First Impressions of ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine
The Browning Hi-Power. A classic pistol with a rich history, but its standard capacity of 13 rounds can feel a bit limiting in certain scenarios. That’s where the ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine comes in, promising to drastically increase firepower. This magazine, manufactured by ProMag, aims to offer a high-capacity solution for Hi-Power owners, but does it deliver on its promise of enhanced capacity without sacrificing reliability?
I was on the hunt for a high-capacity magazine for my Hi-Power for occasional range days and, frankly, just to see what the old girl could do. I’ve always been a bit skeptical of aftermarket magazines, especially those promising such a significant capacity boost. The promise of more rounds is tempting, but the fear of malfunctions always looms.
Unboxing the ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine, my initial impression was one of heft. It definitely feels substantial, constructed primarily of steel. Compared to the factory magazine, the ProMag offering is noticeably longer and heavier.
I considered magazines from Mec-Gar, known for their reliability, but they didn’t offer anything close to this capacity. I also looked at some other brands but was steered away by bad reviews and overall “cheap” feel. I picked the ProMag because it offered the highest capacity, and I was willing to risk some potential reliability issues to see if it could work.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The steel construction seemed robust, but I was eager (and slightly apprehensive) to see how it performed in action. It was exciting. I hoped it was not all in vain.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine was at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear, but slightly humid, conditions I felt were generally favorable. I brought along a variety of 9mm ammunition types to test for any potential feeding issues.
Initially, the magazine seemed to function well. I managed to load all 32 rounds, although the last few required significant effort. The first few magazines fired without issue, but after about 50 rounds, I began experiencing occasional failures to feed. The slide would sometimes fail to fully return to battery.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the reliability issues persisted. I’ve run approximately 500 rounds through the ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine now. Failures to feed occur roughly every 2-3 magazines, making it less than ideal for serious use.
I noticed some wear on the magazine’s feed lips, particularly where the rounds strip off. Regular cleaning hasn’t eliminated the feed issues. It’s a shame.
Compared to my factory Browning magazines, the ProMag falls short in terms of reliability. My factory magazines function flawlessly, whereas the ProMag is only useful for fun. It is not acceptable for self-defense.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ProMag. This company is known for its wide range of aftermarket magazines.
- Gun Make: Browning. The magazine is specifically designed for Browning Hi-Power pistols.
- Gun Model: Browning Hi-Power. Fitment is intended solely for this model.
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. The magazine is designed to feed 9mm ammunition.
- Magazine Capacity: 32 Round. This is the defining feature – significantly more than the standard capacity.
- Fabric/Material: Polymer. The follower is injection molded from polymer for durability.
- Number of Rounds: 32. This directly impacts the gun’s capacity and reload frequency.
- Magazine body constructed of heat treated steel with black oxide finish. This contributes to the magazine’s durability and corrosion resistance.
- Magazine follower is injection molded for smooth and reliable feeding. This ensures proper cartridge alignment during cycling.
- Magazine spring is formed from heat treated chrome silicone wire. This maintains consistent spring pressure for reliable feeding of all 32 rounds.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s functionality, durability, and compatibility. The high capacity is great, but the steel construction and spring quality determine whether it can actually deliver that capacity reliably.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine delivers on its promise of increased capacity, but its reliability is questionable. While it can hold 32 rounds, consistent failures to feed make it unsuitable for serious applications. The build quality is apparent but the engineering may be lacking.
Its strength is its high capacity. The weakness is reliability, plain and simple.
It partially meets expectations. The high capacity is there, but the failures to feed are a major disappointment.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine boasts a solid feel thanks to its steel construction. It’s weighty, but not excessively so. Loading to full capacity can be difficult, requiring significant thumb pressure.
While the steel feels durable, the overall ergonomics of loading and handling a fully loaded magazine could be improved. There is a learning curve involved in managing the increased weight and length.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests decent durability. The finish appears to be holding up well so far, with no signs of rust or corrosion. Cleaning is straightforward, but regular maintenance is essential to try to minimize the feed issues.
The magazine should last a decent amount of time with proper care. Disassembly for thorough cleaning is relatively simple.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no specific customization options available for the magazine itself.
It’s compatible with any standard Browning Hi-Power magazine pouch, although its extended length may make concealment challenging. No aftermarket baseplates or followers are officially supported by ProMag.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High capacity (32 rounds) significantly increases firepower.
- Steel construction provides a robust and durable feel.
- Relatively easy to clean and maintain.
- Affordable price point for a high-capacity magazine.
- Compatible with standard Hi-Power magazine pouches (though may be long).
Cons
- Frequent failures to feed make it unreliable.
- Difficult to load to full capacity.
- Questionable long-term spring reliability.
Who Should Buy ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine?
Perfect for: Recreational shooters who want to experiment with high capacity without spending a fortune, or those looking for a range toy. It is not a serious magazine.
Who should skip this product? Anyone who relies on their Hi-Power for self-defense or competitive shooting should avoid this magazine. Reliability is paramount in those situations.
Must-have accessories or modifications? None, as the reliability issues are inherent to the magazine’s design and spring tension.
Conclusion on ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Steel Browning Hi-Power 9mm 32-Round Pistol Magazine offers the allure of significantly increased capacity at an attractive price. Unfortunately, its unreliability makes it difficult to recommend for anything beyond recreational use. The value is questionable.
While the steel construction and high capacity are appealing, the persistent failures to feed are a major drawback. I would not personally recommend it for serious applications.
If you’re simply looking for a fun range toy and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions, then this magazine might be worth considering. However, for serious shooters, investing in higher-quality, lower-capacity magazines from a more reputable manufacturer is a wiser choice. Buy at your own risk.