First Impressions of ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine promises to deliver a significant firepower upgrade to two of the most popular handgun platforms on the market. As someone who appreciates both capacity and reliability, the idea of a 50-round drum magazine for my Glock immediately piqued my interest. ProMag is a well-known name in aftermarket magazines, but their reputation is often debated, so I approached this with cautious optimism.
My interest in this particular magazine stemmed from a desire for increased capacity during range training and potential use in practical shooting competitions. Constantly reloading during drills can be time-consuming and disruptive, and the promise of 50 rounds without a reload was extremely appealing. I wanted a mag that could offer high capacity without sacrificing too much reliability.
Upon receiving the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine, the first thing I noticed was its size. It’s significantly larger and heavier than a standard Glock magazine, which is to be expected. The polymer construction felt reasonably sturdy, but it didn’t inspire the same confidence as a factory Glock magazine. Compared to other aftermarket high-capacity magazines I’ve used, the ProMag seemed fairly standard in terms of build quality for its price point.
I considered other high-capacity options like extended stick magazines, but the drum design seemed more compact and potentially more reliable than a very long stick magazine. My initial impression was a mixture of excitement and apprehension. I was eager to test its performance, but also concerned about potential feeding issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. I tested it with both my Glock 17 and Glock 19, using a variety of 9mm ammunition brands and grain weights. I wanted to see how versatile it was.
The magazine was easy enough to load, although it definitely took longer than loading a standard capacity magazine. During the first few cycles, the magazine exhibited several failures to feed, particularly with lighter grain ammunition. These malfunctions were disheartening, as reliability is paramount.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds, the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine showed some improvement in reliability. The frequency of failures to feed decreased, but it still wasn’t 100% reliable. I found that it performed best with heavier grain ammunition and after a thorough cleaning and lubrication.
The polymer showed some minor signs of wear and tear, primarily around the feed lips and the magazine catch. Maintenance involved disassembling the magazine and cleaning the interior, paying close attention to the spring and follower. While the magazine holds a lot of rounds, I found myself questioning the true reliability of it compared to standard Glock magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine is chambered in 9mm Luger, compatible with both Glock 17 and Glock 19 pistols. This makes it a versatile option for Glock owners who have both models.
- It boasts a 50-round magazine capacity, offering significantly increased firepower compared to standard Glock magazines. This high capacity allows for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloads.
- The magazine body is constructed of DuPont Zytel polymer, known for its strength and impact resistance. This polymer construction helps keep the weight down while still providing durability.
- It also features an injection-molded magazine follower and a magazine spring formed from chrome silicone wire. These components are crucial for smooth and reliable feeding of ammunition.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s compatibility, capacity, and reliability. A high-capacity magazine is only useful if it can consistently feed ammunition into the firearm.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine provides increased firepower, but its reliability is questionable. While it functioned adequately with certain types of ammunition, it experienced failures to feed with others.
Its primary strength is its high capacity, but its weakness is its inconsistency. The magazine meets the expectation of increased capacity but falls short on consistent reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine’s build quality is decent, considering its price point. The polymer body feels reasonably durable. The increased weight of the loaded magazine is noticeable but manageable.
The large size of the magazine makes it somewhat cumbersome to carry and manipulate. There is a bit of a learning curve associated with loading and unloading the drum magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine appears to be reasonably durable, although long-term reliability remains a concern. The polymer construction should withstand normal use, but the feed lips are a potential weak point.
Maintenance involves disassembling the magazine and cleaning the interior, particularly the spring and follower. Regular cleaning is essential to ensure proper function.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any accessories. There are no readily available customization options for the magazine itself. It’s compatible with any Glock 17 or Glock 19 that accepts standard Glock magazines.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High 50-round capacity provides significant firepower.
- Compatible with both Glock 17 and Glock 19 pistols.
- DuPont Zytel polymer construction offers reasonable durability.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to other high-capacity options.
- Injection-molded follower promises smooth feeding.
Cons
- Reliability issues with certain types of ammunition.
- Large size and weight can be cumbersome.
- Questionable long-term durability.
Who Should Buy ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational range shooters who want to minimize reloading and aren’t overly concerned about absolute reliability. It is also suitable for competition shooters who participate in events where high capacity is an advantage and malfunctions can be quickly cleared.
This product should be skipped by anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense or duty use, where absolute reliability is critical. Tactical users would be better served with standard capacity magazines or high-quality extended magazines from reputable manufacturers.
A must-have modification would be thorough testing with your preferred ammunition to ensure acceptable reliability. Regular cleaning and lubrication are also essential for maintaining optimal performance.
Conclusion on ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine offers a tempting proposition: a significant boost in firepower for two of the most popular handguns on the market. However, its inconsistent reliability makes it difficult to recommend for serious use.
The price is certainly justified for a recreational shooter who wants to experience high-capacity shooting, but it’s not a worthwhile investment for anyone who prioritizes reliability above all else. I would personally recommend it with reservations, primarily for range use and only after thorough testing. Ultimately, the ProMag Glock 17/19 9mm Luger 50 Round Pistol Magazine is a fun range toy, but not a dependable tool for serious applications.