GLOCK 48 with Shield Arms 15 Round Mags Ongoing Testing

[Bucky]

Since I have been doing a lot of testing / vetting of my GLOCK 48 using the Shield Arms 15 round magazines, I was looking to better organize my findings, so I though it may be worthy of it's own thread. :)

Details:

GLOCK 48 purchased new 9/25/2019
- Black Slide
- Factory "HD" night sights (Square notch rear, which I much prefer over U notch sights)

Modifications:
APEX trigger and connector. (The factory trigger was painful to shoot. My intention was to just replace the trigger, but I figured I'd try the connector as well. It sill puts trigger pull over 5# so I believe this to be acceptable for social work)

Shield Arms metal magazine release

From 3/15/2020:


Finally got to take my 48 to the range with my new S15 magazines. Gun is a more recent black slide model, and the factory option HD sights. Gun has Apex trigger and connector kit, and Shield Arms metal mag catch.

I have two S15 magazines. I put the extra power mag spring in one magazine and left the other as is. I did 300 rounds total, equal amounts per magazine. Ammo was my USPSA reloads using TG and Montana Gold 147 FMJ with a flat point.

Most of the shooting was done freestyle, with several WHO runs at the end. All testing began at max capacity, IE 15+1.

There were no failures to feed, eject, or lock back. Both magazines performed well for function firing.

The magazine with the extra power spring would not fall free when empty at slide lock. The other magazine had no issues falling free when empty. Neither mag will fall free when full, but both fell free down one round (14 in the magazine). The issue with the one magazine may not be spring related. During my next vetting session, I plan on swapping the magazine springs to isolate that one issue.

So far I’m optimistic about these magazines and they’re potential use for carry. I’m still planning on more practice ammo testing, followed by running some premium defense ammo through it. I was even planning the 2K challenge. My concerns at the moment is it seems a bit of a buying frenzy is going on, at least locally, so not sure how that will effect pricing and availability.

TBC...


From 3/22/2020:


Another 200 rounds through the 2 S15 magazines. I swapped springs, and at first the mag without the heavy spring (same mag) would not fall free when empty at slide lock. This led me to conclude it's mag body or follower related. However, after some use it did begin to drop free. 500 other flawless rounds, though still FMJ FP reloads. With the current climate, I'm really not inclined to start throwing premium ammo in the mix.


From 3/28/2020:


Another 200 rounds in the wee hours of the morning today. Early on that one magazine didn’t drop from slide lock, but later in the shooting it did.

Still shooting reloads, but mixed it up a little using a 147 round nose, versus flat, with a little more OAL. Also changes to some Win primers over the softer Feds, more so to validate the Apex parts.

So that’s 700 rounds into my 2K challenge, and the only issue is a mag dropping free. Slide lock has worked 100% thus far, with both the standard and extra power spring.

If available, I’ll try and pickup 2 more magazines next week. Still need to order up some SD loads, preferably 147 HST. Current environment rules out any local sources.


From 4/4/2020:


Another 120 rounds through the G48 and Shield Arms magazine. 60 by me and 60 by the wife. The wife was a good test, as she has no grip strength. She managed to limp wrist jam my G34 three times. However, the G48 ran flawless for her, crammed with 15 rounds.

So 820 without cleaning or lubing. I don’t think I’m going to continue the 2K challenge though. I have no issue without cleaning, but no lube part seems, well, not something I should do.

Once I get a box of the good stuff through it, I’m deeming it good to go.


In my next post, I'll record today's results which include the Chronograph and premium defense ammunition testing...

[Bucky]

4/18/2020 6:00am :):

So this week I received two additional Shield Arms magazines from Brownells (my original 2 came directly from Shield Arms). We'll call these magazines number 3 and 4, which I inscribed on the base pads. Since I had 2 of the extra power springs left (I ordered a three pack when I got my first two magazines), I decided to fit both of these with the extra power springs. If they work just as well or better, I'd prefer the extra spring pressure.

First up, I had the chronograph up and some premium ammunition to test velocities. All shot strings were suppose to be 5 shot groups. However, a couple times I forgot to hit "Arm" on the chronograph, and a couple times I did wait long enough between shots. The chronograph is a Labradar (https://mylabradar.com/).

