XTech's Steel Release Fixes Glock/Shield Arms Mag Compatibility Mess

Glock 43X and 48 owners running Shield Arms S15 magazines have had to choose between a steel release that chews up and a polymer catch that gets chewed up — XTech Tactical says its new X-CATCH FX ends that trade-off.

Snapshot

XTech Tactical has launched the X-CATCH FX, a machined-steel extended magazine release built to run both Glock's OEM 15-round magazines and Shield Arms S15 mags in the same 43X or 48. TheFirearmBlog reports the part solves a real fitment headache: Glock's new 15-rounder is wider and inconsistent enough that existing steel releases, and even factory polymer ones, struggle with it.

Key points

• The problem: steel S15 magazines wear out polymer releases, but existing steel releases won't reliably accept Glock's wider OEM 15-round magazine and can lock it in place if forced.
• The fix: machined steel construction (no molding warp) dimensioned to cover the width range of both magazine types, plus a beveled, tumbled face meant to reduce wear on polymer mags.
• Usability: the extended button releases from anywhere on its face rather than just the front edge, is reversible for left- or right-handed shooters, and installs with the factory spring.
• Compatibility caveat: it also accepts Glock OEM 10-round and PSA 15-round mags, though XTech doesn't recommend it for primary use with those polymer magazines.
• Price and backing: MSRP $39.95, lifetime warranty, available now at xtechtactical.com, with XTech's own 43X/48 magazines reportedly coming next.

Quick take

This is a straightforward parts-compatibility fix rather than a flashy upgrade, which is exactly the kind of gear news worth forty bucks and five minutes of attention if you're juggling mag brands on a 43X or 48. Whether the engagement face actually spares polymer mags long-term is something only time and use will confirm.

Read the full story: thefirearmblog.com