First Impressions of ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine promises to enhance the capacity of your Glock 21, offering three additional rounds over the standard factory magazine. I’ve always been a fan of Glock’s reliability, but sometimes the standard capacity just feels a little lacking, especially during range sessions or when considering it for home defense.
My search for higher capacity magazines for my Glock 21 led me to the ProMag option. I wanted a magazine that would offer more rounds without sacrificing reliability, and the ProMag’s Zytel polymer construction and steel internal insert seemed promising.
Unboxing the ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine, my initial impression was of a solid, well-built magazine. The polymer felt robust, and the steel insert gave it a reassuring heft. Compared to the factory Glock magazine, the ProMag felt slightly different in texture, but the overall dimensions appeared similar. I had tried other aftermarket magazines before with mixed results, sometimes experiencing feeding issues, which I hoped to avoid this time. This magazine claims to increase capacity by 3 rounds. I was excited to test this magazine and see how it held up against the factory Glock magazine.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine was at my local shooting range. I loaded it with 13 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition and inserted it into my Glock 21. I found the magazine loaded easily and locked into place securely. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid firing and magazine changes.
The ProMag performed well during the first few magazines. However, after about 50 rounds, I experienced a few failures to feed. These malfunctions occurred intermittently, typically with the last few rounds in the magazine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I continued to experience intermittent feeding issues with the ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine. It seemed that the magazine was most reliable when loaded with fewer than 13 rounds. This reduced the increased capacity to +1 or +2 rounds instead of the advertised +3 rounds.
Visually, the magazine held up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. Cleaning was straightforward, requiring only a simple wipe-down after each range session.
Compared to the factory Glock magazines, the ProMag definitely underperformed in terms of reliability. While the extra capacity was appealing, the occasional malfunctions made it less trustworthy for serious use. The factory Glock magazines continue to be my trusted companion.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to fit Glock 21 and Glock 30 pistols chambered in .45 ACP. It features a 13-round capacity, offering an increase over the standard 10-round Glock 21 magazine and the 9 round Glock 30 magazine. The magazine body is constructed from DuPont Zytel polymer, known for its strength and resistance to impact. A full-length steel internal insert reinforces the polymer body, enhancing durability and preventing deformation. The magazine follower is injection molded, ensuring smooth and consistent feeding of rounds. The magazine spring is formed from chrome silicone wire, which provides long-lasting spring tension and corrosion resistance.
These specifications are significant because they directly influence the magazine’s reliability and longevity. The polymer body makes the magazine lightweight, while the steel insert adds strength to withstand the pressures of repeated loading and firing. The chrome silicone spring is crucial for maintaining consistent feeding force, which affects the overall reliability of the firearm.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine offers increased capacity, which can be beneficial for range sessions or home defense situations. However, as noted in my testing, the magazine’s reliability is questionable, with intermittent feeding issues.
The main strength of this magazine is its potential for increased capacity. The weakness lies in its occasional malfunctions, which undermine its trustworthiness. While the magazine promises a higher round count, its actual performance doesn’t always meet expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine’s design closely mimics the factory Glock magazine, ensuring a similar fit and feel. The polymer construction keeps the weight down, and the magazine is relatively easy to load.
From an ergonomic standpoint, there is not much difference from the original Glock magazine. This means there’s no real learning curve for anyone familiar with the Glock platform.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine seems reasonably durable. The polymer body and steel insert offer good resistance to wear and tear. After several weeks of use, I have not observed any significant damage or deformation.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. The magazine can be easily disassembled for thorough cleaning if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories. It is designed to be a direct replacement for the factory Glock magazine.
There are no specific customization options for this magazine. It is compatible with standard magazine pouches and carriers designed for Glock 21 magazines.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Potential for increased magazine capacity (+3 rounds) compared to standard Glock 21 magazines.
- Affordable price point, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking higher capacity.
- Polymer construction provides lightweight durability.
- Easy to load and use, similar to factory Glock magazines.
Cons
- Questionable reliability, with intermittent feeding issues experienced during testing.
- May not function reliably when fully loaded with 13 rounds.
Who Should Buy ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine might be suitable for recreational shooters or those seeking an inexpensive way to experiment with higher capacity magazines. It would be a good option for casual range use.
This product should be skipped by anyone who requires absolute reliability from their magazines, such as law enforcement officers, competitive shooters, or individuals relying on their firearm for self-defense. This magazine is not guaranteed for consistent reliability.
Must-have accessories: It is recommended to pair this magazine with high-quality ammunition to minimize the potential for malfunctions.
Conclusion on ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine offers the promise of increased capacity at an affordable price. However, my testing revealed significant reliability issues that cannot be ignored.
The price may be justified for casual use. But the feeding problems make it difficult to recommend for anyone needing a dependable magazine.
Personally, I would not recommend the ProMag Glock 21 .45 ACP 13 Round Pistol Magazine for self-defense or any situation where reliability is paramount. While the increased capacity is tempting, the risk of malfunctions outweighs the benefits. If you are serious about the performance of your Glock, stick with the factory magazines.