If there is one thing going for the Glock 43, its that the aftermarket has jumped on the sub-compact single-stack 9mm with veracity. Within weeks of launch, a myriad of companies had new options for the handgun aplenty. New slide catches, magazine catches, and sights were available with blistering speed.

However, if there is one thing going against the Glock 43, it’s the diminutive capacity. At only 6+1, the base configuration has been referred to as a semi-auto revolver. Fortunately for us end-users, the aftermarket also addressed this in a hurry. +1 and later +2 capacity magazine extension were released in short order from the usual suspects.

Coming later to the party is CruXORD, a small US based company looking to address a real concern in the market. Prior to the release of the CruXORD extension, options came in two flavors – low-cost injection molded polymer with many matching features to the base handgun and rather plain higher-cost billet extensions.

While yes, the injection molded offerings do work, there are some added benefits to moving to a billet solution. On a magazine base pad, there are two key areas that billet exceeds polymer – strength and weight. The added strength allows the billet part to be smaller, as it does not need as much material to achieve its functional goals and second the added weight gives the magazine more force when attempting a drop-free reload.

*Author’s note. I EDC a Glock 43. The magazine was tested both at the range and as EDC. Thankfully, I never had to draw my weapon (and hope I never will), but the magazine did test well at the range. My normal EDC magazines are a standard Glock 6 round for pocket carry, a Piece +1 for IWB concealed and a Vickers / TangoDown +2 as a back-up magazines. 

Testing was shot from a CruXORD upgraded Glock mag (w/ standard Glock magazine spring) and about 150 rounds of various types including Freedom Munitions SuperMatch, Federal 147 grain HST, and Freedom Munitions 115 grain FMJ round nose. Various rates of fire were used including as fast as I can pull the trigger – accuracy be danged. 

The Good:

• Works exactly as intended. Adds two rounds to the magazine without issue.
• Thought out features including scallops in side for magazine removal and serrated front strap for comfortable finger grooves during shooting.
• Added weight increases likelihood of magazine dropping free.
• Easy installation.
• Smaller than Vickers / TangoDown by about .125″

The Notable:

• Doesn’t quite match the gun aesthetically like the other magazine extension options, but its difficult to with billet.
• Does not work with grip plugs.
• Excellent machining and finish. No visible marks.

The Bad:

• Does not come with an extra power spring. I am concerned for long-term carry without a spring designed for the extra rounds.
  • *Note – It does work with the Vickers / TangoDown springs.

Final Thoughts:

The Crux Ordnance +2 Glock 43 extension is a solid product – at a solid price. Clocking in at $34.99 retail, the adapter is on-par with other billet offerings from Taran Tactical, etc, though adding in ergonomic features compared to their competitors. The scallops and serrations are welcome added items that truly drive value in the CruXORD offering. Further, the added weight increases the likelihood of a trouble-free magazine drop.

On the whole, I really like the product barring my single complaint, the lack of a replacement spring. While it shot flawlessly across the 150 or so rounds I put through it, using the stock spring was always a nag in my mind. Fortunately for me, I had an extra Vickers / TangoDown spring floating around and when installed made a noticeable difference in spring weight, putting my mind at ease.

Bottom line, would I carry it? Yes, and in fact, I would place it as a better option than the various injection molded options out there (like the mentioned Vickers / TangoDown). The main spring, while annoying, is not an inhibitor to the function as demonstrated by the flawless shooting so far. To others, this may be a show-stopper but for reference few of the other +2 systems do not include a spring, which indicates most are happy with the stock spring.

For those looking to add capacity, the CruXORD is a solid offering. One will have to make the determination if they want low-cost matching injection molded or the increased benefits of billet. If one opts for billet, opt for the CurXORD.