Shield Arms Glock 43X/48 Magazine Feedback?

[TomJ]

I have a Glock 48 and 43X, both which use the Shield Arms magazines. Reliability in both has been iffy, but any feed issues I had appear to have been corrected in mine by replacing the spring and follower in one of the magazines and at Shield Arm's suggestion replacing the third party magazine release with one of theirs. I'm wondering about how reliable these magazines have been for others.

 

[jonnyc]

I have two of each generation, and they have run flawlessly for me. Currently almost 6000 rounds in.

 

[dogtown tom]

I've read more than a few posts about dissatisfaction with the Shield S15 mags. First it was the Shield mag eating up the factory mag release, then the Shield mag release eating up the factory Glock mags. I decided to wait.

At SHOT, Palmetto State Armory showed off their newest Micro Dagger. It has a polymer coated metal mag that works with Glock 43X and 48's without need for a different mag release.

If it works as advertised, it will kill the Shield mags.

 

[JohnB-40]

I bought 2 with the mag catch,never installed as the pistol they were intended for is my daily carry 43X. I felt I should keep it stock,because it has been 100% reliable and I'll forgo the extra 5 rounds to keep it that way. Iffy mags make me nervous ........Maybe I'll change my mind later on.

 

[BreechFace]

It was clear with the SA15 that one needs to change out the mag release. Don’t know how people didn’t know that but…

It was also said that the SA mag release will eat Glock magazines.

So pick which one you want to run and call it good.

My SA mags have all ran fine, I don’t use the standard 10 round Glock mags unless I’m going to a state under tyranny and that bit of time isn’t enough to cause issues with the plastic coated Glock mags.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Like @BreechFace pointed out, they were very clear about the mag release and how to avoid problems. But then, some people will still think they know better.
I’ve been running SA magazines since they came out, without any trouble. I have a Hive mag release in my G48 and have never had an issue.
My 10 round mags don’t see any use.

 

[TomJ]

I installed the Hyve mag release when I first bought the magazines. Shield Arms told me their mag release would help with the feed issues. I think the new springs and followers they sent me did more to help than replacing the mag release.

 

[Lennyjoe]

All 4 of mine have been perfect.

 

[Old Dog]

I kinda missed the boat on these, as I really didn't think my state would pass a magazine capacity restriction (10 rounds) as quickly as it did, so I hadn't gotten around to ordering.

I'd actually bought the 43X as a "California gun" but liked it enough to work it into a carry pistol. Hopefully, we'll be moving in the next year and I can catch up and indulge in the Shield Arms improvements, so it's good to hear that they're working for everybody.

 

[dogtown tom]

It was clear with the SA15 that one needs to change out the mag release. Don’t know how people didn’t know that but….

Clear as mud maybe.
Here's the Shield Arms press release from 2019:https://soldiersystems.net/2019/09/16/shield-arms-announces-s15-magazine-pre-order-for-glock-46-48/
Read the last paragraph:

Do I need a metal mag catch since the magazine is made out of steel?
That depends on the shooter. We are offering an anodized aluminum mag catch for higher volume shooters who are concerned that the steel magazine will wear down the OEM polymer catch. It should be noted that our test guns have OEM mag catches, and we haven’t noticed any reliability issues yet. However, if you shoot enough, there is a possibility of accelerated wear on the catch, so if this is a concern, swap it out.

So from the get go Shield didn't recommend (or even include) that aluminum mag catch.
THAT'S how people didn't know that.


Now, Shield says this:
https://shieldarms.com/glock-43x-48-mag-release

Our steel mag catch is required to work with the Shield Arms S15 magazine. Using our steel mag catch with plastic OEM magazines can cause increased wear on plastic mags and OEM mags may not drop free. We do not recommend using our steel mag catch with plastic OEM mags. We recommend steel on steel or plastic on plastic.

If you have a first generation aluminum mag catch, it is required to upgrade to one of our steel catch offerings.

Apparently it wasn't just "high volume shooters" that had issues, but those that used the Shield supplied aluminum mag catch as well.

 

[BreechFace]

Clear as mud maybe.
Here's the Shield Arms press release from 2019:https://soldiersystems.net/2019/09/16/shield-arms-announces-s15-magazine-pre-order-for-glock-46-48/
Read the last paragraph:

So from the get go Shield didn't recommend (or even include) that aluminum mag catch.
THAT'S how people didn't know that.


Now, Shield says this:
https://shieldarms.com/glock-43x-48-mag-release


Apparently it wasn't just "high volume shooters" that had issues, but those that used the Shield supplied aluminum mag catch as well.

Thanks Dogtown, now that you post that I do remember it being written that way. When I bought my first I just purchased an aluminum mag catch anyways.

 

[dogtown tom]

Thanks Dogtown, now that you post that I do remember it being written that way. When I bought my first I just purchased an aluminum mag catch anyways.

I think the only way that Shield stays in the game is to come out with a plastic coated mag that doesn't require a special mag release.
$40+ for a single mag AND the need for a $30 mag catch is going to be a tough sell if the PSA mag is priced at less than $25.

 

[borrowedtime69]

I have a glock48 and 43X and love them both. I did replace the mag release with a Shield Arms one and have the steel 15 rnd mags for my 48. It has run great with no issues.

