-19, 22-26, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37, 38
- Made from High Impact Polymer and withstand drop tests at temperatures from -20 F to 350 F.
- Bottom of base has 5 recessed dots for filling in with paint (mag identification)
What others are saying?: "This magazine extension added three rounds to my gen 4 GLOCK 26 9mm magazines. Perhaps those who have had problems adding three rounds were using earlier GLOCK magazines. Two notes on squeezing three additional rounds in your gen 4 GLOCK 26:
1. Load the newly-extended magazine to maximum capacity (be it 11 or 12). Then unload and reload repeatedly until all 13 fit. This took three load/unload cycles for me.
2. My magazines have between 600 and 800 rounds through them and typically are stored loaded to capacity. Perhaps the springs are just broken in. Your GLOCK loves to be used...take it to the range!
I began to experience ftf's with this grip extension. I assume this is caused by too much tension on the spring. Decreasing to 12 rounds solved the problem. To be totally, 100% reliable for personal defense or concealed carry, I've been loading only 11 rounds in these magazines. They do provide a VERY solid feel for my small-ish hands with a CTC Laser Guard. " Daniel Hood, Amazon User
Price Point:
MSRP: $9.95 Retail: As low as $6.99 at local retailers
I need it now! Availability: Readily available at Pearce Grips or Brownells
Our Rating:
Pros:
- Front grip texture matches Gen 3 frontstrap texture
- Provides pinky ledge for those with bigger hands
- Baseplate included has slots that interface with rails molded in interior or extension for positive interface
- Aids in retrieval from pouches for more dexterous reloads
Cons:
- Last round of advertised capacity increase is very difficult to add without a magloader.
- Witnessed deformation of the feed lips when installed on a Glock 17rd magazine and attempting to load 20th 9mm round.
- Increased strain on spring
Score: 7.0 Good
