What is the Z-Series Dual Mag Kit?
The Z-Series Dual Mag Kit is a complete capacity upgrade solution for Glock 43 pistols, bundling three essential Shield Arms products at a money-saving price. This kit includes one Z8 flush-fit 8-round magazine, one Z9 extended 9-round magazine, and the engineered steel magazine catch optimized for both magazines. Together, these components increase your Glock 43's capacity by up to 50% while maintaining the reliability and concealability that makes the G43 a premier concealed carry pistol.
Kit Includes:
The Complete Glock 43 Capacity Solution
The Glock 43 revolutionized single-stack concealed carry with its slim profile and legendary reliability, but its 6-round capacity left many carriers wanting more. The Z-Series Dual Mag Kit solves this limitation comprehensively. By providing both flush-fit and extended magazines along with the required steel catch, this kit gives you the flexibility to carry 8 rounds flush for maximum concealability or 9 rounds extended for enhanced capacity—all while maintaining the slim, single-stack profile that makes the G43 so carriable.
Unlike aftermarket magazines that compromise reliability for capacity, Shield Arms Z-Series magazines are precision-machined from heat-treated steel and engineered to exacting tolerances. The steel construction allows for thinner magazine walls compared to polymer, creating room for additional rounds without increasing external dimensions. The Z8 maintains the exact flush-fit profile of OEM magazines while adding 2 rounds, while the Z9 matches the footprint of a standard pinky extension magazine while delivering 3 additional rounds. Both magazines feed reliably with all ammunition types and function flawlessly with the included steel magazine catch.
Designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA with American steel and precision machining, the Z-Series Dual Mag Kit represents Shield Arms' commitment to enhancing your defensive capabilities without compromising reliability. Every component undergoes rigorous testing and quality control to ensure it meets the demanding standards required for concealed carry applications. This isn't just about more rounds—it's about having those rounds when it matters most, with confidence they'll feed reliably.
Key Features
- Complete System Solution: Includes flush and extended magazines plus optimized catch—everything needed for capacity upgrade
- Bundle Savings: Save money compared to purchasing components individually
- 50% Capacity Increase: Z9 provides 9 rounds vs. OEM's 6—three additional rounds in the same extended footprint
- 33% Flush-Fit Increase: Z8 delivers 8 rounds while maintaining OEM flush profile for maximum concealability
- Precision Steel Construction: Heat-treated steel magazines with thinner walls enable additional capacity without increased size
- Optimized Magazine Catch: Engineered steel catch designed specifically for Z-Series magazines ensures positive lock and reliable function
- Ambidextrous Design: Low-profile textured button works for both right and left-handed shooters
- Carry Flexibility: Choose flush Z8 for deep concealment or extended Z9 for maximum capacity based on carry conditions
- Made in USA: American manufacturing with precision machining and rigorous quality control
- Lifetime Warranty: All three components backed by Shield Arms' unconditional lifetime warranty
Understanding the Z-Series Advantage
The innovation behind Z-Series magazines lies in material science and precision engineering. Polymer magazines require thick walls to maintain structural integrity, limiting internal capacity. Steel construction allows Shield Arms to reduce wall thickness significantly while maintaining strength and durability. This means the Z8 can fit 8 rounds in the same external dimensions as a 6-round polymer magazine, and the Z9 can pack 9 rounds into the footprint typically occupied by 7-round extended magazines. The result is genuinely increased capacity without the bulk that would compromise concealability—the core advantage that makes single-stack pistols appealing for daily carry.
Kit Components Detailed
Z8 Magazine - Flush-Fit Capacity
The Z8 magazine delivers 8 rounds of 9mm capacity while maintaining the exact flush-fit profile of factory Glock 43 magazines. This makes it ideal for maximum concealability when deep concealment is the priority. The magazine sits flush with the grip, creating no printing or bulk, yet provides 33% more capacity than OEM. Perfect for appendix carry, pocket carry, or any situation where a completely flush magazine is preferred. The Z8 uses the same precision steel construction and heat treatment as all Shield Arms magazines, ensuring reliability that matches or exceeds OEM performance.
Z9 Magazine - Extended Capacity
The Z9 magazine provides 9 rounds—a full 50% capacity increase over factory Glock 43 magazines. The magazine features an integrated pinky extension that matches the footprint of standard extended baseplates while delivering superior capacity. This extension improves grip purchase and control, particularly beneficial for shooters with larger hands who find the standard G43 grip too short. The Z9 is ideal for range use, home defense applications, or everyday carry when you prioritize capacity over absolute minimal profile. Despite holding 9 rounds, the Z9 maintains the slim single-stack width that makes the G43 so concealable.
