Glock Mag dilemma - opinions?

[Big Al]

I was at a gun store yesterday and found a pre ban, NFML mag with a Glock factory +2 plastic extension for $74.49. It might have been used, but I really couldn't tell. The guy said he'd let me have it for 75$ flat.

(1)Is the NFML design inferior to the FML design? are there any durablility probs with NFML mags?

(2)Is the factory +2 extensions a good idea?

(3)Right now the only full-cap mags I've got are pro-mags. Would I feel too bad about spending that much money on a mag?

Thanks for all your help. Guess I'm just looking for some justification.

 

[Ben]

OUCH! For that much money, you could buy a nice "standard-cap" magazine. In my opinion, the +2 extentions devalue the magazine. I only buy the ones that haven't been fiddled with.

Ben

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AOL IM: BenK911
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"Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target"

[This message has been edited by Ben (edited February 18, 2000).]

 

[jimmy]

FWIW--

Some Glock shooters prefer NFML mags, although I think that most either have no preference or like FML a bit better. NFML mags do not drop free--but the same is true of a lot of FML mags. NFML mag tubes reportedly split from time to time. But AFAIK splitting is rare, and anyhow Glock will replace a bad mag under warranty. Personally, I've had no problems with my NFML mags.

The +2 feature should be okay if the mag spring is okay. But a weak mag spring is more likely to cause a problem with the +2 than with the standard floorplate. Glock will replace a weak spring at no charge. Or, you can install a +10% aftermarket spring.

I've heard that the old-style (one-piece) +2 floorplate is not as secure as the new-style (two-piece) +2. I don't know any details of the problem--maybe another TFLer can help. Glock is not likely to market a poorly designed product, but mistakes do happen.

BTW, the new-style +2 floorplate works only with FML mags. I guess that if you had a problem with the +2 floorplate on an NFML mag, you could still retrofit it with a standard floorplate. Then you'd have paid too much for the mag, but at least it'd eliminate whatever problem there was.

I have a couple of pre-ban G17 mags with +2s installed by Glock. I paid Glockmeister $75 each for them, but they're new, 3rd generation (FML) mags. I couldn't resist. They're impressive to look at, if nothing else!

Pro Mags may effectively supplement factory mags, assuming that they function properly. But they don't really replace factory mags, because IMHO the best mag for a Glock is made by Glock.

In sum, based on recent experience with pre-ban factory mag prices, I'd say that some dealers are trying to gouge us. Is the NFML mag you saw worth $75? Are the FML mags I bought worth that? Maybe not. But, for me, the bottom line is that I don't regret my purchase. YMMV.

HTH.


[This message has been edited by jimmy (edited February 18, 2000).]

 

[bk40]

jimmy gave you some good advice.

I actually prefer the NFML mags myself. $75 seems a bit high especially for the G17/19 mags. Go over to http://glocktalk.com and check the want ads. I have purchased several NFML used mags from KY Imports for $50 (no extensions) and have not had one problem.

One more thing, I believe Glock has introduced a new design of the +2 extensions that is more reliable than the originals. Ask the folks at GlockTalk.

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BKs Pistol Pages

 

[Red Bull]

Jimmy gave excellent advice.

Lately, in the last 6 months, Glock mag prices have skyrocketed. The availability of them is really drying up.
It is very common to see the new FML mags for over $100 now, and up to $125 in Gun List.
I have not seen a NFML mag for less than $75 for a long time, and those are the well used ones.
Anyway, your price is as good as they get.

I prefer the NFML mags for carry. These mags were the original Glock design, and word has it that Gaston Glock and the Europeans think we are crazy for wanting a mag that "drops free". The original mags were designed specifically NOT to drop free. The idea is that the mag is supposed to swell when it is loaded, and it is supposed to have resistance to get in and out of the gun. This is because if your gun accidentally has the mag release hit (which happens far too often when you are carrying a gun), the mag will stay in the gun! For a carry gun, this is a very desirable trait. The last thing you want is your mag to fall out either while you are walking down the street, or worse when you pull the gun out and need it. With the old mags, the mags stay in the gun even if the mag release gets hit.
Glock redesigned the mags for the American market, but they still think it is a dumb idea. The ONLY reason for the FML mags is for quick mag changes. And, unless you are playing IDPA games, or IPSC games, super-quick mag changes are not an issue.
In my carry guns, I carry NFML mags whenever possible.

Theory has it that the FML mags might last longer, but no one is really complaining about the NFML mags wearing out, so who knows? And, if you do manage to wear out any mag, Glock will replace the hi-cap.