First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine immediately strikes you as a serious piece of kit. ProMag isn’t always the first name that comes to mind when considering high-capacity magazines, but the promise of 50 rounds in a rugged polymer housing certainly piqued my interest. It’s a bold statement in a world of standard-capacity magazines.
I’ve always appreciated the interchangeability of magazines between my Ruger SR9c, PC Carbine, and now PC Charger. This shared magazine capability led me to search for higher-capacity options to simplify my home defense preparations. Standard magazines are great, but in a high-stress situation, having more rounds readily available is a definite advantage.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag magazine felt surprisingly robust, despite its polymer construction. The weight was noticeable, especially compared to a standard 10 or 17-round magazine, but it felt solid and well-built. Initial inspection revealed no obvious molding flaws or defects.
Compared to Amend2 or even factory Ruger magazines, the ProMag felt slightly bulkier. I ultimately chose the ProMag for its sheer capacity – 50 rounds dwarfs the standard options. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – the concept is excellent, but the execution will determine its true value.
I was definitely excited to see if this magazine could deliver on its promise. The potential for increased firepower in a home defense scenario is a compelling draw. It would either be a game-changer or a costly disappointment.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine was a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I tested it primarily with my Ruger PC Charger at an outdoor range. The weather was dry, with temperatures in the mid-70s.
The initial loading process was a bit tedious, simply due to the sheer number of rounds. However, once loaded, the magazine seated firmly into the PC Charger’s mag well. I experienced a few initial failures to feed within the first 10 rounds.
The follower seemed to stick slightly, but after that initial hiccup, the ProMag ran relatively smoothly. It did require a firm tap on the baseplate to ensure proper seating, something I didn’t experience with my standard magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and hundreds of rounds, the ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine has proven to be…inconsistent. It’s not a magazine I would trust my life to at this point. There are more reliable options available for self-defense purposes.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the polymer body itself. However, I have noticed that the feed lips show slight deformation after prolonged use. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, but disassembling the magazine for deep cleaning is not something I would recommend unless absolutely necessary.
In comparison to my standard Ruger magazines, the ProMag falls short in terms of reliability. My Ruger factory magazines are consistently flawless, while the ProMag exhibits occasional feeding issues, especially when fully loaded. It’s a fun range toy, but not a serious tool.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Ruger SR9 and compatible platforms like the PC Carbine and PC Charger. It is chambered in 9mm Luger. This makes it versatile for anyone owning multiple platforms.
The magazine boasts a 50-round capacity. The magazine body is constructed from a proprietary DuPont Zytel-based polymer. The follower is injection molded, and the magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire. These components contribute to the magazine’s overall durability and reliability.
Performance & Functionality
When it comes to performance, the ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine presents a mixed bag. Its massive capacity is undeniably appealing. But reliability can be questionable at times.
The primary strength is obviously the round count; 50 rounds can be very appealing for range use or competition. The weaknesses are the occasional feeding issues, especially when fully loaded. It meets the expectation of high capacity, but falls short on consistent reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine utilizes a polymer construction which makes it relatively lightweight despite its size. The build quality appears decent. However, the finish isn’t as refined as factory magazines.
It is user-friendly in terms of loading and seating. The loading process takes some time simply due to the capacity, but there isn’t much of a learning curve. The bulkiness might be a problem for some users.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine, with its polymer body and steel spring, appears reasonably durable. Long-term reliability is still uncertain based on my testing. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning, is essential.
Cleaning involves disassembling the magazine, wiping down the body, and lightly lubricating the spring. Replacing the spring may be necessary after extensive use. Regular cleaning will improve long term reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. Due to its design, there aren’t many options for external customization. It is compatible with any platform designed to accept standard Ruger SR9 magazines, but no further customization is possible.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High Capacity: 50 rounds provides significant firepower.
- Polymer Construction: Lightweight and durable material.
- Compatibility: Works with Ruger SR9, PC Carbine, and PC Charger.
- Cost Effective:** Cheaper than some other high-capacity options.
- Range Toy:** Fun for extended shooting sessions.
Cons
- Reliability Issues:** Occasional feeding problems, especially when fully loaded.
- Bulky Design:** Can be cumbersome to handle.
- Questionable Longevity:** Feed lips may deform over time.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational range shooters who want to spend less time reloading. It is also ideal for competition shooters looking for an edge in stages that require high round counts. Someone who owns multiple platforms that accept SR9 magazines will also enjoy the simplicity of shared magazines.
This product should be skipped by anyone who prioritizes absolute reliability in self-defense situations. It also may not be suitable for users who find large magazines unwieldy.
A must-have modification would be to replace the magazine spring with a higher quality aftermarket spring to improve reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine offers a tempting proposition: a massive increase in firepower for your Ruger SR9 or compatible platforms. The value proposition is mixed. While the price is reasonable for a 50-round magazine, the reliability issues detract from its overall worth.
I would recommend it with reservations. If you’re primarily looking for a range toy and are willing to accept occasional malfunctions, it can be a fun addition to your collection.
Ultimately, the ProMag magazine highlights the trade-offs between capacity and reliability. If you value consistent performance above all else, stick with factory magazines. But if you’re willing to gamble on occasional hiccups for the sake of extra rounds, then give the ProMag Polymer Ruger SR9 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine a try. Just don’t bet your life on it.