The Glock is an excellent handgun straight from the factory, but its massive popularity has produced a vast array of aftermarket parts. The magazine is no exception, however, finding a magazine that improves OEM performance while being affordable is tough.
Here, we’ll examine why it’s worth upgrading, what factors you should consider, and run down the top aftermarket mags for the Glock.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Product Add-on Aftermarket Glock Magazine
- OUR TOP PICK: Magpul PMAG 21 Round Gl9 Magazine, 9x19, For Glock
- RUNNER-UP: Tyrant CNC Glock 17/19x/22/34/45 Magazine & Extension
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Glock Magazine: Model 27 40 S&W 9rd Capacity W/+2
Comparison of the Best Aftermarket Glock Magazines
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
How Do Aftermarket Magazines Compare to OEM Mags?
If you’re an older gun owner, you might remember the days when aftermarket magazines had a reputation for being, well, awful. Many experienced gun owners neglect aftermarket magazines to this day, not realizing that a wealth of new brands—and older brands, too—have flooded the market with significantly better magazines.
For one thing, you’ll often get an improved grip, extra round capacity, a pinky rest, and much more. Durability and performance can also be better than factory mags. Not only do they often offer higher reliability but choosing carefully can net you a magazine cheaper than factory mags. Of course, you need to know what you should look for, so read on.
Benefits of Having Spare Magazines
An often overlooked but highly important consideration is whether you have spare magazines. Consider the following critical reasons:
Improved Self-Defense
When it comes to self-defense, you need to be ready for anything. With a standard Glock magazine, you’ve got a set number of rounds. It may very well be possible or even likely that you’ll survive an unfortunate encounter, but why take the risk? If it’s possible for you to carry extra rounds to protect yourself or your family, then you absolutely should do so.
Protection Against Malfunctions
If you have one magazine, there’s one way to clear a malfunction. You need to eject, clear, and reset your mag. Now, if you’re practicing on the range or competitively, it’s annoying. If you’re in an encounter situation, it means you have a worthless hunk of metal instead of an instrument of self-defense.
Versatility
Let’s say you have two magazines, one a standard Glock magazine with six rounds and another an extended magazine. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the option to switch them out to use whatever the occasion calls for? Don’t overlook the fact that an extra mag doesn’t have to be the same as your active mag.
Aspects to Consider When Buying Aftermarket Glock Magazines
Picking a magazine from the veritable sea of aftermarket products is no walk in the park. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up the best, but how do you choose from those? By considering your personal needs, which may include:
Round Capacity
You don’t need to stick with a standard Glock mag capacity when upgrading. One or two bullets might not sound like much, but if you need one more bullet and don’t have it in an emergency, you’ll sure wish you did.
Performance
Ideally, an aftermarket magazine should improve performance, but at a bare minimum, it should be as reliable as OEM magazines. After all, what’s the point in an aftermarket magazine that might give you an extra bullet but doesn’t feed properly?
Glock - Model 17/34 9mm Magazines
Quality of Grip
Some aftermarket mags greatly improve the grip surface or add extra room to rest the pinky finger. This can improve your accuracy.
Value
Your budget is your own, but one of the key improvements to aftermarket magazines over the years has been the fact that you can often get a better magazine for cheaper than a factory magazine. In this regard, the magazine you get should be competitively priced and offer great value at that price point.
Review of the Best Glock Aftermarket Magazines
Now that you know what to look for to find your dream aftermarket Glock magazine, let’s take a look at some of the best products on the market. We’ll examine their key features, assess their value, and give you a bottom line that summarizes what sort of consumer would prefer that particular mag.
Best Overall:
Magpul Pmag 21 Round Gl9 Magazine, 9x19, For Glock
Pros
Cons
Magpul was founded by a veteran in 1999 and is based in Austin Texas. Originally based in Colorado, they moved to Texas when that state adopted restrictive firearms laws. Magpul has become a legendary producer of almost every component and accessory for modern sporting rifles and other weapons that you can imagine. However, the company got its start in loaders and magazines, a field in which it still enjoys a market-leading position and an incredible reputation.
The PMAG 21 is a 21-round 9mm mag for all 9mm double-stack Glock handguns. It features a new and unique all-polymer construction. It is specifically designed to offer the utmost in long-term reliability and durability. The components include a high-viz, anti-tilt follower, a stainless steel spring, and an easily removable floorplate.
There is a paint pen dot matrix on the side for easy labeling. This product also has ammo indicator windows on both sides. The floorplate is ergonomically ridged and flared. The mag drops out reliably and consistently either loaded or unloaded. It is also made in the U.S.A. which speaks to its quality standards.
