First Thoughts on the ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin promises to nearly double the capacity of the standard S&W BodyGuard 380 magazine, offering increased firepower and potentially a more substantial grip. As someone who’s spent years evaluating tactical gear, I was keen to see if this aftermarket magazine could deliver on its promises without sacrificing reliability, a crucial factor in any firearm component.
I’ve always been a proponent of carrying extra ammunition, but the diminutive size of the BodyGuard 380 has always made me feel slightly under-gunned with its standard 6-round capacity. My search for a solution led me to the ProMag offering. I was hoping to increase my round count without adding too much bulk to my concealed carry setup.
Upon receiving the ProMag magazine, my initial impression was mixed. The blued steel construction looked robust enough, but the polymer base plate felt a little less refined compared to the factory S&W magazines. The weight was noticeably heavier, which I hoped would translate to better durability.
I considered other extended magazines, including some from established manufacturers like Mec-Gar, but the ProMag‘s price point was a significant factor. While reliability is paramount, I was willing to give it a shot, hoping that the lower cost wouldn’t equate to lower performance. My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism, knowing that aftermarket magazines can be hit-or-miss.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the ProMag magazine to my local shooting range for its initial test. I loaded it with a variety of .380 ACP ammunition, including FMJ and JHP rounds, to assess its feeding reliability. The first few rounds chambered without issue, but after about the fifth round, I experienced multiple failures to feed.
The malfunctions were consistent: the slide would fail to fully close, leaving the round partially chambered. The issue occurred intermittently throughout the first few magazines, leading me to believe there might be a break-in period required, or more concerningly, a design flaw.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of dedicated testing, including over 200 rounds fired through the ProMag magazine, the reliability remained inconsistent. While the frequency of failures decreased slightly after the first 100 rounds, they never completely disappeared. I meticulously cleaned and lubricated the magazine, but the intermittent failures persisted.
The blued steel finish showed no significant wear, but the polymer base plate did exhibit some minor scuffing from repeated loading and unloading. Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward, although disassembling it for a thorough cleaning proved to be slightly more challenging than with the factory magazine. In comparison to my experiences with factory S&W magazines, the ProMag fell short in terms of reliability. I’ve never experienced a single malfunction with the factory mags, making the ProMag a significant downgrade in that crucial aspect.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin boasts a 15-round capacity, a significant increase over the factory 6-round magazine. It is chambered in .380 ACP. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated blued steel, with a DuPont Zytel-based polymer follower, lock-plate, and base-plate.
The aftermarket origin is important to note, as it indicates a non-OEM part, which can sometimes affect compatibility and reliability. The steel finish is intended to provide durability and corrosion resistance.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s capacity, durability, and compatibility with the S&W BodyGuard 380. A higher capacity offers more rounds before needing to reload, while the materials used determine the magazine’s resistance to wear and tear.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag attempts to provide increased firepower, but its inconsistent reliability significantly detracts from its overall performance. While the increased capacity is a definite advantage on paper, the frequent failures to feed make it unsuitable for self-defense purposes in my opinion. It falls short of meeting the basic expectation of a reliable magazine, and it is not something I would trust my life to.
The primary strength is the increased capacity. A major weakness is the reliability issues related to the feeding of rounds.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine is constructed from a combination of blued steel and polymer. The weight increase is noticeable compared to the factory magazine, which could be seen as positive for those who want additional grip surface. The build quality is decent, although the polymer base plate feels slightly less refined.
The ProMag isn’t particularly user-friendly. It takes considerable pressure to fully load the magazine with all 15 rounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The blued steel construction appears to be reasonably durable. However, the polymer base plate might be a weak point over the long term. Maintaining the magazine is relatively easy, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
The magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care, but the reliability issues are a more pressing concern than its long-term durability. I’m more worried about it malfunctioning than falling apart.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin does not come with any additional accessories. No customization options are available beyond its standard configuration. Compatibility with aftermarket accessories designed for standard S&W BodyGuard 380 magazines is limited due to its extended length and modified design.
Pros and Cons of ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Increased capacity to 15 rounds.
- Steel construction offers decent durability.
- Affordable price point.
- Provides an extended grip surface for larger hands.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability with frequent failures to feed.
- Polymer base plate feels less durable than factory magazines.
- Difficult to fully load with all 15 rounds without a loading tool.
Who Should Buy ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin is best suited for range practice where malfunctions are tolerable. It might be a possible option for someone who wants to experiment with increased capacity at a low cost, but is prepared to work through the reliability issues.
Anyone relying on their S&W BodyGuard 380 for self-defense should avoid this magazine due to its unreliable feeding. There are better factory options for self-defense purposes.
A magazine loader like the Uplula is a must-have accessory to make loading easier.
Conclusion on ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin promises a significant increase in firepower for the S&W BodyGuard 380, but ultimately falls short due to its reliability issues. While the price is attractive, the inconsistent feeding makes it unsuitable for serious use.
The value proposition is questionable. While the initial cost is low, the potential for malfunctions outweighs any cost savings, especially when it comes to personal safety.
I would not personally recommend the ProMag S&W BodyGuard 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) 15 rd Blued Finish – 380 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin for self-defense or any situation where reliability is paramount. Invest in quality, factory magazines for peace of mind.