My 43X I kept with the 10 rnd glock mags so it would be lighter to carry. I may buy the Shield Arms Mag release & steel mags to have for the future if the need arrises.

 

[Thomas Mayberry]

I have a G48. Unfortunately I'm one of those for whom the Shield Arms magazines did not work out. I bought the Shield Arms three pack of magazines with their mag catch early last year. I ran 200 flawless rounds through them and started using them as my carry mags. A couple of months later I did my LEOSA qualifications. During the 50 round course of fire I had six fail to feeds. When I got home I threw the magazines in the trash, reinstalled the glock mag catch and put the stock ten round magazines back in service.

 

[DesertFox]

43x MOS and 48 MOS here, OEM mags.

 

[TomJ]

Thanks for the responses. They're on par with what I've seen on other websites, that most people have had no issues but a percentage of people have had problems. For now I'm going to put the factory magazine releases back in them and stick with the factory mags.

 

[Captains1911]

I have two G43X pistols. The first has over 800 rounds through it, about 400 of which were in a training class environment, exclusively with SA mags, and has been 100% reliable. I just purchased my second G43X (this one is an MOS), and the the SA mags have been problematic in it from Day 1. I have experienced numerous FTFeeds and FTEjects, with the same ammo and mags that have been proven reliable in pistol number 1. Both pistols have the SA premium steel mag catch installed.

It's disappointing, but I have decided to go back to the OEM mag catch and mags in my newer G43X, and perhaps may even do the same with my other one, because now I am questioning the inherent reliability of the SA system. I will also add that Shield Arms customer service is by the far the worst I have dealt with in the industry.

 

[drobs]

I also have 4 Shield Arms 15rd mags plus the Shield Arms metal mag release for my 43X. The mags work fantastically. I did note each SA mag needed 15rds fired through them before they were 100%. Call it a minor break in period.

I occasionally still use the 10rd factory mags for practice and understand / accept that they don't drop free and most likely will get chewed up.

 

[Captains1911]

Thanks for the responses. They're on par with what I've seen on other websites, that most people have had no issues but a percentage of people have had problems. For now I'm going to put the factory magazine releases back in them and stick with the factory mags.

I think this is wise. Also, you may be aware already, but Palmetto State is developing a mag for their micro dagger pistols, which is supposed to be compatible with the G43X/G48. It is also a 15-round, flush fitting magazine, but uses a polymer body (at least on the outside) so it works with the OEM mag catch. It should be interesting to see how these turn out. I would love nothing more than for it to be successful, and put SA out of business, they are the worst.

 

[drobs]

Side note there are Glock 43X/48 Mag Extensions now available.

+2 (original spring) $12.95
https://www.strikeindustries.com/si-emp-g43x-bk.html

+2 (new spring recommended) $31.95
https://ndzperformance.com/ndz-glock-43x-48-plus-2-mag-extension-with-tab-9mm-glk48-mp2-blk/

+4 (includes new spring) $39.95
https://www.tyrantcnc.com/glock-43x-48-magazine-extension.html

I ordered two +5 mag extensions with replacement springs from Shield Arms via Taran Tactical last week:
https://tarantacticalinnovations.co...hield-arms-magazine-for-the-glock-48-and-43x/

 

[TomJ]

I think this is wise. Also, you may be aware already, but Palmetto State is developing a mag for their micro dagger pistols, which is supposed to be compatible with the G43X/G48. It is also a 15-round, flush fitting magazine, but uses a polymer body (at least on the outside) so it works with the OEM mag catch. It should be interesting to see how these turn out. I would love nothing more than for it to be successful, and put SA out of business, they are the worst.

Dogtown Tom had mentioned the Palmetto State mags. I'll give them a try when they're released.

 

[GunnyUSMC]

I think the only way that Shield stays in the game is to come out with a plastic coated mag that doesn't require a special mag release.
$40+ for a single mag AND the need for a $30 mag catch is going to be a tough sell if the PSA mag is priced at less than $25.

I checked out several reviews on the Shied Magazines when they first came out. Just about everyone recommended replacing the mag release with a metal one.
I went with the Hyve mag release and have had no problems.
https://hyve-technologies.com/product/extended-magazine-release-for-the-glock-48/
If you keep an eye out, you can find Shield magazines on sale. I picked some up from Primary Arms a while back for $30.

 

[Captains1911]

I currently have a few for sale in the classifieds. IM me if interested.

 

[dogtown tom]

If you keep an eye out, you can find Shield magazines on sale. I picked some up from Primary Arms a while back for $30.

Nah. If the PSA Micro Dagger magazines work as promised you'll soon find Shield mags dumped at fire sale prices.

And why install a $25-35 metal mag catch that chews up the factory mag?

 

[GunnyUSMC]

Nah. If the PSA Micro Dagger magazines work as promised you'll soon find Shield mags dumped at fire sale prices.

And why install a $25-35 metal mag catch that chews up the factory mag?

Well, if you read my earlier post, I don’t use the factory magazines.
I have found it strange, how just about everyone complained about Glock only putting out 10 round mags for the 43X and 48. But now that there’s 15 round magazines out there, people are complaining about not being able to use the 10 round mags, with the metal mag release.
It makes you wonder if the one’s doing the complaining even own one of the guns.
And if the PSA Micro Dagger mags work in the 43X and 48, that will be great, but it’s yet to be seen.