Bottom Line
No one is going to argue with Magpul as a top choice for any firearm component. The top features of this item are the durability, compatibility, and the indicator windows. It's also always nice to buy something that has been made in the U.S.A.
Runner-up:
Tyrant CNC Glock 17/19x/22/34/45 Magazine & Extension
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This magazine extension has proven to be an experience-changing product for many buyers. The added weight and knurled design help with changing mags. The mag works with many Glock models, making it a multipurpose add-on for many.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The extension comes pre-installed on the magazine. However, installation and removal are tool-less and can be done within seconds. The extension is very durable and will easily withstand your typical mag wear and tear. The extra capacity is optimal and the mag helps with changing functions.
Who Will Use This Most
The mag is perfect for range use, competitions (if allowed), and tactical uses. Or for anyone who wants to carry some extra rounds in a reliable package. The base isn’t too large and can be carried with ease. Active duty officers can also opt for one to carry extra ammo.
Bottom Line
The Glock extension base pad offers tool-less installation/removal and is tough enough to last for decades. It can withstand even careless use and significantly improves capacity. A good choice for people who have to or want to carry extra ammo. They also have a version for Glock 19/23 if you want to outfit your whole collection!
3. Glock Magazine: Model 43 9mm 6rd Capacity W/ Finger Ext
Pros
Cons
This is a factory original, six-round extended Glock magazine for the ultracompact Glock 43. These have a unique and ingenious design. The body is constructed by inserting a heat-treated steel inner into an advanced formula polymer casing. This polymer casing protects the functionality of the magazine from deformation and denting, even when dropped from an extreme height.
As you might expect from Glock, this design makes this mag one of the most dependable on the market. The floorplate of this mag is extended and features an extra finger grip for better ergonomics and control. This mag is compatible with all generations of Glock model 43 handguns. It is designed to drop free whether full or empty.
All Glock magazines come with extremely stiff springs. You may not be able to load them to capacity at first. Leaving them loaded as near to capacity as you can get them for several days should solve the problem. If you need a solid mag for your ultra-slim Glock 43, it's hard to go wrong with this option.
Bottom Line
No matter how well-designed aftermarket components are, functionality issues arise with them all too often. With a factory original Glock magazine, you get seamless compatibility and legendary reliability. The finger grip on this model also adds a little extra comfort.
4. Glock Magazine: Model 27 40 S&W 9rd Capacity W/+2
Pros
Cons
Factory original Glock magazines offer you the best in compatibility and reliability. Although this product is ideally suited to the Glock 27, they are almost always compatible with Glocks of the same caliber. This allows you to use the mags for your everyday carry gun with your back-up gun.
The polymer design of a Glock handgrip can be thinner than that of most other handgun makers. This allows you to have a compact or subcompact gun with far greater firepower than the competition. Even with a double-stack mag and Glock's innovative steel in polymer mag design, these systems remain slim and out of sight.
The polymer casing keeps the steel inner core of the mag dent and deformation-free, no matter to what punishment you subject it to. These mags will stand up to both extreme shock and the harshest environmental conditions. The ten-round capacity gives you the most rounds that a civilian can carry in many jurisdictions. As such, this may well be the ideal 40 S&W mag for all-around civilian use.
Bottom Line
The benefit of getting factory original Glock components like this mag is that you can rest assured that you are getting the utmost in reliability and compatibility. The best features of this mag are the unique steel in polymer design and the capacity.
5. Glock - Model 17/34 9mm 33-round Magazines
Pros
Cons
Our list continues with yet another product from Glock, and it’s a reliable “big stick” for situations where you’ll need a healthy amount of rounds that you can count on to feed properly
With a capacity of 33 rounds, this magazine is excellent for competitive shooting or for anyone who would like their Glock to have the capacity you’ll get from an AR-15. While obviously not suited for concealed carry, it does provide an exceptional number of rounds in a slim package.
Having a spare magazine with 33 rounds offers a substantial and fast option for quickly loading way more rounds than you would with a smaller magazine or manual reloading without a spare.
Made from high-quality polymer, as all Glock magazines are, it is durable and comfortable. This is absolutely key with a larger magazine, as the added heft and length require a sturdy hold.
Additionally, the simple inner design of more basic Glock magazines has been retained, meaning that even though you’ll get way more rounds, it remains simple and easy to clean or disassemble.
