FTCS +3 Glock Base Pad

FTCS from Poland is better known for its exquisite AK accessories, but they also do other things. For example, the +3 base pad for Glock magazines. Today we want to take a detailed look at the variant for the GLOCK 17 magazine.

Many base plates that increase magazine capacity by two rounds are available on the market, even from GLOCK itself. FTCS has gone one step further and made a +3 base. This brings the maximum magazine capacity to exactly 20 rounds, which is the highest amount currently permitted by law (in Europe at least). The part is machined from aluminum and coated with Cerakote.

Assembly

To be honest, the assembly is not entirely trivial, as you need to drive a retaining pin through. So you will need a hammer and a 3mm punch for retaining pins. Otherwise, you will damage the retaining pin, just like we did on our first attempt. We just struck it with the hammer.

Our tip is to first lightly oil the hole and the retaining pin. Then, from the top side, completely hammer the pin in. This way, you can lay the base pad evenly on the table and hammer vertically (perpendicular) to the table.

Then slide the FTCS +3 base pad on and gently hammer the pin about one millimeter out from underneath.

It should look something like this. If you push the pin out too far, it may be that the magazine does not engage when used with a magwell. Disassembling for cleaning is then easier, as the retaining pin is already in.

Notes

We have two practical tips for you. First, GLOCK magazine bases are a bit special to remove, especially the first time. We printed a simple tool, but it's also available for purchase.

Second tip, get a GLOCK +2 magazine spring. If your magazines are still very new, the new 20-round magazine works great with the 17-round spring, but it doesn't have to be this way. We tried it with a total of six magazines using the 17 spring; everything worked fine with four, but two encountered feeding issues. So we decided to upgrade all magazines.

Usage

Once you have successfully completed the most challenging part, the assembly, the FTCS +3 base pads are a real joy. They are just a bit longer than classic GLOCK 17 magazines, but the three extra rounds are noticeable.

Especially in longer stages where you have to shoot more than 35 rounds, you save yourself a reload once and thus precious time.

Conclusion

The FTCS +3 base pad for GLOCK 17 magazines is a real gain in our eyes. The only thing that slightly clouds the overall impression is the assembly, but you improve over time. Once mounted, the FTCS +3 base pad holds incredibly firm. The Cerakote holds well, but due to falling on the ground, it naturally wears off at the corners and edges. We like the used look. With the 17+2 spring, we had no problems after over 500 rounds with it. The feeding always worked smoothly.

There is also a version for GLOCK 19 magazines, which will give you a total of 18 rounds.

The FTCS +3 base pad is available, for example, at TACSTORE from 44.95 EURO, or at SPECSHOP from 41.32 Euro