Standard Z-Series Magazine Catch
The included steel magazine catch is engineered specifically for Shield Arms Z-Series magazines, featuring geometry optimized for the steel magazine body. While Glock's polymer catch works adequately with polymer magazines, the steel-on-steel interface of the Z-Series catch and magazines provides superior durability and positive lock-up. The ambidextrous button features low-profile texturing that's easy to activate when needed but won't snag on clothing during concealed carry. The catch installs easily using standard Glock armorer tools and requires no permanent modifications to your pistol.
Technical Specifications
| Component |
Specifications |
| Z8 Magazine |
8-round capacity, flush-fit profile, heat-treated steel construction |
| Z9 Magazine |
9-round capacity, extended with pinky extension, heat-treated steel construction |
| Magazine Catch |
Engineered steel, ambidextrous, low-profile textured button |
| Compatible Models |
Glock 43 (all generations) |
| Caliber |
9x19mm |
| OEM Capacity |
6 rounds |
| Capacity Increase |
Z8: +2 rounds (33%), Z9: +3 rounds (50%) |
| Construction |
Precision-machined heat-treated steel |
| Finish |
Durable black coating |
| Country of Origin |
Made in USA |
| Warranty |
Lifetime Warranty on all components |
Installation and Setup
Installing the Z-Series Dual Mag Kit is straightforward and requires no permanent modifications to your Glock 43. The magazine catch can be installed in minutes using simple tools. Detailed installation instructions are available on our website, and the process is identical to installing any Glock magazine catch.
For detailed installation guidance and video tutorials, visit our Installation Guides page.
Why Bundle Makes Sense
Purchasing the Z-Series Dual Mag Kit provides several advantages beyond simple cost savings. First, it ensures compatibility—all components are designed to work together optimally. Second, it provides carry flexibility from day one. You can carry the flush Z8 when deep concealment is paramount, switch to the extended Z9 when capacity takes priority, or carry one of each for reload versatility. Third, bundling saves time—you get everything needed in one purchase rather than ordering components separately. Finally, the kit represents significant savings compared to individual component pricing, making the complete upgrade more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the steel magazine catch to use Z-Series magazines?
While Z-Series magazines will function with the factory polymer catch, the steel catch is strongly recommended for optimal performance and durability. The steel catch is engineered specifically for Z-Series magazines and provides superior lock-up and longevity. The catch is included in this kit because it's an essential component of the complete Z-Series system.
Will these magazines work in my Glock 43X or 48?
No, the Z-Series magazines are designed specifically for the Glock 43. For Glock 43X and 48 pistols, Shield Arms offers the S15 magazine system, which provides 15-round capacity. The different frame dimensions and magazine wells between G43 and G43X/48 require different magazine designs.
How much capacity increase does this kit provide?
The Z8 increases capacity from 6 to 8 rounds (33% increase) in a flush profile. The Z9 increases capacity from 6 to 9 rounds (50% increase) in an extended profile. Compared to Glock's own extended 7-round magazines, the Z9 still provides 2 additional rounds in the same footprint. This means you gain 3-5 extra rounds of defensive ammunition depending on your carry configuration.
Are steel magazines as reliable as polymer?
Yes. Shield Arms Z-Series magazines undergo extensive testing and have proven reliability across thousands of rounds in both customer and professional use. The precision machining and heat-treated steel construction actually provides more consistent geometry than injection-molded polymer, contributing to reliable feeding. Shield Arms backs this confidence with a lifetime warranty.
Will the extended Z9 magazine print more when carrying?
The Z9 adds length equivalent to a standard pinky extension, which many G43 carriers already use for improved grip. Whether it prints more depends on your body type, carry position, and clothing. Many carriers find the slight additional length worth the 50% capacity increase, particularly since the magazine maintains the slim single-stack profile. The kit includes both flush and extended options so you can choose based on your carry conditions each day.
Can I use OEM Glock magazines with the Shield Arms catch?
Yes, the Shield Arms magazine catch is compatible with both Z-Series magazines and factory Glock magazines. This allows you to mix magazine types if desired, though we recommend using Z-Series magazines exclusively to realize the full capacity benefits. The catch geometry is optimized for steel magazines but functions properly with polymer as well.
How do I know which magazine to carry?
