Glock now offers factory OEM metal magazines for the 43X and 48 pistols. This upped the capacity from 10 rounds in the previous polymer magazines to 15. Of course, Shield Arms had offered the S15 magazine for years, so it was about time Glock followed suit.
However, there is one problem—the polymer magazine release. Over time, a steel magazine’s catch window can wear down the polymer release.
Shield solved this by offering a drop-in replacement metal release. Unfortunately, that release will not work with the new OEM metal magazines.
XTech Tactical, a firearm magazine and accessory manufacturer, solved the problem with the X-Catch FX, which XTech says is the only steel magazine release that works with both Glock OEM and Shield S15 metal magazines.
Specs
XTech found that Glock’s stamped-steel 15-round magazine is about .020″ wider than its polymer 10-round, and its formed dimple varies from mag to mag. Paired with a warped, injection-molded factory release, drop-free is inconsistent.
The standard specs are as follows:
| Specification | XTech X-Catch FX |
|---|---|
| Model | X-Catch FX |
| Compatibility | Glock 43X and 48 only |
| Material | Steel |
| Hand | Reversible for right- and left-handed shooters |
| Weight | 0.3 oz |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| MSRP | $39.95 |
Features
XTech Tactical’s X-CATCH FX is an all-steel, extended magazine release designed for the Glock 43X and 48, with compatibility for both Glock OEM 15-round and Shield Arms S15 magazines. Machined from steel to eliminate molding inconsistencies, the release is dimensioned to accommodate variations in magazine width while resisting wear from steel magazine catch windows.
Its proprietary beveled, tumbled engagement face also helps minimize wear on polymer magazines. The extended button allows release from anywhere on its face, and the reversible design supports left- or right-handed installation using the factory spring. It also accepts Glock OEM 10-round and PSA 15-round magazines, although these are not recommended for primary use.
Zooming Out
The X-Catch FX is made in the USA, carries a lifetime warranty, and has an MSRP of $39.95. XTech also notes that this is the first in a new series of aftermarket magazine releases. It’s great to see a company like XTech offering solutions to real-world shooting problems.
For more new release news, head over to the CADRE Dispatch.
