First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine promises a significant boost in firepower for your XDM. The allure of 50 rounds in a single magazine is undeniable, especially for range days or competition. It’s manufactured by ProMag, a name often associated with aftermarket magazines, and I was curious to see if this high-capacity offering lived up to its potential or fell short of expectations.
My need for this magazine stemmed from a desire for less reloading and more uninterrupted shooting during practice sessions. I’ve always appreciated the XDM’s ergonomics and accuracy, but the standard magazine capacity felt limiting. The promise of a drastically increased round count was tempting, even with the inherent risks of aftermarket magazines.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt surprisingly lightweight due to the polymer construction. The build quality seemed decent, but the polymer didn’t inspire the same confidence as the factory steel magazines. I was both excited and apprehensive, knowing that high-capacity magazines, especially polymer ones, can be finicky.
I considered other high-capacity magazines, including those from different manufacturers and even drum magazines. I ultimately chose the ProMag due to its relatively compact design compared to drum magazines and its lower price point than some of the other extended stick magazines. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic, hoping that the promise of increased capacity wouldn’t come at the cost of reliability.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze, perfect for an afternoon of testing. I brought a variety of .40 S&W ammunition, ranging from 165-grain FMJ to 180-grain JHP, to assess its feeding reliability with different bullet profiles.
The first few magazines were plagued with failures to feed, typically occurring within the first 10-15 rounds. Rounds would nose-dive and jam against the feed ramp. This was frustrating, but I persevered, hoping the magazine would “break in” with use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After approximately 300 rounds, the ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine started to show some improvement, but remained problematic. The failure rate decreased, but still occurred every few magazines. The polymer body showed some slight scuffing, but no major signs of wear or cracking.
Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward, though disassembling it required more force than factory magazines. The spring tension was considerable, making reassembly a bit of a wrestling match. Compared to my experience with factory XDM magazines, the ProMag was significantly less reliable and required more attention.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ProMag. This indicates the magazine is an aftermarket part, not a factory offering from Springfield Armory.
- Gun Model: Springfield Armory XD-M. Specifically designed for the XD-M pistol platform in .40 S&W.
- Caliber: .40 S&W. Only compatible with firearms chambered in this caliber.
- Magazine Capacity: 50 Round. Offers a substantially higher capacity compared to standard magazines.
- Material: DuPont Zytel Based Polymer. This contributes to the magazine’s lighter weight but may compromise durability compared to steel.
- Follower: Injection Molded. Ensures smooth and consistent feeding of ammunition.
- Spring: Heat Treated Chrome Silicon Wire. Designed for consistent tension and durability under repeated use.
These specifications highlight the trade-offs made to achieve a high-capacity magazine. The polymer construction is lighter but potentially less durable than steel, and the increased capacity may impact reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of any magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm. In the case of the ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine, this is where it fell short. As mentioned earlier, I experienced frequent failures to feed, especially during the initial uses.
The magazine’s strength lies in its high capacity, allowing for extended shooting sessions without reloading. However, this is undermined by its inconsistent reliability. It simply did not meet my expectations for a reliable magazine, especially considering the potential consequences of malfunctions in a self-defense situation.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag magazine is designed to fit flush with the XDM’s magazine well, despite its extended length. While this is visually appealing, the added length makes the pistol unwieldy. The polymer construction feels less robust than steel magazines but does contribute to a lighter overall weight.
The magazine is easy to load, though the spring tension becomes increasingly difficult as you approach full capacity. Disassembly for cleaning requires some effort due to the strong spring. There is a noticeable learning curve in mastering the disassembly process without the spring launching across the room.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine appears reasonably durable, but the polymer construction is a concern for long-term use. I anticipate that the feed lips, being polymer, will be more prone to wear and damage than steel feed lips. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent malfunctions, but the magazine’s intricate design makes thorough cleaning challenging.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag magazine doesn’t offer any specific accessories or customization options beyond its standard configuration. It is designed to work with the standard XDM magazine release. While some aftermarket base pads might fit, the overall design doesn’t lend itself to significant modification. Compatibility with aftermarket accessories is limited, making it difficult to enhance the magazine’s performance or ergonomics.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High Capacity: 50 rounds significantly reduces the need for frequent reloads.
- Lightweight: Polymer construction makes it lighter than comparable steel high-capacity magazines.
- Price: Generally more affordable than other high-capacity magazines.
- Flush Fit: Designed to fit flush with the XDM’s magazine well.
- Easy to Load: Can be easily loaded with a magazine loader.
Cons
- Reliability Issues: Frequent failures to feed, especially when new.
- Durability Concerns: Polymer construction may not be as durable as steel.
- Difficult Disassembly: Strong spring makes disassembly and reassembly challenging.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine might be suitable for range shooters who prioritize high capacity and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. This magazine is best suited for recreational target practice, where the potential for failures doesn’t carry significant consequences.
Individuals relying on their firearm for self-defense or competition should skip this product. The reliability issues make it unsuitable for situations where consistent performance is critical. A standard capacity, high-quality magazine is far preferable.
Must-have modifications would include extensive testing with different ammunition types and potentially replacing the follower and spring with higher-quality aftermarket components, though this adds to the overall cost and may not guarantee improved reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Springfield XDM .40 S&W 50-Round Pistol Magazine offers the allure of high capacity, but its reliability issues ultimately detract from its value. While the price is attractive, the inconsistent performance makes it difficult to recommend for serious use. The price doesn’t justify the compromise in reliability.
I would not personally recommend this magazine, particularly for self-defense or competitive shooting. The potential for malfunctions outweighs the benefits of increased capacity. Invest in high-quality, factory magazines for reliable performance.
If you’re a range shooter willing to gamble on reliability for the sake of fewer reloads, then proceed with caution. Otherwise, stick to what works.