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AR15.COM
1/4/2017 11:12:55 AM EDT
I would have posted this in the original ZEV Pro Magwell thread I found, but it's archived.

I'm not big on firearm modifications in the sense of changing everything possible. However, I do modify my firearm in ways that offer significant increases in performance.
I've been on the fence about magwells for a long time. They are most certainly a performance upgrade, but it was not until recently that manufacturers began making them suitable for concealed carry. ZEV has been a leader in Glock performance upgrades for years, and they have recently delved into the concealed carry market by introducing the ZEV Pro Magwell.

I took my time researching the various offerings for carry magwells and decided to stick with ZEV for a few reasons:

    The ZEV Pro Magwell is a one-piece design.
    The magwell opening is much larger than any of the competitors.
    The magwell is capable of using any Glock OEM basepad or aftermarket basepad (except for Vickers base pads).
    It does not add a sharp angle to the bottom of the backstrap, like the RCS Freya magwell and others do.

So far, my initial impressions are that this is a quality magwell with a very well thought out design. I've used magwells on a few open guns and this carry version works just as well as you would expect from a full sized magwell.








I verified that the Vickers base pads are not compatible with the magwell. Fortunately for me, all of my Vickers pads are on 17 mags, and all of my 19 mags are OEM.


1/4/2017 11:20:28 AM EDT
[#1]
Looks slick, I am considering one. I am not a fan of massive upgrades either but I started USPSA about a month ago and with the time change our hours are at night now.

Reloading smoothly 3 times in a stage while moving is way harder than when I practice in my living room
1/4/2017 9:25:27 PM EDT
[#2]
I really like the way it looks....it's not big and obnoxious.

Not trying to hi Jack but,
I see on there website it says; gen 4 back strap will need to be modified, has anyone done this?
Modification doesn't bother me at all, I kind of like it.
1/5/2017 8:11:19 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Quoted:
I really like the way it looks....it's not big and obnoxious.

Not trying to hi Jack but,
I see on there website it says; gen 4 back strap will need to be modified, has anyone done this?
Modification doesn't bother me at all, I kind of like it.
View Quote


The backstrap has to be cut shorter or drilled for the screw to fit through it.





http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_5_13/164071_Zevtech_Pro_Magwell__My_Thoughts.html
1/6/2017 6:58:56 PM EDT
[#4]
I've been thinking about getting one of these as, like you said, they are one of the best concealable magwells available and comes from a very reliable company. My only thing I am hesitant about is how on some frames there is a gap between the top-back of the mag well and the bottom, rear angled part of the frame...there doesn't;t seem to be one here, but I have seen it on others.

If I knew it wouldn't have the gap on mine, I would probably get it. I would just have to see if it still fit my frame since I stippled it all the way to the bottom.

Anyone else have this magwell and a fully stippled frame under it that could shed some light?
1/6/2017 7:02:10 PM EDT
[#5]
Also, I am pretty sure Vickers baseplates are one of the only commonly used aftermarket baseplates that won't fit. I've seen more out there that are nowhere as popular that won't fit either, but again they are rarely seen in the wild.
1/9/2017 8:51:52 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
I've been thinking about getting one of these as, like you said, they are one of the best concealable magwells available and comes from a very reliable company. My only thing I am hesitant about is how on some frames there is a gap between the top-back of the mag well and the bottom, rear angled part of the frame...there doesn't;t seem to be one here, but I have seen it on others.

If I knew it wouldn't have the gap on mine, I would probably get it. I would just have to see if it still fit my frame since I stippled it all the way to the bottom.

Anyone else have this magwell and a fully stippled frame under it that could shed some light?
View Quote


IIRC, the ZEV photo that shows the gap is on a Gen 4 frame. Since the magwell is a "universal" fit, it may fit differently on the Gen 4 frame than the Gen 3 frames (like mine).

I was hesitant at first, as you were, but I figured if it didn't fit properly, I could return it for a refund.
1/10/2017 12:25:18 AM EDT
[#7]
I have two of these and like them a lot.
1/10/2017 12:51:17 AM EDT
[#8]
Agreed. I only have one (on a Dragonfly) but it's really nice in both fit-and-finish and functionality. Quality product.
1/10/2017 8:42:59 PM EDT
[#9]
I had one and loved it, but eventually sold it because it wouldn't take the Vickers base plates.
I went with Agency's magwells instead because they accept the Vickers.
1/11/2017 11:12:00 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
I really like the way it looks....it's not big and obnoxious.

