since the ambi wasn't working.
The ambi release has proven to be not as durable. On a gun that earned a reputation for being indestructible, this is a disappointment for sure. But it works! I know Glock is infamous for not issuing recalls. But if the ambi release plain "didn't work," I imagine Glock would have at least stopped putting the ambi cut in all their magazines. Interesting to note, they're putting this cut in the 9mm/40 mags, too, even though they've never (to my knowledge) put the ambi release in the 9mm frame. Maybe they're working on a new version.
The issue with the ambi release is that it "cams over." It has to press against the mag spring pressure just a tiny fraction of an inch before it can release. With a full mag, this additional pressure is quite high. If you're used to a regular Glock, this is rather annoying. And if you eject a full mag routinely, the mag catch is stressed and can eventually start acting weird (button not returning all the way when you let go) and/or catastrophically fail (parts break and you lose mag retention, completely).
Being my first Glock, I don't have any issue with it. I learned early on to push up on the heel of the mag when it's full to reduce this pressure. If you do it this way, the mag catch will most likely last forever. When the mag is empty or only partially full, the mag button depresses easily.
It's not ideal. But since the grip is so big and I'm so used to my other glocks, I definitely appreciate having the ability to drop a mag with both my trigger finger or my thumb, depending how I manage to screw it up. So I'm keeping mine.
I don't mind not having the ability to easily eject a full magazine. I've actually caught myself removing an "empty mag" and realizing it's full by the pressure. This might actually come in handy when the zombies come and you're running low on bullets.
And if/when it ever gives me a problem, I can send it in for a brand new frame? Oh, how terrible.
