Quick Answer: What's the Best Glock Extended Mag Release?
The Glock Extended Magazine Catch is the best overall. It's made by Glock, guaranteed to fit, stupidly affordable, and extended just enough to help you more reliably eject your magazine. For aluminum construction, the Hyve Technologies is the best budget option.
- Glock Extended Magazine Catch Best Overall
- TangoDown Vickers Tactical Low Profile
- Hyve Technologies Budget Aluminum
If you're looking to upgrade your Glock controls with the best extended mag release, I'd quickly ask you to check out the Glock Extended Magazine Catch. It's made by Glock, and it's my overall best mag release by a wide margin.
If you own or use a Glock, then the GEMC is something you mustn't overlook. It is a more efficient and reliable magazine release than others in the category, designed for easy installation and faster magazine change due to its textured surface.
Made from high-quality materials, this extended mag release is quite durable and can endure tough conditions. With its ergonomic design and superior performance, it's easy to see why this magazine catch is the best extended release on the market. Keep reading to see what others made the list.
Comparison Table
| # | Mag Release | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glock Extended Magazine Catch | Polymer (OEM) | Best overall |
| 2 | TangoDown Vickers Tactical | Polymer | Low profile |
| 3 | Hyve Technologies | Aluminum | Budget aluminum |
| 4 | Cruxord Mag Release | Aluminum | Low profile aluminum |
| 5 | Strike Industries | Polymer + Aluminum caps | Modular |
| 6 | Tyrant Designs | Aluminum | Value |
| 7 | Agency Arms | Aluminum | OEM aluminum |
| 8 | Zev Technologies | Aluminum | Oversized |
The Best Glock Extended Mag Release Reviews
Overall best is up first. The rest are sorted by price—most affordable near the top.
1. Glock Extended Magazine Catch
“Extended just enough, stupidly affordable, and guaranteed to fit. Does the job and nothing else.”
Pros
- ✓Extended just enough to make releasing easier
- ✓Front edge slightly rounded to reduce snagging
- ✓Retains the exact same feel as stock
- ✓Made by Glock — guaranteed to fit
- ✓Really inexpensive
Cons
- ✗Basically just a stock release, but a tiny bit bigger
This is a pretty boring overall best. But the price is right. The Glock Extended Magazine Catch is the stock release extended by almost a millimeter (.75mm, to be exact). It's easier to press and takes less effort to eject your magazine. The front edge is slightly more rounded to reduce snag potential. It feels the same as the stock release, but easier. And it's stupidly affordable.
2. TangoDown Vickers Tactical Glock Extended Magazine Release
“A more positive purchase on the release button without needing to modify your holster.”
Pros
- ✓Super low profile — won't snag or interfere with holster
- ✓Extended just enough to release with less effort
- ✓Looks similar to stock to maintain classic aesthetic
Cons
- ✗Doesn't make releasing a ton easier
- ✗Seems to require some break-in
One of the best values for the money. The extended portion is a raised bump—minimal enough that you won't need to modify or change your holster. It won't engage and unintentionally release your magazine when you lay your gun down. It seems to have a break-in period—felt a bit stiffer at first but got easier with use.
3. Hyve Technologies Glock Extended Magazine Release
“Makes releasing your magazine extremely easy. Super crisp engagement when you insert a fresh mag.”
Pros
- ✓Super easy magazine release
- ✓Crisp engagement when inserting fresh mag
- ✓Extended portion is scalloped — doesn't interfere with grip
- ✓Very well-priced for aluminum
Cons
- ✗Requires holster that accommodates extended release
- ✗Magazine can be unintentionally released when laying gun down
One of my favorite aluminum releases. Aluminum flexes less than polymer, so you don't push through any mush—giving both a very easy release and a super crisp engagement when you insert a magazine. The scalloped extended portion means you can't feel it under your hand when you have a good firing grip. One of the most affordable aluminum releases on the market.
4. Cruxord Mag Release for Glock
“An aluminum release that interferes as little as possible with your firing grip and holster.”
Pros
- ✓Rounded face makes it easier to reach and press
- ✓Slim enough to keep your current holster
- ✓Unlikely to unintentionally release magazine
- ✓Aluminum for positive release and engagement
Cons
- ✗May not be extended enough for some preferences
Shaped similarly to the Vickers Tactical with a rounded face. The aluminum makes it feel a bit easier to press since it doesn't flex or bend. A very affordable aluminum release with high performance per dollar and very little interference when you're not reloading.
