The video takes place at SHOT Show 2026 at the Shield Arms booth, where the host highlights a new product line worth a closer look. Shield Arms representative Wes introduces the DS series of Glock-compatible steel magazines. The focus is on offering increased capacity while maintaining a flush fit profile with the pistol frame. The discussion centers on how these magazines retain the same overall length as standard factory magazines, keeping the familiar form and function that Glock users expect. The host notes that this segment is separate from longer-form coverage to specifically showcase this new DS-series development from Shield Arms.
Wes explains that the new magazine line is called the DS series, with the DS20 designed for Glock 17-size pistols and the DS18 for Glock 19-size pistols. The DS20 provides 20 rounds in a form factor comparable to a standard 17-round Glock 17 magazine, remaining flush with the frame. Similarly, the DS18 is sized for the Glock 19 format while offering increased capacity over the OEM magazine. Shield Arms plans to offer magazine extensions as well, but the core feature is a plus-three capacity increase over factory magazines while still fitting flush. The host emphasizes that this goes beyond another company’s 18-round design by adding two more rounds in the same general footprint.
The conversation turns to reliability, addressing concerns about whether increasing capacity in a flush fit design affects performance compared to standard Glock magazines. Wes states that users can expect the same reliability associated with existing Shield Arms products. The host references Shield Arms’ S15 magazine, which is already in use in a concealed carry Glock 43X, as an example of the company’s track record. The implication is that the DS20 and DS18 are engineered to maintain dependable feeding and function despite the higher round count, positioning them as a higher-capacity alternative to other extended-capacity Glock-compatible magazines on the market.
Using the S15 magazine for the Glock 43X as a reference, the host asks whether the new DS-series magazines require an aluminum magazine catch. Wes confirms that, as with the S15, Shield Arms recommends replacing the factory polymer magazine catch with an aluminum version when using these steel magazines. He notes that attempts were made to avoid this requirement, but reliability suffers without the upgrade. The discussion also touches on long-term wear, with Wes explaining that steel magazines will eventually wear down polymer catches, and even some aluminum catches over time, making a steel-on-steel or steel-on-aluminum interface preferable for durability and consistent retention.
Attention shifts to a Glock pistol on display that features a Shield Arms magwell, described jokingly as a “Glock Gen 6” setup. Wes confirms that this magwell is a new product expected to be released soon and notes that its pricing will be comparable to Shield Arms’ existing Gen 5 Glock magwells, which are described as being just over one hundred dollars. When asked about pricing for the DS20 and DS18 magazines, Wes explains that the MSRP will be very similar to the existing S15 magazine, though final pricing has not yet been set. The segment closes with appreciation for Shield Arms’ ongoing product development and the prototype magwell concept.
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