First Thoughts on the ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G43 30rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G43 30rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is an interesting proposition. It offers a significant capacity boost for the notoriously compact Glock 43, transforming it from a slim concealed carry pistol into something with a serious magazine volume. The promise of 30 rounds in a platform usually associated with limited capacity is undeniably enticing, but aftermarket Glock magazines, especially drum magazines, have a reputation for being hit or miss, and that’s what I intended to explore.
I’ve always gravitated towards high capacity magazines for range fun and the novelty of increased firepower. My Glock 43, while a fantastic EDC, has always felt a little limited in its standard configuration. I was looking for a fun range toy that could turn heads.
The ProMag drum arrived in simple packaging. The initial impression was a bit underwhelming; the plastic felt somewhat cheap, and the overall construction didn’t inspire immediate confidence. Compared to factory Glock magazines or even some higher-end aftermarket options from Magpul, the difference in material quality was noticeable. I’ve had good experiences with ETS Glock magazines in the past, and even those felt more robust out of the box. Similarly, a KCI drum for my CZ Scorpion felt significantly more substantial. My initial impression was cautious optimism tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G43 30rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag drum was at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and mild, perfect for a day of testing various firearms and accessories. I loaded the drum with standard 115-grain FMJ ammunition.
The first few rounds cycled without issue. However, by the fifth round, I experienced a failure to feed. After clearing the malfunction, I continued shooting. The pattern repeated: a few successful rounds followed by a failure to feed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several trips to the range and hundreds of rounds fired through the ProMag drum, the reliability issues persisted. FMJ ammunition was somewhat reliable, but hollow points were almost guaranteed to cause malfunctions every few rounds. There was no improvement over time, and cleaning the drum didn’t seem to have any significant impact.
Durability, so far, has not been a significant issue. The plastic housing has held up without cracking or breaking, despite numerous loading and unloading cycles. However, the consistent malfunctions outweigh any potential durability benefits. Maintaining the drum is relatively straightforward. Disassembly for cleaning is simple, but the internal mechanism feels somewhat delicate. Compared to the rock-solid reliability of factory Glock magazines, the ProMag drum is a significant disappointment.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G43 30rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
Caliber: 9mm Luger. This drum is specifically designed for the 9mm Glock 43 platform.
Capacity: 30 rounds. A significant increase over the standard 6-round or extended 10-round Glock 43 magazines.
Origin: Aftermarket. Manufactured by ProMag, not Glock.
Material: Polymer. The drum housing is constructed from black polymer.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the ProMag drum is to increase the capacity of the Glock 43. In theory, it accomplishes this. However, the reliability issues significantly detract from its functionality.
The drum’s performance is inconsistent and unreliable, especially with hollow-point ammunition. FMJ rounds feed more reliably, but even then, failures to feed are common. It does not meet my expectations for a reliable magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The drum’s design is functional but not particularly refined. The polymer construction feels somewhat cheap. The ergonomics are awkward; the significant increase in size and weight makes the Glock 43 unwieldy, negating its original purpose as a slim, easily concealable pistol.
Loading the drum is relatively easy. The drum features a standard follower and spring system. However, the overall bulk makes it difficult to seat the magazine fully, especially with a full 30 rounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction appears reasonably durable. It hasn’t shown any signs of cracking or breaking, even after repeated use. However, the internal mechanism feels somewhat fragile. Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward, but requires care to avoid damaging the internal components.
The long-term durability remains to be seen. The constant malfunctions suggest that the internal components may be under significant stress.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag drum itself does not offer any customization options. It’s a self-contained unit. It is compatible with any Glock 43 that accepts standard Glock magazines. However, due to its size and weight, it may require modifications to holsters or other accessories.
Pros and Cons of ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G43 30rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- High Capacity: 30 rounds significantly increases the Glock 43’s firepower.
- Novelty Factor: The drum magazine provides a unique and eye-catching look.
- Relatively Easy to Load: Loading is straightforward, similar to standard magazines.
Cons
- Unreliable: Frequent failures to feed, especially with hollow points, make it unreliable for anything other than range use.
- Poor Build Quality: The polymer construction feels cheap and flimsy.
- Awkward Ergonomics: The increased size and weight make the Glock 43 unwieldy.
Who Should Buy ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G43 30rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G43 30rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity and novelty over reliability. It’s a fun range toy for those who enjoy experimenting with different accessories.
This product should be skipped by anyone who relies on their Glock 43 for self-defense or concealed carry. The unreliability of the ProMag drum makes it unsuitable for any serious application. There are no must-have accessories or modifications that can significantly improve the ProMag drum’s performance. Sticking with factory Glock magazines or higher-quality aftermarket options is highly recommended for reliable performance.
Conclusion on ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G43 30rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Overall, the ProMag For Glock Compatible 9mm Luger G43 30rd Black Drum – 9mm Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is a disappointing product. While it offers a significant increase in capacity, its unreliability and poor build quality outweigh any potential benefits.
The price of $62.49 is not justified, considering the performance issues. There are far better ways to spend that money on improving the Glock 43’s performance or accessorizing it with reliable products.
I would not personally recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable magazine for their Glock 43. It’s a fun novelty item, but not a practical or dependable accessory. Save your money and invest in factory magazines or other reputable brands that prioritize reliability and quality.