First Thoughts on the PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin
The Browning Hi-Power, a pistol steeped in history and cherished for its ergonomics and shootability, deserves magazines that can keep up with its legacy. Enter the PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin, promising a blend of steel durability and polymer reliability for a reasonable price. But in the world of firearms accessories, where performance can be a matter of life and death, aftermarket offerings often come with a degree of skepticism.
My need arose from a desire for more range time with my SA-35, without the constant need to reload my existing, limited supply of factory magazines. Mec-Gar magazines are known to be the gold standard, but the price difference between those and the Pro Mag offering was significant. I was hoping to find a budget-friendly solution that wouldn’t compromise reliability.
The first thing I noticed upon unboxing was the combination of blued steel and black polymer; it felt sturdy enough, though not quite as refined as the factory magazines. The weight was comparable to my original mags, suggesting a decent gauge of steel was used. The PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin visually differed from Mec-Gar magazines, namely in the follower design and baseplate texture. I opted for the Pro Mag over other budget alternatives based on its advertised steel construction, hoping for better longevity than polymer-only options.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The price was certainly attractive, but past experiences with aftermarket magazines have taught me that fit and function are paramount. I was eager to hit the range and see if the PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin could deliver on its promises or if it would be another case of “you get what you pay for.”
Real-World Testing: Putting PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was a local outdoor shooting range, a familiar environment where I could focus solely on the magazine’s performance. I brought along 200 rounds of standard 115-grain FMJ ammunition to put the PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin through its paces. The day was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for a fair test.
The first issue arose immediately: the magazine was incredibly tight when inserting into my Springfield SA-35. It required significantly more force than my factory or Mec-Gar magazines. This immediately raised a red flag. Chambering the first round was also rough, with the slide not fully seating into battery without a nudge. Over the course of the first few magazines, I experienced multiple failures to feed, where the round would get caught on the feed ramp.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds, the initial tightness of the magazine during insertion eased slightly, but the feeding issues persisted. Even with careful loading and a firm grip, I was still experiencing a failure to feed approximately every 2-3 magazines. This is simply unacceptable for any magazine I would consider for self-defense or serious use.
I observed no significant wear and tear on the magazine body itself, suggesting the Pro Mag steel construction held up. Cleaning was straightforward, but the polymer follower showed some minor scuffing. Compared to the flawless performance of my Mec-Gar magazines, the PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin was a major disappointment. The unreliability made it unsuitable for anything beyond very casual range use, and even then, the constant stoppages detracted from the shooting experience.
Breaking Down the Features of PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm – Intended for use with 9x19mm Parabellum ammunition. This is standard for the Hi-Power and its clones.
- Capacity: 13 Rounds – The standard capacity for most Hi-Power magazines. This provides a good balance between firepower and magazine size.
- Finish: Polymer – The follower, lock-plate, and base-plate are molded from a DuPont Zytel based black polymer. This contributes to the magazine’s overall durability and smooth feeding (in theory).
- Origin: Aftermarket – Manufactured by Pro Mag, not by the original firearm manufacturer. Aftermarket origin often suggests a lower price point but can also mean varying quality control.
Performance & Functionality
The PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin struggles significantly in the most critical area: reliable feeding. The failures to feed undermine its usefulness. The 13-round capacity is a definite plus, but it’s irrelevant if the magazine can’t consistently deliver ammunition.
The primary weakness is the magazine’s tight fit and subsequent impact on the firearm’s cycling. A contributing factor could be the polymer follower design, which seems to bind slightly against the steel magazine body. It failed to meet my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality appears decent at first glance. However, the fit within the magazine well of my SA-35 reveals a design flaw. The polymer baseplate is functional but lacks the refined feel of factory magazines.
It’s relatively easy to load, but the initial tightness makes inserting into the pistol a chore. There is a noticeable learning curve to consistently seat the magazine without excessive force.
Durability & Maintenance
The Pro Mag magazine’s steel construction suggests a reasonable lifespan, and after 500 rounds, there’s no significant degradation of the steel body. However, the polymer follower is a potential weak point. Cleaning is simple, and disassembly is straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin does not come with any accessories. Customization options are limited to potentially swapping out the baseplate, but that’s unlikely to address the core feeding issues. The Pro Mag magazine is intended to be a standalone unit, with no readily available aftermarket enhancements.
Pros and Cons of PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Price: It is relatively inexpensive compared to factory or high-end aftermarket magazines like Mec-Gar.
- Capacity: Holds a standard 13 rounds for the Hi-Power platform.
- Steel Construction: The blued steel body provides a level of durability often lacking in all-polymer magazines.
Cons
- Reliability: Frequent failures to feed make it unreliable for any serious use.
- Fit: The magazine is often too tight in the magazine well, requiring excessive force to insert.
- Functionality: The polymer follower appears to contribute to feeding issues.
Who Should Buy PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin?
The PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin might be suitable for very casual range shooters who are willing to tolerate frequent malfunctions and are primarily concerned with cost. Someone who needs a magazine that might work as a spare, with a strong emphasis on the “might.”
Anyone relying on their Hi-Power for self-defense, competition, or any situation where reliability is paramount should avoid this magazine. Do not compromise your safety with potentially unreliable equipment. A quality magazine is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin
The PRO MAG HIPOWER 9MM 13RD STEEL – 9mm Caliber, 13 Rounds, Polymer, Aftermarket Origin promises a budget-friendly solution for Hi-Power owners seeking additional magazines, but unfortunately, it falls short in the most critical aspect: reliability. The feeding issues, coupled with the tight fit, render it unsuitable for anything beyond casual range use, where malfunctions are merely an inconvenience.
At a price of $17.49, the temptation to save money is understandable. However, the cost of a malfunction in a critical situation far outweighs the initial savings. The value proposition simply isn’t there.
I cannot personally recommend this magazine. Spend the extra money on Mec-Gar magazines. Your Hi-Power, and your peace of mind, will thank you.