Lastly, we like that you’ll have the option of using this magazine with many other guns. For example, it could be used with a Ruger PC Carbine. Of course, you’ll need adapters for use with other guns, but with a 33-round magazine, this starts to make a lot of sense, as you can stock up on spare magazines you can use for more than just your Glock!
Bottom Line
Overall, if you’re looking for a “big stick” magazine, sticking with Glock offers the reliability you know and trust, with a healthy amount of rounds. Plus, Glock asks a very reasonable price.
6. Glock - Model 19 9mm Magazines
Pros
Cons
Once again, a Glock magazine is a standard around the world for a great reason: they’re reliable, easy to use, and durable. The Glock name on any product makes it dependable, and magazines are no different.
This magazine for the Glock 19 also grants a ten round capacity for a healthy number of shots per mag. If you lose track, it includes a round count indicator on the rear which is easy and convenient.
Durability is excellent, as it’s built from a high-quality polymer with a black finish. There are more durable materials out there, but polymer is certainly rugged and the use of this material helps keep the grip comfortable and lightweight. It is a comfortable magazine that doesn’t weigh you down and improves performance by keeping your focus on your target.
You won’t encounter jams often, as they are quite rare with a Glock magazine. They are also very easy to maintain, with simple quality parts and design.
Overall, it’s an excellent option for those who don’t want to venture beyond Glock but do want a backup magazine or two, which we very strongly recommend. One great advantage to having a backup magazine that’s the same as your standard active magazine is that you won’t need to worry about adapting to another type on the fly when it really matters.
Of course, we recommend that you be fully familiar with any magazine you own, but it would certainly be better to have your backup be a product that you’re used to rather than a spare that is not what you normally use.
Bottom Line
If you want extra magazines—and you should—and don’t want to experiment with aftermarket magazines, stock up on Glock’s own Model 19 9mm magazine, which is dependable, comfortable, and durable.
7. Magpul - PMAG 17 Gl9 9x19 Magazine For Glock® 17
Pros
Cons
Moving beyond just what Glock creates, we have the Magpul Pmag 17 GI9 9x9 Magazine for Glock 17, which brings several enhancements, as well as a great price.
First, Magpul creates their magazines from a proprietary polymer which no one else uses. This makes their magazines not only especially durable, but also lightweight thanks to the material type.
But they don’t stop there. They add reinforcement to the feed lips and a much higher-quality, stainless-steel spring, as well as a highly visible anti-tilt follower. All of these added features ensure much more reliable feeding. You know the factory Glock mag rarely has feeding issues, but how would you like to make them so rare that you forget it’s a problem at all?
A simple, push-button release on the mag’s floorplate allows you to disassemble the magazine and you won’t need tools to accomplish this. This plate also features a pen dot matrix so you can mark and identify your magazines.
It will drop freely and clearly whenever it’s released whether empty or loaded. Overall, all these features and functions operate with exceptional smoothness and ensure that you’ll have minimal or no operational problems.
The grip itself doesn’t offer any marked improvements on the original design, but it is comfortable to hold thanks to the polymer design, with slightly better traction than the factory magazines.
Lastly, all of this comes in at an excellent price, making it a prime choice for anyone who wants to explore other magazines but not spend an arm and a leg.
Bottom Line
For those who’d like to try other magazines, Magpul creates a product that’s more than just enticing, with many improved features and exceptional reliability at a price that’s hard to pass up.
8. Elite Tactical Systems Group - Translucent Magazine For Glock®
Pros
Cons
If you thought our entries were sounding a little traditional, hold your horses and check out the Elite Tactical Systems Group’s Translucent Magazine For Glock, which—as the name suggests—offers a translucent design. This isn’t some marketing gimmick or a throwback to retro ‘90s gadget design, but a fully brilliant product with tons of great features.
First, you probably guessed it, a translucent design gives you a clear view of your round count at a glance. This works very well in practice and is much faster than a round count indicator. Also, don’t think that translucency means compromised quality, as it is built from a rugged polymer that’s at least on par with the stock polymer Glock offers.
Additionally, this polymer has been treated to withstand some insane conditions. Elite Tactical has tested their magazines by dropping them from an eight-foot height, fully loaded, without suffering cracks or breaks. They’ve subjected them to -60 F freezes and 180 F infernos for extended periods, only to have them function perfectly after exposure. Extensive UV exposure won’t make the magazine brittle and chemical resistance to fuels and cleaners rounds out the tank-like construction.
But how does it perform? Smooth as butter. You’ll have a hard time encountering jams, as Elite Tactical’s magazines have been subjected to several thousand rounds without failure.
