First Impressions of ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine promises a significant increase in firepower for Glock owners. With a capacity of 32 rounds, this magazine aims to provide extended shooting sessions and a tactical advantage. ProMag is a well-known manufacturer, and I was eager to see how this high-capacity magazine would perform compared to standard Glock magazines.
I was looking for a reliable high-capacity magazine for my Glock 19 to use during range training and potentially for home defense scenarios. A standard 15-round magazine just doesn’t offer enough capacity for certain drills, and reloading constantly disrupts the flow of training. I was hoping this ProMag magazine would address that issue.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt relatively sturdy, though noticeably lighter than a factory Glock magazine. The polymer construction appeared adequate, and the magazine spring seemed strong. The overall build quality didn’t immediately scream “premium,” but it wasn’t alarming either.
Compared to a factory Glock 17 magazine and a Magpul PMAG Glock magazine, the ProMag felt a bit less refined in terms of the polymer finish. I chose the ProMag primarily for its high capacity and lower price point, hoping it would provide reasonable reliability despite the slight difference in feel. The price was far more attractive than other brands.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The magazine’s high capacity was appealing, but I also had some reservations about its reliability given past experiences with aftermarket magazines. Only real-world testing would reveal its true worth.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine at an outdoor shooting range during a practical pistol course. The weather was dry and sunny, with temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I ran a variety of drills, including rapid-fire strings, reloads, and malfunction clearing exercises.
The magazine initially loaded easily, but I experienced several failures to feed within the first 50 rounds. The malfunctions typically occurred with the last few rounds in the magazine, suggesting a potential issue with the spring tension or follower design. Otherwise, the magazine functioned okay.
After the initial hiccups, the magazine seemed to settle in a bit. It became easier to load and the feeding issues decreased slightly, though they didn’t disappear entirely. The extended length took some getting used to when drawing from a magazine pouch, but I adapted quickly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, the ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine has shown a mixed performance. While it still functions, the initial reliability issues haven’t completely resolved. The magazine continues to experience occasional failures to feed, especially when fully loaded.
The polymer body has held up reasonably well, showing only minor signs of wear and tear. However, I’ve noticed that the magazine baseplate can sometimes shift slightly during shooting, which is concerning. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward, and I’ve been careful to lubricate the spring and follower regularly.
Compared to my experiences with factory Glock magazines, the ProMag falls short in terms of reliability. While the extended capacity is appealing, I wouldn’t trust this magazine for critical situations where consistent performance is paramount. It may not be the best option for self-defense.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to be compatible with Glock 17, 19, and 26 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. It has a 32-round magazine capacity, offering significantly more rounds than standard Glock magazines. The magazine body is constructed from a proprietary DuPont Zytel-based polymer.
The magazine follower is injection molded, and the magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. These specifications are typical for aftermarket magazines, aiming to balance durability and cost-effectiveness. The ProMag magazine’s polymer construction contributes to its lighter weight compared to steel magazines.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine’s primary function is to provide a high-capacity magazine option for Glock pistols. In practice, its performance is inconsistent. While it does offer a significant increase in ammunition capacity, the occasional failures to feed detract from its overall usability.
The magazine’s strengths lie in its high capacity and relatively low price. However, its weaknesses include questionable reliability and a slightly less refined build quality compared to factory magazines. It meets the basic expectation of providing additional rounds, but it doesn’t exceed expectations in terms of consistent performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine features a simple, functional design. The polymer body is lightweight and easy to grip, though the finish feels somewhat less premium than factory magazines. The extended length of the magazine can make concealment more challenging.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, requiring no special tools or modifications for installation. However, the occasional feeding issues can disrupt the shooting experience. The slightly shifting baseplate is a minor design concern.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine appears to be reasonably durable, but its long-term lifespan remains uncertain. The polymer body has withstood normal range use without significant damage. However, the internal components, particularly the spring, may be a point of concern given the feeding issues.
The magazine is easy to disassemble and clean, requiring only basic tools and solvents. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, is essential to ensure optimal performance. It is crucial to inspect the magazine for any signs of wear or damage before each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It is designed to be compatible with standard Glock magazine pouches, though the extended length may require larger pouches. There are no inherent customization options for the magazine itself.
It is compatible with various Glock accessories, such as aftermarket baseplates or magazine loaders, but these are not specific to the ProMag magazine. The user feedback states that the FDE color matches an Angstadt Arms UDP-9, which implies that color matching could be a consideration for some users.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High capacity of 32 rounds provides extended shooting sessions and reduced reload frequency.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to factory Glock magazines or other high-capacity options.
- Lightweight polymer construction makes it easy to handle.
- Compatible with Glock 17, 19, and 26 pistols in 9mm.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability with occasional failures to feed, especially when fully loaded.
- Build quality is not as refined as factory Glock magazines.
- Shifting baseplate can be a concern.
- Extended length may make concealment more challenging.
Who Should Buy ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters who want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading, and are willing to accept a slightly higher risk of malfunctions. It may also be suitable for those who own AR-9 platforms that use Glock magazines, given the user feedback about color matching.
This product is not recommended for anyone who needs absolutely reliable magazines for self-defense or duty use. The risk of malfunctions makes it unsuitable for critical situations where consistent performance is paramount.
Must-have accessories or modifications are a reliable magazine loader to assist with loading the full 32 rounds, and potentially an aftermarket baseplate to address the shifting baseplate issue. Regular cleaning and lubrication are also essential.
Conclusion on ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 17/19/26 9mm 32 Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling value proposition for shooters seeking increased capacity at an affordable price. However, its inconsistent reliability is a significant drawback that cannot be ignored. The ProMag magazine requires consistent testing and evaluation before being deployed in defensive scenarios.
The price of $32.89 is justified for a high-capacity magazine, but the potential for malfunctions means it’s not a true bargain. You are getting a lot of rounds for the dollar, but you may be sacrificing some peace of mind.
I would cautiously recommend it to range shooters who prioritize capacity over absolute reliability and are willing to troubleshoot occasional feeding issues. However, I would strongly advise against using it for self-defense or duty purposes. Before depending on this magazine, thoroughly vet it with hundreds of rounds of your chosen ammunition.