147 HST (standard pressure)
Shot# Muzzle 11 Yards 24 Yards
1 998 981 977
2 991 979 967
3 983 970 957
4 986 970 957

AVG 989.5 975 964.5
PF 145.45 143.33 141.78

Corbon 115 +P
Shot# Muzzle 11 Yards 24 Yards
1 1374 1327 1274
2 1361 1311 1258
3 1363 1315 1262

AVG 1366 1317.7 1264.7
PF 157.09 151.53 145.44

Winchester 127 SXT +p+
Shot# Muzzle 11 Yards 24 Yards
1 1247 1215 1183
2 1263 1229 1190
3 1212 1182 1148
4 1249 1217 1184

AVG 1242.8 1210.8 1176.3
PF 157.83 153.77 149.38

Speer Gold Dot 124 +P
Shot# Muzzle 11 Yards 24 Yards
1 1199 1171 1141
2 1208 1179 1143
3 1209 1179 1148
4 1227 1193 1158

AVG 1210.8 1180.5 1147.5
PF 150.13 146.38 142.29


Next I'll talk about reliability in the two new Shield Arms mags, as well as point of impact changes.

[Bucky]

4/18/2020:

Next was to check point of aim / impact with two of my preferred premium ammo, the 124 +P Gold Dots and the 147 HST. Shooting was done on a 6" Shoot 'n See target sticker on top of cardboard. Sight picture was to place the top front sight slicing the center of the 5/8" red portion of the target. target was set at 20 Yards. To date, the 147 grain reloads (essentially my USPSA load) has been placing the rounds exactly where expected - after a slight rear sight drift, of course).

First up was the Gold Dot, loaded with 15 + 1 in magazine #3 (mentioned for a reason). The shots that hit the shoot 'n see mostly hit the bottom edge of the target. I'd say the entire group was 4" lower than expected (preferred?) at the 20 yard distance. Also, shot #3 had a feed jam (round extracted, but round #4 failed to feed into the chamber). I've had a feeling that goes back to my 43 testing and carries over to the 48. I feel these lighter slides with less mass are just not good candidates for +P ammo. This was really apparent in my Pre-43 micro 9mm, my P938. After clearing the jam, the remaining rounds fed just fine. I was a little disappointed at nearing the 900 round mark in the testing that I had the first failure. :(

Next the 147 HST. I'm happy to report they hit right as expected, just as my 147 grain reloads. No issues with feeding of any kind and they were much more pleasant to shoot than the Gold Dots (but still a little snappier than my gamer loads ;)).

I decided that this point (actually before this point since I ordered more HST yesterday) that the 147 HST was going to be the load for this gun and that I'd cease testing any other premium ammo. I did a couple more magazines of the HSTs, but not in a row. I went to shooting more reloads in between. I did 16 rounds strong hand only with magazine #3 and 16 rounds weak hand only with magazine #4. No issues of any kind.


Today's round count, 112 through mag #3 and 160 through magazine #4. That's 272 through the 2 new magazines, along with the 820 through the first two magazines bringing the total test count up to 1,092. the only feed failure was that one round of Gold Dot. While magazines #1 and #2 did have sporadic issues with not dropping free from slide lock. Magazines #3 and 4 dropped very nicely without issue.

I think one more round of testing should do the job. I'll also use another box of the HST and do some severe limp wrist tests, which I like to do with any carry gun.

TBC....

[SeaSoldier]

Are you using Glock magazine extra power springs or is Shield Arms selling specific extra power springs?

[Bucky]

Are you using Glock magazine extra power springs or is Shield Arms selling specific extra power springs?

Shield Arms.

https://shieldarms.com/3-pack-s15-magazine-10-power-spring

[SeaSoldier]

Excellent, Thank You.

[awmp]

Great post, keep it up, still on the fence about a g48 as my G19/G45 are MOS pistols. But very curious about this pistol and even more about the shield mags.

[RJ]

Good stuff. Def on my list to pick some of these up to try in my 43X. Appreciate the effort.

[Balisong]

Solid info here.

I was kind of hoping these mags would be a crapfest so I wouldn't be tempted to pick up a 48.

[bravo7]

Excellent post. Thanks for sharing the data and the time you spent recording everything.

[CarlK]

Are you using Glock magazine extra power springs or is Shield Arms selling specific extra power springs?

I have been using Wolff’s Glock 19 +10% springs in my Shield mags with my G43X. Flawless function through 400+ rounds loaded to 15+1.

