Best Magazines for Your Glock Clone

Choosing the right Glock clone magazine is key to ensuring optimal performance and dependability. With numerous options available, it can be challenging to find the ideal match for your specific model. 

XTech Tactical reviews some of the top magazines for Glock clones, focusing on compatibility, features, and key factors to consider when making a choice. Whether you want increased capacity, better durability, or simply to ensure your firearm works flawlessly every time, this guide can help you make confident and informed decisions. 

Let’s identify the best options to keep your firearm ready and reliable!

What Is a Glock Clone?

A Glock clone refers to a pistol designed to mimic or replicate the features and functionality of a Glock handgun, typically the popular models such as the Glock 19 or Glock 17. These clones may be manufactured by different companies but generally maintain similarities in design, performance, and compatibility with Glock accessories, including magazines. 

• Based on the Glock Design: Glock clones are typically built on the basic design principles of Glock pistols, particularly the Gen 3. 
• Interchangeable Parts: Many clones are designed to accommodate the use of genuine Glock parts, including magazines, sights, and certain internal components. 
• Similar Trigger Mechanism: The trigger and firing mechanism are often designed to be similar to those found in Glock pistols. 
• Ergonomics and Aesthetics: Clones may offer slight variations in grip texture, slide serrations, and other cosmetic features, sometimes with the aim of improving ergonomics or aesthetics. 
• Cost and Customization: Glock clones can be more affordable than a standard Glock or offer more customization options out of the box. 

Examples of Glock clones include the Ruger RXM, Derya Dy9, PSA Dagger, Lone Wolf LTD17 and LTD19, Nomad Defense 9 series, as well as the Shadow Systems MR920 (Glock 19 size) and DR920 (Glock 17 size). 

Does It Take a Glock Mag? 

When discussing Glock clones, one common question is whether they accept Glock magazines. This is a crucial point for anyone seeking to ensure their firearm operates smoothly and reliably. Most Glock clones are designed to work with authentic and aftermarket Glock magazines, especially those that closely follow Glock’s design. However, compatibility can differ depending on the exact make and model of the clone. 

The critical factors that determine whether or not a handgun will accept Glock magazines include: 

• Dimensions (length, width, thickness) 
• Feed lip design
• Mag spring strength 
• Trigger mechanism and magazine release
• Double-stack or single-stack design 

Let’s take a quick look at how some popular Glock clones handle Glock magazines. 

Best Mags for Ruger RXM

The Ruger RXM is designed to be fully compatible with Glock magazines, specifically those from Gen 3 and newer. Ruger now offers factory RXM configurations with both Glock 17 and 19 length grip modules. The RXM comes with Magpul PMAG GL9 magazines (capacity paired to the grip length), but it can also accept standard OEM Glock magazines and other Glock-style magazines.  

Note: Some users have reported that certain Glock magazines, particularly older ones, might cause the slide to lock back prematurely when rounds are still in the magazine.

The RXM fire control unit can be swapped into different grip modules for different lengths, textures, and colors.  Different grip modules can affect compatibility through tolerance stacking.  For example our team found that the same RXM FCU worked reliably with our magazines when installed in the factory polymer grip.  However when the same FCU was installed in an Aluminum Icarus grip, the slide would no longer lock back reliably.  The grip module was different enough that it caused the follower to not interface with the slide stop correctly.  Our extensions on Glock OEM magazines worked reliably in the same Icarus frame.

Best Mag for Derya Dy9

The Derya DY9 is designed to be compatible with Glock-pattern magazines, specifically those for the Glock 19 and Glock 17. While the DY9’s own magazines have a baseplate designed to match its flared magwell, Glock magazines will fit, though some may require a bit more force to seat properly.  Removing the flared magwell will allow the use of Glock 19 magazines without extensions or enlarged floor plates more easily.

Glock 17 magazines generally fit without issue, while some Glock 19 magazines, especially those with baseplate extensions, may require more effort.

Best Mag for PSA Dagger

The PSA Dagger is built to be compatible with Glock magazines. The PSA Dagger compact models will generally accept Glock 19 magazines (15 rounds), while longer variants may accept Glock 17 magazines (17 rounds). 

While generally compatible, some users have noted that Glock 17 magazines may sit slightly differently in the Dagger, potentially extending further out of the grip. Magazine adapters by XTech Tactical ensure a flush fit with 17-round Glock magazines. 

Lone Wolf LTD17 and LTD19

The LTD17 and LTD19 are designed to work seamlessly with Glock magazines, including those for the G17 and G19, respectively. This includes standard-capacity magazines, such as the 15-round G19 magazine and the 17-round G17 magazine, as well as extended magazines. 

While the LTD series maintains Glock magazine compatibility, it also incorporates features like a flared magwell, which may require some adjustment, especially when using extended magazines. 

Shadow Systems MR920 (Glock 19 size) and DR920 (Glock 17 size) 

The MR920 is designed to work with standard Glock 19 magazines, which typically hold 15 rounds. The magazine release on the MR920 is similar to a Gen 4 Glock 19, allowing for smooth and reliable magazine changes.

The DR920 is designed to work with standard Glock 17 magazines, which typically hold 17 rounds. The DR920 shares the frame dimensions of a Glock 17, allowing for compatibility with Glock 17 holsters.

Both the MR920 and DR920 are designed to work with standard OEM Glock magazines, and in most cases, aftermarket options from XTech Tactical are also compatible. 

What Are the Best Glock Clone Magazines? 

If you choose a more affordable Glock clone pistol, you likely want affordable magazine options as well, but with the highest reliability and functionality possible. Here are the best Glock clone magazine options. 

XTech Tactical 

• 17-7 Heat Treated, Stainless Steel Spring 
• Enhanced Baseplate with side scalloping and a proprietary polymer
• No-Stick™ Follower 
• Freedom Series Double Stack adaptable limited capacity magazines
• Free-State Adaptor™ (available if/when your state laws change or you relocate) 
• Made in the USA 
• Lifetime Warranty 

Magpul PMAG GL9 

• Durability: Magpul magazines are known for their robust construction and ability to withstand rugged use.
• Reliability: These magazines do not feature a metal liner, which can cause increased feeding friction and stress on the feed lips when stored loaded particularly in hot environments. Reliability reported by end users often depends on the environment they are used in.
• Price: Magpul magazines are generally competitively priced, making them a good value for the money. 

Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) Omega

• Translucent Design: The translucent polymer allows for easy visibility of the remaining rounds in the magazine. 
• Innovation: The Omega series features hardened steel feed lips and a unique frame design for added strength. 
• Capacity Options: ETS offers a wide range of capacities and colors to suit different needs. 

KCI Magazines

• KCI offers affordable magazines, including high-capacity drums, but some users report mixed results with reliability. 

Mec-Gar Metal Magazines

• If you prefer metal magazines, Mec-Gar is a reputable manufacturer that offers Glock-compatible options.
• Some users report compatibility issues with non Glock firearms, particularly with metal framed RXM builds.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

When choosing the best magazines for your Glock clone handgun, focus on reliability, performance, and comfort. After exploring different options, aftermarket magazines can be a fantastic way to improve your shooting experience while still working well with your gun. 

XTech Tactical stands out as a top manufacturer of high-quality magazines that are upgraded from factory models, specifically designed for Glock pistols and clones. We use high-quality materials and innovative designs to provide you with increased capacity and a better grip, all while maintaining dependability.