Additionally, it is drop-free, provides an easy disassembly, and the polymer grip is comfortable.
Overall, if you’re open to something different, this magazine provides an excellent set of features and a durable design that should definitely have a place in your arsenal.
Bottom Line
With a wide suite of unique features and a highly-efficient transparent design to determine your remaining round count, this magazine is a powerhouse that every Glock owner should at least try out.
9. Glock - Model 17/34 9mm Magazines
Pros
Cons
Let’s move back to another factory Glock 9mm magazine, as they are our baseline for whether or not the other brands improve upon a stock design. Not only that, it’s worth noting that a Glock brand magazine is actually quite nice and you’ll remember that we strongly recommend having backups. Even if you’re not interested in widening your horizons with another manufacturer’s magazine, it’s absolutely worth having some standard Glock magazines handy.
The factory Glock magazine comes with a round count indicator on the mag’s rear, which is helpful to know when you’ll need to reload. With a capacity of ten rounds, it provides a solid number of shots.
Feeding is smooth and jams are rare, as you’d expect from a Glock product that’s become a world-famous standard. That said, jams will happen on the rare occasion.
Maintenance is simple and the product is lightweight. It is made from a durable polymer that’s both comfortable and strong, with a basic black finish.
Overall, it’s nothing particularly special and won’t extend the number of shots you can take past ten or improve the quality of your grip versus what you’re already using. But it is a reliable standard and you should already be familiar with how well it operates. It should last a long time and be dependable when you need it most. Plus, you’ll be very familiar with your backup magazine if it’s the same one you’ve been using for a long time, anyway.
Bottom Line
For those who prefer to stick with Glock, the ten round, OEM magazine is an excellent choice for backups. It’s durable, easy to operate, and reliable. Pick up a spare for when you truly need it!
10. ETS Glock 18 9mm 31 Round Polymer Magazine
Pros
Cons
ETS is an all-American manufacturer from Indiana that focuses on producing tactical magazines. This is a 31-round, polymer Glock 18 magazine that also fits Glock models 17, 19, 19x, 26, 34, and 45, no matter of which Glock generation.
The mag is also compatible with Palmetto State Armory 9mm forged billet lower receivers designed for Glock mags. It is compatible with Glock and aftermarket floorplates but comes with a uniquely designed floorplate of its own. This floorplate allows for easy disassembly. It is also ergonomic for quick retrieval from a mag pouch.
ETS uses an advanced polymer formula that provides several benefits. These include extreme resistance to UV rays, chemicals, impact, and the cold. This polymer will retain its structural integrity in the most punishing conditions. This product is also creep-resistant, meaning that the shape will not change when stored for a long time, even if loaded. The translucent body allows you to quickly check both your ammo quantity and ammo type. All ETS products are made in the U.S.A. and are covered by a lifetime warranty.
Bottom Line
This is an excellent high-capacity magazine. The top benefits are the quality polymer, the translucent body, and the broad compatibility. It also comes with a great warranty.
11. OEM Glock Magazine 31 15rd Mf31115
Pros
Cons
Glock was founded in Austria in 1982 by Gaston Glock. A designer of various weapon systems for the Austrian military, Gaston Glock deserves a place in the firearms designers hall of fame.
Glocks may lack any hint of character, but they more than make up for it in the ingenuity of Gaston's design. Similar to the Toyota Corolla, which has all the charm of a washing machine but is the most reliable and most-sold car on the market, Glocks are easy to turn your nose up at until you try to use one.
The design is as simple as that of a revolver and probably a lot safer. Glock's unbeatable performance is supported by the company's rigorous attention to quality. This, of course, goes for their aftermarket components, such as this mag, as well.
The .357 SIG caliber enjoys a small but fiercely loyal following. The capacity of this mag, 15 rounds, is close to ideal, giving you plenty of firepower without an awkwardly extending mag. The great thing about buying aftermarket Glock-original products is knowing that you can count on their absolute reliability and compatibility with your firearms.
Bottom Line
Too many aftermarket mags have feeding or reliability issues despite their overall good designs. With a Glock original product, you know you are getting the best in reliability. The best feature is the 15-round capacity, giving the best in firepower and lightness.
Conclusion
We can’t stress enough the importance of having spare magazines for the unfortunate scenario that your existing magazine fails and you absolutely need protection. Spare magazines come in a range of capacities, some with unique features such as a transparent design to quickly count your bullets. Use our guide to determine what suits your needs before reading our reviews and you’ll be on your way to a safer carry.
