installing a +1 mag ext - help for a newbie, please

[bfthal]

Hi,

Would someone humor this not-mechanically inclined Glock newbie. I ordered a +1 mag extention for G36 and the armorers tool needed to remove the old plate. Would someone please give me a quick, step by step, on removing the old base plate and installing the +1. Thanks in advance. Ben

[Nine MM]

I use the following simple technique... you can find it here on the forum in other posts in greater detail but this is essentially it:

1. You need a small tool like a Glock armorers tool. http://glockparts.com/store/image/gh7r/Accessories_Glock_Armorers_Tool.jpg Any blunt tool like a 3" long small philips screwdriver or a dull nail will work but it may scratch up the insert inside the mag. I used to use the long end of an allen wrench because the end is blunt and didn't scratch anything up but I spent a few bucks and got this Glock tool shown.
2. Remove all the rounds from the mag(duh!).
3. Insert the tool in the hole in the bottom of the floorplate. You'll contact the insert and feel spring tension.
4. Push the tool and the insert all the way up.
5. With thumb and forefinger squeeze the sides of the mag body just above the floorplate in the area above each notch.
5. Take the handle of the tool and with a prying motion (or what some call a motion like trying to break a stick) pry the floor plate forward (towards the front of the mag) while still squeezing the sides of the mag. During this prying motion, the end of the tool is pressing against the inside surface of the mag.
6. Don't be gentle... firmly pry it forward and it will "pop" forward.
7. Be prepared for the spring, insert and follower to want to fly out.

That's it... I have done this many times this way. You'll see other methods suggested on the forum but this one takes one second, won't damage the mag and works great. :thumbsup:

[bfthal]

Thanks - sounds pretty simple. What's the process for installing the +1 extender once the original plate is off?

[Nine MM]

Pretty straight forward. Which brand did you buy?

[bfthal]

Believe it's a Pearce +1, (not sure because the dealer is throwing it in free because he messed up an earlier order). I'm not even sure I'm going to use it, but would like to check it out.

Thanks, Ben

[Nine MM]

The Pearce has an insert and a floorplate (pinky extension). Don't use the Glock insert. The Pearce insert goes in one way and you can see how that is if you lay the insert in the floorplate. The spring sits in the insert. When you slide on the floorplate over the insert, the button on the insert needs to show in the hole in the floorplate. If it doesn't fully pop into the hole immediately try loading and unloading the mag a few times. The button should now be fully in the hole. Don't be surprised if it is very hard to get #11 in the mag. It may get easier with time.

I stopped using the pinky extension myself on my 26. I had a Pearce 2733 on my mag. I don't shoot any better with them and they do add to the grip length and printing when pocket carrying. I did find that the recoil and shock impact on the hand when firing feels "different" when you have 3 fingers on the grip instead of just two. The impact of the backstrap on the palm is less intense and more distributed due to the extra finger on the grip. With the stock mag floorplate and two fingers I find I am relying more on the two fingers pressing the backstarp into the palm for control. Both work fine...they are just different. I opted for the smaller gun that you get without it. The extra round wasn't a big issue for me since I use G17 mags for spares... one in the car...one in the pocket. This is what works for me... only way to know what works for you is to try it...

[bfthal]

Nine,

Thanks for all the help. You're the man. I received the +1 extender today. Made by Scherer. Comes with 2 pieces - the actual grip extension and an "L" shaped piece with "front" stamped on one end. Any help you could lend in the installation of these 2 pieces would be most appreciated.

Thanks again, Ben

[bfthal]

Nine,

Disregard last post. I got it. Thanks again bro.