This depends on your priorities for that day. The flush Z8 is ideal when deep concealment is critical—professional environments, formal wear, or situations where printing is unacceptable. The extended Z9 is better when you can accommodate slightly more length and want maximum capacity—casual dress, jacket weather, or situations where capacity matters more than minimal profile. Many carriers keep both and choose daily based on clothing and activity.
Do these magazines require special maintenance?
No. Z-Series magazines require the same basic maintenance as any quality magazine: periodic cleaning, inspection of the follower and spring, and verification of proper function. Simply keep them clean, inspect them regularly, and they'll provide reliable service for decades. Shield Arms also offers the "Spring for Life" guarantee, providing free replacement springs for the life of the magazine.
Will steel magazines damage my polymer frame?
No. The magazine well on Glock pistols is designed to handle the impact and wear of magazine insertion and removal. Steel magazines have been used in polymer-framed pistols for decades without causing damage. The Shield Arms magazines are precision-machined to proper tolerances and won't cause any more wear than factory magazines. Glock frames are extremely durable and will outlast multiple sets of magazines regardless of material.
What warranty coverage does this kit include?
All three components in the Z-Series Dual Mag Kit are covered by Shield Arms' 100% lifetime warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Additionally, the magazines are covered by our "Spring for Life" guarantee, providing free replacement springs for as long as you own the magazines. This comprehensive warranty coverage ensures your investment is protected.
Who Should Buy the Z-Series Dual Mag Kit?
- Glock 43 Owners: Anyone who carries or owns a Glock 43 and wants to maximize defensive capacity without increasing pistol size
- Concealed Carry Practitioners: Daily carriers who need the flexibility to choose between flush concealment and maximum capacity based on dress and environment
- First-Time Upgraders: G43 owners making their first capacity upgrade who want a complete, proven system rather than piece-by-piece purchases
- Backup Gun Carriers: Law enforcement and armed professionals who carry the G43 as a backup and want maximum capacity in their secondary pistol
- Value-Conscious Buyers: Those who want complete system compatibility and bundle savings rather than paying full price for individual components
- Professional Carriers: Armed security, private investigators, and other professionals who carry concealed for work and need reliable capacity enhancement
- Competition Shooters: IDPA and other competitive shooters using Glock 43 who want maximum capacity for backup gun division matches
- Home Defenders: Those who use the G43 for home defense and want increased capacity without upgrading to a larger pistol
- Minimalists: Carriers who want one compact pistol that does everything—deep concealment when needed, adequate capacity when possible
The Single-Stack Capacity Paradox—Solved
Single-stack pistols like the Glock 43 exist because of a fundamental trade-off: maximum concealability requires minimal width, but minimal width traditionally means limited capacity. For years, this forced carriers to choose between carrying a thin, easily concealed 6-shot pistol or upgrading to a wider double-stack design with more capacity but reduced concealability. The Z-Series Dual Mag Kit breaks this paradigm. By leveraging steel's strength-to-thickness ratio and precision manufacturing tolerances, Shield Arms has created magazines that increase capacity by 33-50% without increasing width or significantly affecting length. You no longer have to choose between concealment and capacity—you can have both.
Made in USA with Comprehensive Warranty
Every component in the Z-Series Dual Mag Kit is designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States using American steel and American labor. This ensures consistent quality control, precise tolerances, and manufacturing standards that meet the demanding requirements of defensive applications. All three components are backed by Shield Arms' 100% lifetime warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, and the magazines additionally benefit from our "Spring for Life" guarantee providing free replacement springs for life. This comprehensive warranty coverage demonstrates our confidence in these products and our commitment to supporting them unconditionally.
Related Products & Accessories
- Additional Z8 Magazines: Add more Z8 flush-fit magazines to your rotation for maximum concealability across all your carry magazines
- Additional Z9 Magazines: Stock up on Z9 extended magazines for range use, home defense, or when capacity is the priority
- S-Series Magazine System: If you own or are considering a Glock 43X or 48, explore our S15 magazine system for 15-round capacity
- Magazine Accessories: Consider magazine extensions, baseplates, and carrying solutions to optimize your setup
- Holsters: Ensure your holster accommodates the Z9's extended length if you plan to carry the extended magazine
Note: The Z-Series Dual Mag Kit is designed specifically for Glock 43 pistols. Always verify your local and state laws regarding magazine capacity before purchasing. Some jurisdictions restrict magazine capacity regardless of pistol model. Installation requires basic Glock disassembly knowledge and appropriate tools. Test all magazines thoroughly with your carry ammunition before relying on them for defensive use.
