First Thoughts on the ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine promises to be a reliable aftermarket option for a popular concealed carry pistol. With its blued steel construction and a reasonable price point, it aims to offer a cost-effective solution for those seeking additional magazines for their S&W Bodyguard .380. This review will delve into whether this aftermarket magazine lives up to the standards of reliability and performance expected from a critical component of a defensive firearm.
I purchased the ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine because I needed a few extra magazines for my Bodyguard. Factory magazines can be expensive, and I wanted to explore a more budget-friendly alternative for range practice and as backups.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid. The blued steel finish looked even and the polymer baseplate seemed adequately sturdy. Compared to the factory S&W magazine, the ProMag felt marginally lighter, though the difference was hardly noticeable.
I also considered magazines from Mec-Gar and ETS, but opted for the ProMag due to its lower price and generally positive (though sometimes mixed) reviews. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It appeared well-made enough, but the true test would be at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine at an indoor shooting range. I ran through several drills, focusing on loading, firing, and reloading. The magazine initially felt a little stiff to load compared to the factory magazine.
The first few magazines functioned without issue. However, by the third magazine, I experienced one failure to feed; the slide failed to fully chamber the round. This occurred under relatively clean and controlled conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine‘s performance was inconsistent. I continued to experience occasional failures to feed, occurring about once every three to four magazines. The blued steel finish held up reasonably well, though some minor wear was visible around the feed lips.
Cleaning the magazine was straightforward, as it disassembled easily. Compared to my experience with factory S&W magazines, the ProMag fell short in reliability. While the factory magazines ran flawlessly, the ProMag presented noticeable issues.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: .380 ACP. This magazine is specifically designed for firearms chambered in .380 ACP.
- Capacity: 6 Rounds. The magazine holds a standard capacity of six rounds.
- Finish: Blued Steel. Provides a traditional look and some corrosion resistance.
- Origin: Aftermarket. This is not an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) magazine.
- Construction: Heat-treated blued steel body offers durability.
- Follower, Lock-Plate, and Base-Plate: Molded from DuPont® Zytel™ based black polymer for reliability.
- Spring: Wound from Chrome-silicon wire and heat-treated for strength.
These specifications are crucial because they determine the magazine’s fit, function, and longevity. Aftermarket magazines often face scrutiny regarding their ability to match the performance of factory magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine‘s primary function is to reliably feed rounds into the S&W Bodyguard .380 pistol. While it generally performs this function, the occasional failures to feed are a significant concern.
The magazine’s main strength is its affordability. Its weaknesses lie in its inconsistent reliability compared to factory magazines. It meets basic expectations, but falls short of excelling.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s blued steel construction gives it a classic look. The polymer baseplate offers a comfortable grip during loading and unloading.
The design is user-friendly, with a standard magazine release. The stiffness during initial loading is a minor inconvenience, but the overall design is adequate.
Durability & Maintenance
The heat-treated blued steel construction suggests decent durability. After several weeks of use, the finish shows minor wear, but the magazine remains structurally sound.
The magazine disassembles easily for cleaning. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain its functionality.
Accessories and Customization Options
This product is a magazine, so it doesn’t have any integral accessories, nor is it customizable beyond perhaps aftermarket baseplates (though few exist for this specific magazine). It is intended to work directly with the S&W Bodyguard .380 pistol.
The compatibility with accessories is limited to items that fit the standard magazine dimensions. There are no specific, widely available accessories designed exclusively for the ProMag magazine.
Pros and Cons of ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Affordable alternative to factory magazines.
- Solid blued steel construction offers decent durability.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Standard 6-round capacity matches factory specifications.
- Polymer baseplate provides a comfortable grip.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability with occasional failures to feed.
- Stiffer loading compared to factory magazines.
- Blued steel finish shows wear after moderate use.
Who Should Buy ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine is perfect for those seeking a budget-friendly option for range practice. It is suitable for shooters who are willing to accept occasional malfunctions in exchange for a lower price point.
This magazine is not recommended for individuals who rely on their S&W Bodyguard .380 for self-defense and require absolute reliability. For such critical applications, factory magazines are the preferred choice.
A must-have modification (regardless of magazine choice) is thorough testing of any new magazine at the range before carrying it for defensive purposes.
Conclusion on ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine offers an affordable alternative to factory magazines. However, its inconsistent reliability raises concerns about its suitability for defensive purposes.
The lower price may be justified for range use, but the risk of malfunctions should be carefully considered. I would only cautiously recommend it for casual target practice or as a backup magazine after thorough testing.
Ultimately, if absolute reliability is paramount, investing in factory S&W magazines is the wiser choice. Weigh the cost savings against the potential risks and choose accordingly.