Magpul Expands GL9 Glock Magazine Offerings

    All (4) GL9 magazines in order of capacity (15, 17, 21, 27-rounds L-R).

    Magpul Industries showed no sign of slowing after major moves to Wyoming and Texas in 2015. Last year at SHOT Show Magpul released their own version of the Glock pistol magazine, using their high quality polymer construction that has made the Pmags worldwide favorites. Much to the excitement of Glock users, Magpul has expanded the original offering of Glock magazines to now include 15, 21, and 27-round capacity magazines.

    Glock still provides the majority of law enforcement handguns in America, and the addition of Magpul magazines (at a much lower cost than Glock branded magazines) could mean greater availability and options to professional and civilian shooters alike.

    The new Magpul GL9 27-round capacity magazine.

    The new Magpul GL9 27-round capacity magazine.

    Magpul was very tight with the new Glock Pmags, but thankfully our press credentials were all it took to get a close up look, and more importantly, close-up pictures of these new offerings. Vendors, distributors, and guests to the SHOT Show were not so lucky.

    All (4) GL9 magazines in order of capacity (15, 17, 21, 27-rounds L-R).

    All (4) GL9 magazines in order of capacity (15, 17, 21, 27-rounds L-R).

    What started last year, has opened the flood gates to Glock fans. Combining Magpul’s legendary quality, durability and functionality with a lower end price for the customer is a very big deal considering Glock users were stuck with expensive factory magazines until just recently. The Magpul GL9 Pmags are made of the same materials and quality as their famous big brothers for the AR-15 and AR-10 rifles.

    The Magpul GL9 15-round capacity magazine with new enhanced GL-L floor plate.

    The Magpul GL9 15-round capacity magazine with new enhanced GL-L floor plate.

    One difference is that the GL9 magazines are slick-sided, for obvious use in a pistol. However, this design feature also makes the GL9 magazines incredibly easy to change out – whether in a tactical reload or a combat reload. The GL9 magazines are so slick they literally fall out on their own, whether loaded or unloaded. Don’t depress that magazine release button until you’re absolutely ready, or you’ll be fetching your GL9 magazine off the floor!

    The new enhanced Magpul GL-L floor plate for the GL9 magazines.

    The new enhanced Magpul GL L-Plate enhancement plate for the GL9 magazines.

    Magpul also came out with an enhanced GL9 floor plate, called the GL L-Plate, that provides more grip surface. Though not really needed for unloading, the additional material may come in handy for loading. The GL-L plates install just like standard Glock floor plates, and are available in a 3-pack for $19.95.

    The GL9 21-round magazine only sticks out a little over an inch from the base of the Glock grip.

    The GL9 21-round magazine only sticks out a little over an inch from the base of the Glock grip.

    Magpul GL9 Pmag Specifications

    • Material: Polymer
    • Caliber: Only 9mm at this time
    • Compatibility: Glock only for now
    • Sizes: 15, 17, 21 and 27-round capacity
    • Available: 2-3 months (new capacity).
    The (3) new GL9 magazines (15, 21, and 27-round L-R). Note the GL L-Plate enhancement on the left.

    The (3) new GL9 magazines (15, 21, and 27-round L-R). Note the GL L-Plate enhancement on the left.

    Magpul GL9 Pmag Prices

    • GL9 15-round: $15.95
    • GL9 17-round: $15.95
    • GL9 21-round: $19.95
    • GL9 27-round: $21.95.
    The 27-round GL9 Pmag sticks out quite a bit, but still could have practical applications.

    The 27-round GL9 Pmag sticks out quite a bit, but still could have practical applications.

    Practical Uses for Extended GL9 Magazines

    The introduction of a 15-round GL9 magazine allows Glock owners in some restrictive states to own and use the Magpul product. For both Law Enforcement agencies working on tight budgets, or civilians who like to shoot a lot, the GL9 magazines are very affordable. The GL9 magazines could very easily replace lost, broken, or worn out magazines for less cost.

    The 21-round GL9 could be a standard issue magazine to tactical teams, providing additional load out. When transitioning to pistols it is always nice to know you have enough to stay in the fight until the long gun can be made ready again. The 21-round GL9 could also be carried by civilians in certain circumstances without being too obvious. The 21-round GL9 only sticks out about an extra inch from the base of the Glock so it would not be overly cumbersome or obvious.

    The 27-round GL9 is the answer to the problem every shield operator has had at one time or another – how am I going to stay in the fight with only my pistol and a standard load! Shield operators are typically the first to enter a hostile situation, and due to their configuration those officers are usually restricted to only a handgun. Standard 15-round or 17-round magazines can quickly be depleted if the shield officer gets into a prolonged shooting. The 27-round version gives them an advantage they need.

    Civilians will no doubt find the extra capacity a real pleasure when firing at the range, or an extra punch if needed for self-defense at home.

    Aaron is a life-long firearm enthusiast and hunter. He has been a police officer for nearly 19 years, and currently is a Sergeant in Special Operations. He has served on the department’s SWAT Team for 14 years, with 8 years as the Sniper Team Leader. When not fussing over fractions of inches, and gut-less wonders, he can usually be found sipping from a ridiculously large coffee mug. Aaron is also the editor and main writer at BlueSheepDog.com.


    Advertisement