Not trying to hi Jack but,
I see on there website it says; gen 4 back strap will need to be modified, has anyone done this?
Modification doesn't bother me at all, I kind of like it.
View Quote



G17 with the large back strap modified for the zev magwell

The back strap was shortened and the lower back (where the screw goes) was sanded/buffed down a bit.


1/11/2017 11:28:21 PM EDT
[#11]
DAVE_M , could you OR Anyone else who gas the ZEV Pro Magwell on a Gen4 G19

PLEASE post a pic or 2 of the Back & Back Bottom, I'd like to see the Gap that has been discussed.

Tanks in advance.
1/12/2017 5:26:49 AM EDT
[#12]
Interesting, I like the low-profile style.  What irks me a little is the size of the screw sticking out the back.  Is it that large or are my eyes playing tricks on me?  Also, the fact I'd have to modify the grip for it to work is also a bit of a turn-off.  Ultimately, I'd like to play with one before issuing a final verdict.

As of now, I'll stick with my Agency magwell.    
1/12/2017 1:29:48 PM EDT
[#13]
Would this be gtg for competition, or is the mouth not as big as the older Zev?
1/12/2017 3:46:40 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote History
Quoted:
Interesting, I like the low-profile style.  What irks me a little is the size of the screw sticking out the back.  Is it that large or are my eyes playing tricks on me?  Also, the fact I'd have to modify the grip for it to work is also a bit of a turn-off.  Ultimately, I'd like to play with one before issuing a final verdict.

As of now, I'll stick with my Agency magwell.    
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Interesting, I like the low-profile style.  What irks me a little is the size of the screw sticking out the back.  Is it that large or are my eyes playing tricks on me?  Also, the fact I'd have to modify the grip for it to work is also a bit of a turn-off.  Ultimately, I'd like to play with one before issuing a final verdict.

As of now, I'll stick with my Agency magwell.    


The screw is not a problem. You don't even feel it. I am slightly surprised that the screw is showing some discoloration (rust) after carrying it a few times.

Quoted:
Would this be gtg for competition, or is the mouth not as big as the older Zev?


This was made for carry guns, not competition. You COULD use this for competition if you really wanted to.
1/12/2017 3:51:32 PM EDT
[#15]
I've had one on my 34 since they came out. IDPA, USPSA, 2 gun, nobody cared...or they didn't notice it. I really like it.
1/12/2017 11:22:29 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:



G17 with the large back strap modified for the zev magwell

The back strap was shortened and the lower back (where the screw goes) was sanded/buffed down a bit.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I really like the way it looks....it's not big and obnoxious.

Not trying to hi Jack but,
I see on there website it says; gen 4 back strap will need to be modified, has anyone done this?
Modification doesn't bother me at all, I kind of like it.



G17 with the large back strap modified for the zev magwell

The back strap was shortened and the lower back (where the screw goes) was sanded/buffed down a bit.



I'm getting one.
1/13/2017 12:02:10 AM EDT
[#17]
It's on my carry gun as well.

And yeah I thought the screw was awkward looking but it doesn't affect handling.
1/13/2017 5:50:19 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Quoted:
DAVE_M , could you OR Anyone else who gas the ZEV Pro Magwell on a Gen4 G19

PLEASE post a pic or 2 of the Back & Back Bottom, I'd like to see the Gap that has been discussed.

Tanks in advance.
View Quote


Here you go.



The gap  and screw really aren't much of anything once you have it in hand... I don't see any reason why you couldn't replace the button head screw with a flush set screw.  

I got the Zev Pro and Agency to compare the two and ended up going with Agency.  With the Zev, you sacrifice the slightest bit of concealment (it is bigger in every dimension, sits lower, and sticks further out from the butt corner) and weight for more funnel, and vice versa with the Agency magwell.  I do wish Agency used a 1 piece design.  They're both excellent, and serve their purpose well.  I prefer the look of the Zev slightly more, but find Agency suits my purposes slightly better.  I could have went with either one, but had to pick one.
1/14/2017 2:28:35 PM EDT
[#19]
As has been said before the gap is there to fit GEN 3. You've just got to deal with it if you've  got a GEN 4. I was told by Zev that they're working on some new stuff. We'll see if it's at SHOT this year.
This works exceptionally well for me.  It makes my hand fit into the gun .