First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is not for the faint of heart. This extended magazine screams capacity, promising a significant boost in firepower for your Glock 20. It’s a bold statement in polymer, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
My interest in this magazine stemmed from a need for increased capacity in my Glock 20 during extended range sessions and hog hunts. Reloading constantly interrupts the flow of training, and the standard 15-round magazines just weren’t cutting it. The promise of 50 rounds intrigued me, but also raised concerns about reliability and handling.
Unboxing the ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine was a bit of a shock. It’s significantly longer and bulkier than the factory Glock magazine. The polymer felt sturdy, but the overall construction didn’t inspire the same level of confidence as the original Glock magazines.
I considered the ETS Group 40-round magazine and the Kriss Vector Glock magazine extensions before settling on the ProMag. The ETS magazine had mixed reviews regarding reliability, and the Kriss extensions felt like overkill for my needs. I was hoping the ProMag’s simple design would translate to reliable performance.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The magazine felt substantial, but the fit and finish were not as refined as I expected. I was excited by the potential of 50 rounds, but I also anticipated potential issues with feeding and reliability given ProMag’s reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine was at an outdoor range during a sunny afternoon. I wanted to see how it performed under relatively ideal conditions before pushing it harder. I loaded it with a mix of FMJ and hollow-point ammunition to test its feeding capabilities.
The first few rounds fed without issue, but by the tenth round, I experienced a noticeable failure to feed. The slide locked back prematurely. This happened several times throughout the first magazine.
The extended length made the pistol noticeably more difficult to handle, especially during rapid firing. Recoil felt more pronounced, and maintaining a consistent grip proved challenging. I was disappointed by the initial performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions, the ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine showed some improvement, but reliability remained a concern. I continued to experience occasional failures to feed, particularly with hollow-point ammunition. It seemed to perform better with FMJ rounds.
After about 500 rounds, the polymer showed minor wear marks around the feed lips. The spring tension also seemed to weaken slightly, which contributed to the feeding issues. The magazine requires meticulous cleaning to prevent malfunctions.
Compared to my experience with factory Glock magazines, the ProMag falls short in terms of reliability. Factory magazines have consistently performed flawlessly, regardless of ammunition type or conditions. The ProMag simply doesn’t offer the same level of dependability.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is specifically designed for the Glock 20 chambered in 10mm Auto. The magazine body is constructed from DuPont Zytel-based polymer, offering a lightweight yet durable construction. It boasts a 50-round capacity, a significant increase over the standard Glock 20 magazine.
The follower is injection-molded, and the magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. The overall weight, when loaded, is considerable due to the high capacity. The 50-round capacity directly impacts the magazine’s length and makes concealment nearly impossible.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s overall performance and suitability for different applications. The polymer construction affects its durability and resistance to the elements. The high capacity influences its handling characteristics and reload speed.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine promises a high-capacity solution, but its performance is inconsistent. Reliability is the main issue. Failures to feed are common.
The magazine’s primary strength is its 50-round capacity, offering a significant advantage in situations where increased firepower is needed. The weakness lies in its unreliable feeding, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. It only partially meets expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design prioritizes capacity over ergonomics. The polymer body feels relatively sturdy, but the extended length makes it unwieldy. The weight, especially when fully loaded, affects the pistol’s balance and handling.
The magazine is relatively easy to load, although the spring tension becomes significant as you approach full capacity. There is no major learning curve to using it, but mastering its handling takes practice. The overall build quality is acceptable but not exceptional.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine’s long-term durability is questionable. The polymer body is susceptible to wear and tear, and the spring tension weakens over time. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent malfunctions.
The magazine is relatively easy to disassemble for cleaning, but some of the internal components feel fragile. Replacing worn-out parts may be difficult.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It is designed to work with the standard Glock 20 pistol. Due to its proprietary design, it is not compatible with magazine extensions or other aftermarket accessories.
It interfaces directly with the Glock 20’s magazine well, and no modifications are necessary for installation. However, its large size may limit its compatibility with some holsters.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity (50 rounds), offering a tactical advantage in certain situations.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to some other high-capacity magazine options.
- Easy to load (initially).
- Polymer construction is lightweight.
- Compatible with any Glock 20 chambered in 10mm Auto without modification.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding, with frequent failures to feed.
- Extended length and bulk make it difficult to handle and conceal.
- Questionable long-term durability.
- Can cause noticeable balance shift in the pistol.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who want to experience the thrill of high-capacity shooting at the range and understand its reliability limitations. It could also be suitable for specific competitive shooting scenarios where magazine capacity is prioritized over absolute reliability and the user is willing to accept occasional malfunctions.
Those who should skip this product are individuals who prioritize reliability above all else, such as law enforcement officers or those who rely on their firearm for self-defense. Its inconsistent performance makes it unsuitable for critical situations.
A must-have modification would be thorough polishing of the feed ramp. Regular cleaning and spring replacement may also be needed to maintain minimal reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Glock 20 10mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is a mixed bag. It delivers on its promise of increased capacity, but falls short in terms of reliability. The value proposition is questionable.
The price is attractive, but the inconsistent performance undermines its overall value. I would not personally recommend it for serious use. I am not confident in its reliability for self-defense or any situation where dependable performance is crucial.
If you are willing to gamble on its reliability for range fun, give it a shot. Otherwise, stick with factory Glock magazines.