When GLOCK introduced its long-awaited sub-compact 9mm G43 to the U.S. market, naysayers were not impressed. “It’s too late to the party!” they cried, as if GLOCK’s commercial caution had offended the gods of free market capitalism. The more serious complaint: the G43 packs fewer rounds than comparable compacts like, say, the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield.
While some viewed the G43’s capacity as a deficiency, others saw as an opportunity. G43 owners can choose from a half dozen or so options to increase the gun’s compliment of personal defense pills. Among the best (and most affordable): Strike Industries’ EMP+2 Enhanced Magazine Plate.
By now you’ve probably already cleverly deduced that the EMP+2 lets you load two more rounds in your stock G43 magazines. Why is this extension different from all other extensions? SI’s +2 extension blends in with the rest of the gun. Ish. The polymer EMP+2 nicely mimics the G43’s grip texture and general appearance. It also smoothly continues the grip’s general contour for a comfortable hold.
Installation’s as easy — or not — as any any other pinky or magazine capacity extension. Simply depress the locking plate pin, slide the stock baseplate off (keeping your finger on the spring so it doesn’t launch into space), replace the locking plate with the new one SI supplies and slip on the EMP+2.
Some other competing models come with their own spring and/or floor plate and at least one competitor requires a mag mod (by removing a couple of tabs on the mag). The EMP+2 keeps installation as simple as possible.
The only downside of the EMP+2: it’s the largest of the G43 +2 options out there. If you have big paws, that’s a good thing; the EMP+2 provides a comfy, full grip on your gun without any dangling digits.
The obvious downside: the added length makes your pistol less concealable. If you pack you G43 in an outside-the-waistband holster covered by an un-tucked shirt, no problemo. Otherwise, problemo grande.
Unless you have kangaroo-sized pockets, loading an EMP+2-equipped mag in your G43 pretty much eliminates pocket carry as an option If, like me, you sometimes carry IWB with your shirt tucked in, your modified G43 will print like a HP Deskjet. In those situations, I load a mag with just a pinky extension (or flush bottom) and carry the EMP+2 as a spare. That gives me a very reasonable 15 rounds of parabellum dissuasion.
The EMP+2 is a sensible, affordable, easy-to-install addition to a small gun that’s famous for its minimalism. While it makes the G43 a little more difficult to conceal, it provides a better grip for less gripes.
Specifications: Strike Industries EMP+2 Magazine Extension for GLOCK 43
Capacity: +2 increasing standard magazine capacity to eight rounds
Construction: Polymer
Price: $11.95
Ratings (out of five stars):
Fit and Finish: * * * * *
Well-made and nicely finished polymer that’s in keeping with the G43’s look and feel.
Reliability: * * * * *
The EMP+2 comes with its own locking plate and uses the standard GLOCK magazine spring. It never failed to feed the last few rounds in the stack over hundreds of rounds.
Value: * * * * *
It gives you two more rounds for the lowest price among the half dozen or so +2 options out there.
Overall: * * * *
You get a 33 percent increase in capacity and a better grip in an attractive, very affordable package. And it works every time. As long as you’re OK with the added length, you’re good to stow.