[Bucky]

So today was my go / no go call based on this morning's tests.

I'm using magazine #3 and #4 (focusing more on #3 as that is going to be my primary). I'm choosing these two as these have no drop free issues. Both have the Shield Arms +10% spring installed in them.

16 rounds of 147 HST rapid fire

16 rounds of 147 HST SHO, loose grip

16 rounds 147 HST WHO, loose grip

16 rounds 147 HST SHO, NO grip.

No Grip: Pinky and ring finger not used. Trigger finger used of work the trigger. Thumb and middle finger held at 90 degree to balance the gun. No contact on left side of gun. While this might seem extreme, for me a defense gun needs to work with little to no grip, or bad grip.

Afterwards, I did 100 rounds of some old reloads I had using Solo 1250 and (I think) 124g bullets (or maybe 115, I could pull one and check if anyone is curious).

Finished up on 50 rounds of my traditional 147 reloads. Today's total was 64 HSTs and 150 reloads for 214. Added to the previous 1092, that makes 1,306 rounds through my G48 using Shield Arms 15 rounds magazines. The only issue was with that one round of Gold Dot 124 +P. I have the same opinion of the 48 as I do with the 43. With the reduced slide mass, I'd avoid +P loadings. Just my opinion, of course.

Also should be noted, while I decided against the full 2K challenge, the gun was only cleaned on oiled on one occasion during the 1,300+ testing. IIRC, that was after 820 (I'll have to go back and read my own posts).

If it isn't obvious, this combination has passed, in my mind, and I'll be fully comfortable carrying my G48 with 15+1 using magazine #3, and 15 in #4 as a spare mag (on the few occasions I do carry a spare mag - yes I know all the reasons I should).

PS: My slight bias to #3 over #4 is that #4 is the mag that the Gold Dot choked with. Even though I'm still of the opinion the +P slide velocity was the cause, rather than magazine related, it'll still give #3 the edge since it's record was flawless.

[Balisong]

How tough is it to seat a fully loaded mag on a closed slide? I usually rock a fully loaded spare mag, but from what I've heard these Shield mags are a little tough to fully load, so I'm wondering if it's advisable to download a spare by 1.

[Mike C]

I had some hesitation on these mags but they look like they are good to go. I've got 4 now and they have a myriad of different types of carry ammo, FMJ and reloads. Mine are running very well. I was having a weird issue at first but everything seems to have worked itself out. It is something to be able to carry 15 +1 in a the slim G43X or G48. It's awesome to say the vary least. Bucky thanks for starting a long term thread on these. It will be great to see how they hold up with others and for other members to be able to report their experiences as well.

[SeriousStudent]

Thanks very much for the research, I ordered an additional 5 mags today, along with the extra-oomph springs.

If they would make a 20-round mag for a Glock 19, I'd probably buy 50 of them.

[Xhado]

If they would make a 20-round mag for a Glock 19, I'd probably buy 50 of them.

G19 mags are already double stack.

[Bucky]

How tough is it to seat a fully loaded mag on a closed slide? I usually rock a fully loaded spare mag, but from what I've heard these Shield mags are a little tough to fully load, so I'm wondering if it's advisable to download a spare by 1.

I don’t find seating to be much of an issue, even with closed slide with 15 in the mag. Not any noticably more than say a G19.

[Bucky]

Bucky thanks for starting a long term thread on these. It will be great to see how they hold up with others and for other members to be able to report their experiences as well.


Thanks very much for the research...

You’re welcome. Happy to share. :)

[SeriousStudent]

G19 mags are already double stack.

Yes, the five Glock 19's I own (two Gen2, one Gen3, one Gen4 and one Gen5) all take double-stack magazines. All the 40+ G19 mags I own have a polymer casing around a metal liner, except for some of the oldest ones, which are not metal lined.

Having carried Glock 19's for over 25 years, I was already familiar with that.

But, if one was able to redesign a Glock 19 magazine in order to squeeze more rounds into it by eliminating the polymer cover for the mag, could one make it hold close to 20 rounds, and still fit flush with the grip?

That was my point. Have a good evening.

[Xhado]

Yes, the five Glock 19's I own (two Gen2, one Gen3, one Gen4 and one Gen5) all take double-stack magazines. All the 40+ G19 mags I own have a polymer casing around a metal liner, except for some of the oldest ones, which are not metal lined.