5. Strike Industries Glock Magazine Release
“The only mag release that lets you change the shape of your release button.”
Pros
- ✓Comes with 2 interchangeable button caps (standard + enlarged)
- ✓Aluminum caps on polymer body — less magazine wear
- ✓Aggressively ridged surface for positive feel
- ✓Very affordable
Cons
- ✗Two-piece design — screw could come loose
- ✗Polymer lockup slightly less crisp than full aluminum
One of the few releases that lets you configure the shape. Comes with 2 aluminum button caps: standard and enlarged. The polymer body flexes slightly less than pure polymer but wears your magazines less than full metal. Both caps have an aggressively ridged surface. Consider a dab of thread locker on the screw once you pick your favorite cap.
6. Tyrant Designs Glock Gen4/Gen5 Extended Magazine Release
“Well-designed with chamfered edges that reduce magazine wear and make reloads smoother.”
Pros
- ✓Takes light pressure to release
- ✓Chamfered internal edges — easier to release and lock
- ✓Chamfering reduces wear on magazines
- ✓Aggressive button texturing for positive feel
- ✓Scalloped extension — doesn't interfere with grip
Cons
- ✗Chamfering makes lockup feel slightly mushy until fully engaged
Might look standard but has nice details. The aluminum is super rigid, requiring very little pressure to release. The chamfered internal edges make it easier to release and lock your magazine while reducing wear. The aggressive button texturing gives a positive tactile feel. The scalloped extended portion stays out of the way during shooting. Great value for an aluminum release.
7. Agency Arms Extended Magazine Release
“Shaped like the OEM extended release, but aluminum. Lighter press, crisper lockup.”
Pros
- ✓Aluminum — slightly lighter press to release
- ✓Super secure lockup with satisfying pop on insertion
- ✓Same texture and shape as OEM release
- ✓Reduced snagging potential
Cons
- ✗Not reversible — left or right-hand model only
Shaped almost exactly the same as the Glock OEM extended release, but aluminum. The aluminum flexes less, so you need a slightly lighter press. The lockup is super secure with a satisfying pop when you seat a fresh magazine. The only difference from OEM is that it's not reversible—you get a left or right-handed model. A small issue for most shooters.
8. Zev Technologies Extended Magazine Release for Glock
“The easiest mag release to reach, regardless of your grip or hand size.”
Pros
- ✓Aluminum — fairly light press to release
- ✓Enlarged button — easy to reach without shifting grip
- ✓Scaled texturing for excellent tactile feel
- ✓Mostly stays out of the way when shooting
Cons
- ✗You can feel it under your hands when shooting
- ✗A bit expensive for a reversible aluminum catch
One of the most popular extended releases because the enlarged button side makes it easier to reach without shifting your firing grip. You can reload and get back on target faster. Zev says the enlarged button won't interfere with your grip—technically true, but you can feel it under your hands when shooting. The texturing is excellent though. A bit pricey, but the juice is worth the squeeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an extended mag release on my Glock?
Not required, but it helps you more reliably release your magazine without compromising your firing grip — especially if you have small hands. It's one of the most affordable Glock upgrades.
Polymer or aluminum mag release — which is better?
Aluminum is more rigid (less mush when pressing), gives crisper engagement, and is more durable. Polymer is lighter, cheaper, and wears your magazines less. For EDC, polymer saves weight. For range/competition, aluminum feels better.
Will an extended mag release interfere with my holster?
Low-profile options (Glock OEM, Vickers, Cruxord) work with standard holsters. Larger options (Hyve, Zev) may require a holster with more clearance around the mag release.
Can an extended mag release cause accidental mag drops?
Larger extensions (Hyve, Zev) can unintentionally release the magazine if you lay the gun on its side. Low-profile options are less prone to this. It's a tradeoff between ease of access and accidental activation.
Final Verdict
The standard Glock mag release is streamlined and unobtrusive, but a slightly extended release can help you more reliably eject your magazine without compromising your grip. The Glock Extended Magazine Catch is the best overall—super affordable, made by Glock, and does the job without fuss. For aluminum, the Hyve Technologies is the best budget option. And for the easiest reach, the Zev Technologies oversized release is hard to beat.
If you're still flipping your Glock sideways to reach the magazine release, it's time to stop doing that. Get an extended mag release. Then shoot and reload faster.
Our #1 Pick: Glock Extended Magazine Catch
Made by Glock, guaranteed to fit, stupidly affordable. Does the job without fuss or frills.
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