First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine immediately sparks curiosity. It’s a high-capacity magazine designed specifically for the popular Shadow Systems CR920 pistol, a compact firearm known for its Glock-like reliability and enhanced ergonomics. ProMag‘s reputation for aftermarket magazines, both good and bad, precedes this product, making a thorough examination essential to determine its true worth.
I’ve been running a CR920 as my EDC for the past year. One of my biggest complaints with the CR920 is the limited magazine capacity with flush fitting magazines. I wanted to boost the CR920’s capacity without significantly compromising concealability by moving to a larger framed pistol.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt surprisingly lightweight due to its DuPont Zytel based polymer construction. The polymer felt sturdy, but I couldn’t help but wonder how well it would hold up to the stresses of repeated loading, unloading, and firing. Compared to the factory Glock magazine (which the CR920 accepts) and other steel aftermarket options, the ProMag felt a bit less robust.
I considered other extended capacity magazines like those from ETS, but I was concerned about their reliability track record and the transparency of their polymer construction. I also looked at trying to use Glock brand magazines with extensions. Ultimately, I chose the ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine due to the specifically designed fit for the CR920.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The sheer capacity was alluring, but I knew the proof would be in the pudding when I got it to the range. The magazine design appeared functional, but its long-term reliability remained a significant question mark.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor range. The weather was dry and sunny, a perfect day for shooting. I ran a few hundred rounds of mixed 9mm ammo through it, from cheap bulk FMJ to some higher-quality self-defense rounds.
The first few magazines loaded and seated smoothly. However, the first time I tried to shoot with a fully loaded magazine I experienced multiple failures to feed in the first few rounds. After the first few rounds it seemed to run a lot smoother, with no more failures.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds through the ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine, some patterns emerged. The failures to feed became less frequent as the magazine broke in. Cleaning and lubricating the magazine after each range trip seemed to help considerably.
Despite the break-in period issues, the magazine body has held up remarkably well. There are no cracks or signs of significant wear. The polymer still looks and feels solid. Compared to my factory Glock magazines, it requires more frequent cleaning to ensure reliable feeding.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is designed specifically for the Shadow Systems CR920 pistol. It boasts a 50-round capacity, chambered in 9mm Luger. The magazine body is constructed from a DuPont Zytel based polymer, while the follower is injection molded.
The magazine spring is formed from heat treated chrome silicon wire. These specifications are important because they determine the magazine’s capacity, durability, and reliability. The high-capacity magazine offers extended shooting sessions without frequent reloads, and the polymer construction aims to balance weight and strength.
Performance & Functionality
When the ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine works, it really works, delivering a significant increase in firepower to the CR920. The initial failures to feed are a concern, but once broken in, the magazine mostly functions as expected.
Its primary weakness lies in its finicky nature. It definitely seems to be more sensitive to dirt and grime than factory magazines. The extended length can also make it awkward for concealed carry, defeating the purpose of the CR920’s compact size. It meets my expectations for range use and training.
Design & Ergonomics
The polymer body keeps the weight reasonable for its size. However, the 50-round capacity makes it significantly longer than standard magazines. While the polymer feels durable, it doesn’t exude the same confidence as steel-bodied magazines.
The magazine is relatively easy to load, although loading the last few rounds can be challenging. The extended length also impacts ergonomics when shooting from a bench or prone position. The learning curve is minimal.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer body seems durable so far, but I remain skeptical about its long-term resistance to wear and tear. Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining reliable feeding. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward, but care must be taken not to damage the polymer feed lips.
I anticipate the magazine lasting for several years with proper care. The spring is the most likely component to fail over time, requiring replacement. Replacing the spring seems simple enough.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any included accessories. There are no readily available customization options for the magazine itself, such as different baseplates or followers.
It is compatible with standard 9mm ammunition. No specific accessories are required for its use, and because it’s designed for the Shadow Systems CR920, no modifications to the firearm itself are necessary.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increases the capacity of the Shadow Systems CR920.
- Relatively lightweight due to its polymer construction.
- Affordable compared to some other high-capacity magazine options.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
- Durable polymer body (after initial break-in).
Cons
- Experiences failures to feed in the first few rounds until broken in.
- Requires more frequent cleaning than factory magazines.
- Extended length can be cumbersome for concealed carry.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters and competition shooters who want to minimize reload times. It is also good for those who desire a high round count for home defense situations. Anyone looking to dramatically increase the firepower of their CR920 in a range or home defense environment will benefit most.
Those prioritizing concealability or absolute reliability should skip this product. Law enforcement or military personnel may find the reliability issues unacceptable. A magazine loader is a must-have accessory to ease the loading process.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Shadow Systems CR920 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine offers a substantial increase in capacity for the CR920, but comes with caveats. The initial failures to feed and need for frequent cleaning detract from its overall appeal.
The price is justified for range use, if you’re willing to deal with the potential issues. However, I would not recommend it for duty use or self-defense without extensive testing and a complete understanding of its limitations.
Ultimately, I would cautiously recommend it to fellow CR920 owners looking for a high-capacity range magazine, with a strong emphasis on thorough testing and maintenance. Proceed with caution and understand its potential drawbacks before relying on it for serious use.