First Thoughts on the ProMag P90/97 45 ACP 10 rd Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Aftermarket magazines can be a gamble, a real roll of the dice. Some are diamonds in the rough, exceeding expectations, while others are…well, paperweights. The ProMag P90/97 45 ACP 10 rd Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model promises to deliver reliable feeding for the classic Ruger P90 and P97 pistols. At a price point significantly lower than factory magazines, it’s a tempting option, but does it live up to the promise?
My search for reliable magazines for my Ruger P90 has been ongoing for years. Factory magazines are getting harder to find and increasingly expensive, so I hoped the ProMag offered a budget-friendly solution. The first impression upon unboxing was…underwhelming. The blued steel finish looked thin, and the overall construction felt less robust than the original Ruger mags.
Compared to Mec-Gar magazines, which I use in some of my other pistols, the ProMag felt noticeably less refined. The ProMag offered a significantly lower price point than the factory Ruger magazines, which were getting harder to find. Initially, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the lower price point wouldn’t translate to lower performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag P90/97 45 ACP 10 rd Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor range on a moderately warm day. I ran a variety of ammunition types through the ProMag, including FMJ and hollow points from different manufacturers. From the very first magazine, I experienced consistent failure-to-feed issues. The slide would often fail to fully chamber the round, requiring a manual tap-rack to get the gun back into battery.
I experienced similar issues, even in ideal conditions. The magazine’s performance didn’t improve when using different types of ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and approximately 200 rounds fired through the ProMag, the reliability issues persisted. The finish began showing signs of wear at the feed lips, indicating potential long-term durability concerns. Cleaning the magazine was straightforward, but the internal components felt rough compared to factory mags.
Compared to the factory Ruger magazines, which have functioned flawlessly for years, the ProMag was a significant disappointment. The user feedback referencing “failure to feed my first rounds every time” proved to be accurate in my testing.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag P90/97 45 ACP 10 rd Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Specifications
- Caliber: .45 ACP. This is the correct caliber for the Ruger P90 and P97 pistols.
- Capacity: 10 Rounds. The 10-round capacity offers a slight increase over the standard 7 or 8-round factory magazines.
- Finish: Black (Blue). The blued steel finish provides basic corrosion resistance, but appears thin and prone to wear.
- Model: Ruger P90/P97. It is designed specifically for use in Ruger P90 and P97 pistols chambered in .45 ACP.
- Origin: Aftermarket. The ProMag is manufactured by ProMag as an aftermarket option and is not an official Ruger product.
The specifications of the ProMag magazine appear correct on paper, but the execution of these specifications falls short. The thin finish and questionable quality of materials affect the overall performance and durability.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag P90/97 45 ACP fails to deliver reliable feeding. Failure-to-feed issues were consistently observed during testing, making it unreliable for defensive use. It falls far short of expectations and is not a suitable replacement for factory magazines.
The primary weakness is the magazine’s inability to reliably chamber rounds, rendering it essentially useless. The magazine did not meet expectations; it failed to provide reliable feeding in the Ruger P90.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s construction quality feels subpar. The steel body feels thinner than factory magazines. The magazine felt uncomfortable loading rounds into the magazine compared to my OEM magazines.
There is a noticeable lack of refinement in the design, compared to the factory magazine. The plastic base plate feels cheap and flimsy.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the signs of wear observed after only a few range trips, the long-term durability of the ProMag is questionable. The thin finish is prone to scratching and corrosion. Maintenance is easy enough, but the internal components don’t inspire confidence.
The feed lips are a potential weak point, showing signs of deformation after minimal use. The magazine does not appear to be built for longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag magazine itself does not offer any customization options. It is a standalone product intended as a replacement for factory magazines. Aftermarket baseplates might be compatible but I have not tried any.
There are no included accessories with the ProMag magazine. Its sole purpose is to hold and feed .45 ACP rounds into a Ruger P90 or P97 pistol.
Pros and Cons of ProMag P90/97 45 ACP 10 rd Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Pros
- Lower price point compared to factory magazines.
- 10-round capacity offers a slight increase over standard capacity.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding; consistent failure-to-feed issues.
- Thin and seemingly fragile blued steel finish.
- Questionable long-term durability.
Who Should Buy ProMag P90/97 45 ACP 10 rd Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model?
The ProMag P90/97 45 ACP is not recommended for anyone relying on their firearm for self-defense or any serious application. Perhaps it could be for casual target practice, if you’re willing to deal with constant malfunctions. Anyone prioritizing reliability should avoid this product.
A must-have modification would be replacing the entire magazine with a factory magazine, or a higher quality aftermarket brand.
Conclusion on ProMag P90/97 45 ACP 10 rd Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The ProMag P90/97 45 ACP 10 rd Black Finish – 45 ACP Caliber, 10 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model promises a budget-friendly alternative to expensive factory magazines, but fails to deliver on its most basic function: reliable feeding. The low price is not justified when the magazine renders your firearm unreliable. I cannot recommend this product and strongly suggest investing in higher-quality magazines for your Ruger P90 or P97. Save your money and buy factory magazines!