First Impressions of ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine
The Ruger-57 is a fascinating pistol, chambered in the high-velocity 5.7x28mm round. Finding reliable, affordable magazines for it, however, can be a challenge. The ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine aims to address that, offering a higher-capacity alternative to the factory 20-rounders at a potentially more accessible price point.
I was looking for a more budget-friendly option for practice. Factory Ruger magazines are excellent, but the cost adds up quickly when you’re stocking up for range days. I wanted a magazine I wouldn’t mind dropping in the dirt and could use for high-volume shooting.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag magazine presents a simple, utilitarian appearance. The steel body has a matte black oxide finish, which seems reasonably durable, though not as refined as the finish on the factory magazines. It feels solid enough in hand, though perhaps a touch lighter than the Ruger magazine.
Compared to the factory Ruger magazine, the ProMag lacks some of the finer details. The witness holes, for example, are fewer and less clearly marked. I picked the ProMag hoping for a cost-effective alternative, knowing that there might be some compromises in fit and finish compared to the original.
My initial impression is cautiously optimistic. It looks functional, but the proof will be in how it feeds and holds up under repeated use. I’m eager to see if it can deliver reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing. I ran approximately 200 rounds of Federal American Eagle 5.7x28mm ammunition through it.
Performance was mixed. The magazine loaded easily enough and initially fed the first few rounds reliably. However, after about the fifth round, I experienced several failures to feed, with the slide failing to fully chamber the next round.
The issue seemed to worsen as the magazine heated up from repeated firing. This could be due to the magazine spring weakening or the steel body expanding slightly. These stoppages made the first range session frustrating, I am hoping it will “break in” with more usage.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several more range sessions, totaling around 500 rounds fired, the ProMag magazine’s performance has improved somewhat, but the reliability is still not on par with the factory magazines. Failures to feed still occur, albeit less frequently, usually after the magazine is half-empty.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the magazine body. The black oxide finish has held up well. However, the magazine spring seems to have lost some of its initial tension, potentially contributing to the feeding issues.
Cleaning is straightforward, involving disassembly and wiping down the internal components with a lightly oiled cloth. It is about the same as cleaning the factory mag. Compared to my experience with factory Ruger magazines, which have been flawless, the ProMag is noticeably less reliable, especially under rapid fire.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ProMag
- Gun Model: Ruger-57
- Caliber: 5.7x28mm
- Magazine Capacity: 20 Rounds
- Fabric/Material: Steel
- Magazine body constructed of heat treated steel with black oxide finish. This is intended to provide durability and corrosion resistance.
- Injection molded magazine follower. This ensures smooth feeding and proper cartridge alignment.
- Magazine spring formed from heat treated chrome silicone wire. This provides consistent pressure and long-term reliability.
These specifications are typical for a standard pistol magazine. The steel construction aims for durability, while the heat treatment seeks to improve its strength and resilience.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine functions adequately, but not flawlessly. It holds 20 rounds of 5.7x28mm ammunition, but its reliability is inconsistent, with occasional failures to feed. Its performance falls short of the reliability I expect from a pistol magazine intended for anything beyond casual range use.
The ProMag’s strengths lie in its capacity and affordability compared to factory magazines. The weaknesses are its inconsistent feeding and the potential for spring fatigue over time. Ultimately, it only partially meets my expectations, as a more reliable alternative is still desirable.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine is constructed from heat-treated steel with a black oxide finish, giving it a decent level of robustness. It’s comfortable enough to handle during loading, but it lacks some of the ergonomic refinements of the factory magazines, such as more prominent witness holes.
There is a slight learning curve involved in ensuring proper seating within the Ruger-57. It sometimes requires a firmer push than the factory magazine to lock securely into place.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction suggests that the ProMag magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time, although the spring may require eventual replacement. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
The magazine’s design makes disassembly and cleaning straightforward. This facilitates easy removal of debris and helps prevent malfunctions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. There are no customization options available directly from ProMag. As it is a standard magazine, it is not compatible with any non-standard accessories.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Higher capacity (20 rounds) compared to some other available magazines.
- More affordable than factory Ruger magazines.
- Durable steel construction with black oxide finish.
- Relatively easy to disassemble and clean.
- Acceptable for basic range practice (with caveats).
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding reliability, especially under rapid fire.
- Magazine spring may be prone to weakening over time.
- Fewer and less prominent witness holes than factory magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for the casual range shooter on a tight budget. It also would be acceptable for individuals who are willing to accept occasional malfunctions in exchange for a lower price point.
This product should be skipped by individuals who require absolute reliability for self-defense or competition shooting. It also would not be suitable for those who demand the highest level of quality and finish. Must-have modifications might include a stronger aftermarket magazine spring to improve feeding reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Steel Ruger Ruger-57 5.7x28mm 20-Round Pistol Magazine offers a budget-friendly alternative to factory Ruger magazines, but it comes with compromises. Its higher capacity and steel construction are appealing, but its inconsistent feeding reliability is a significant drawback.
The price is justified for those who prioritize affordability over absolute reliability. However, it’s important to be aware of its limitations. I would recommend this product only with reservations. If you’re willing to accept occasional malfunctions, the ProMag can be a cost-effective option for range use. However, for serious applications, investing in factory magazines is the wiser choice.