Having carried Glock 19's for over 25 years, I was already familiar with that.

But, if one was able to redesign a Glock 19 magazine in order to squeeze more rounds into it by eliminating the polymer cover for the mag, could one make it hold close to 20 rounds, and still fit flush with the grip?

That was my point. Have a good evening.

All shield arms did was squeeze a double stack mag into a hole where a 1.5 stack mag use to sit.

What your're asking for is not possible.

[SeriousStudent]

All shield arms did was squeeze a double stack mag into a hole where a 1.5 stack mag use to sit.

What your're asking for is not possible.

Rats, I was hoping they had the secret sauce.

[KneeShot]

Bucky - thanks for sharing your research, facts, results, conclusion and time!

[Bucky]

Another 150 this morning through the G48 with SA mags. Still running without issue. Round count was lower, as I was doing some side by side shooting with two of my other 15+1 carries, the EDC X9 and 92G compact. I was shooting this much better than the 92, which isn’t a surprise, as I’ve had a lot of practice with this gun over the past month or so. Despite that familiarity, still no match for the EDC X9. :)

Was Working on some transitions. Today’s test targets.

53658

[Bucky]

So I've been carrying now for close to a month, and it does feel lighter than my other carries, yet there isn't quite the gap between it an my G19.

G43 loaded (16rds) with HST = 1 pound 12.5 ounces

G19 loaded (16rds) with 124 +P Gold Dot = 1 pound 14.9 ounces.

Side note: 16 147 HST cartridges weigh .5 ounces more than 16 124 +P Gold Dots. That makes the difference closer to 3 ounces in a direct comparison.

Some other figures for what they're worth.

Wilson EDC X9 loaded (16rds) with HST = 2 pounds 5.2 ounces

Beretta Wilson 92G Compact loaded (16rds) with 124 = 2 pounds 6.5 ounces (add .5 if loaded with 147 HST).

Glock 27 loaded (9+1) 180 HST = 1 pound 11.7 ounces.

Why these guns? Well, these are loaded and on the carry shelf.

I did take pictures of all these on the scale, as well as the ammo weight comparisons. Didn't know if it was worth the clutter. Will post if desired.

[awmp]

I just got a 43X and a few shield arms 15 round mags. Will be going to the range this weekend with it. Still on the fence about it. Almost a too good to be true pistol.

The pistol is thin but the factory grip was just too slick so I added Talon Grip Pros (game changer), can grip the pistol much better and carries well concealed.

The capacity is the same as my G19 but my G19 has an RMR and really enjoy that setup. But the 43X is so easy to carry.

Range time and carry time will tell which will win out. But to be honest my Sig 365 is still in the rotation. The size of the 365 with a 10rd mag allows it to be carried all the time and anywhere, very easy. The journey continues.

[Up1911Fan]

Finally got a chance to test mine out. 300 rounds of 147gr Lawmen through a 43X, using the metal mag catch and 5 S15 mags. Everything functioned exactly as it should.

[CWB]

FWIW, I have 2100+ rounds spread across seven of these mags from a black slide G48 with the shield arms mag release. All 147grn jhp, with no issues.

[Willard]

FWIW, I have 2100+ rounds spread across seven of these mags from a black slide G48 with the shield arms mag release. All 147grn jhp, with no issues.

Standard mag or with the +10% spring? Thanks.

[CWB]

Standard mag or with the +10% spring? Thanks.
All of mine have the plus 10 now. I experimented with them and found they gave me slightly better ejection, but the standard weight springs worked fine. The plus 10 just gave them a tiny bit extra power on the ejection. The springs were so inexpensive, i just went ahead and put them in all of them.

[RJ]

Any updates on these Shield mags?

I’m assuming the steel mag catch and +10% mag springs are the way to go for a carry gun?

[Savage Hands]

Does the SA metal mag catch play nice with the oem mags? I’m just wondering if I should swap out the mag catch depending on the mags I intend to use.

[Bucky]

Does the SA metal mag catch play nice with the oem mags? I’m just wondering if I should swap out the mag catch depending on the mags I intend to use.

I’ve used the 10 round mags with the metal catch without issue, but I’m not doing reload drills either. My thoughts, for what they’re worth, if you’re relying on this setup for defense use, always use the same type mag, even if you need to buy an extra mag or two to beat on. Only occasion I’ve had to use the factory is going into enemy territory. (10 rd states).