First Impressions of ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine promises to significantly increase the capacity of your M&P40, offering more rounds downrange before needing to reload. As someone who values both training time and preparedness, a high-capacity magazine for my M&P40 has always been an attractive proposition. I was intrigued by the potential for extended range sessions and the added peace of mind a larger magazine provides in a defensive situation.
I’ve always been a proponent of being adequately prepared in both tactical and sport shooting situations. This meant, for me, more rounds available. I’ve always trusted ProMag as a solid after-market manufacturer.
My first impression upon receiving the ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine was that it felt solid, if a bit heavier than the factory 15-round magazine. The blued steel finish looked durable, and the overall construction seemed robust. Compared to other aftermarket magazines I’ve used, this one appeared to be better built, with tighter tolerances.
I considered ETS magazines for their clear polymer construction, allowing for easy round count, and the factory S&W magazines for guaranteed compatibility. Ultimately, I chose the ProMag due to its higher capacity and more affordable price point, betting that the increased capacity would outweigh any potential reliability concerns. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping that it would live up to its promise of increased firepower without sacrificing reliability.
Initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism, as aftermarket magazines can sometimes be hit or miss. The real test would be at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine took place at my local outdoor range on a sunny afternoon. I ran several drills focusing on magazine changes and rapid target engagement. The magazine was loaded with standard 180-grain FMJ rounds.
The first few magazines ran smoothly, with no feeding issues or failures to extract. The added weight of the fully loaded magazine was noticeable but manageable. However, by the third magazine, I experienced a few failures to feed, where the slide failed to fully chamber the next round.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I continued to test the ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine across several range sessions, logging approximately 500 rounds. After the initial hiccups, the magazine seemed to “break in,” and the frequency of malfunctions decreased. Cleaning the magazine thoroughly after each session also appeared to improve reliability.
After around 300 rounds, the magazine consistently performed well, showing no significant signs of wear and tear. I paid close attention to the feed lips and magazine body for any signs of bending or cracking. Compared to my experience with other aftermarket magazines, this ProMag initially underperformed, but ultimately improved to an acceptable level of reliability with regular cleaning and use.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine is designed to fit Smith & Wesson M&P40 pistols chambered in .40 S&W. It boasts a 25-round capacity, significantly increasing the firepower compared to standard capacity magazines. The magazine body is constructed of heat-treated steel, offering robust durability and resistance to deformation.
The ProMag also features an injection-molded magazine follower. The magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicone wire. The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine comes in a blued finish.
These specifications translate to increased shooting time between reloads and added resilience. The heat-treated steel should prevent bending or cracking under stress.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine performs adequately, but with a caveat. Initial reliability was a concern, but improved with use and diligent cleaning. It does function well after the break-in period.
The main strength is its high capacity, allowing for extended shooting sessions and potentially offering a tactical advantage. The initial weakness was the occasional failure to feed, especially when new. It meets expectations for capacity but falls slightly short on initial out-of-the-box reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine features a robust construction. The steel body feels durable. The added length and weight, especially when fully loaded, can affect the pistol’s balance.
There is no real learning curve. It seats into the magazine well just like the factory magazine. The extended length may require some adjustment to holster selection and carry style.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine is constructed from heat-treated steel. This suggests it should withstand considerable use and abuse. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain its reliability.
Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward. A punch or similar tool is required to depress the magazine floorplate retainer and slide off the floorplate. Proper maintenance is key to a long lifespan for the magazine.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine itself doesn’t offer any customization options. However, it’s compatible with any .40 S&W M&P40 that accepts factory magazines. There are no accessories that come with this magazine.
It doesn’t require any additional modifications to work with standard M&P40 accessories. The user may want to consider aftermarket magazine pouches to accommodate the extended length.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity: 25 rounds provide a substantial advantage in training and potential defensive situations.
- Durable construction:_ Heat-treated steel body ensures longevity and resistance to damage.
- Affordable price: Offers a high-capacity option at a more budget-friendly price point compared to some competitors.
- Easy to load: Follower button assists in effortless loading.
- Compatible with standard M&P40: No modifications needed to use in a compatible M&P40 pistol.
Cons
- Initial reliability issues: May require a break-in period to function flawlessly.
- Added weight and length: Can affect the balance of the pistol and require adjustments to holster selection.
- Not always reliable: Can occasionally cause the pistol to jam when rapid firing, but typically only once every few magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for range shooters who want to minimize reloading time. It is also good for tactical shooters who prioritize a high round count. It could be useful for home defense situations where a high-capacity magazine may offer a tactical advantage.
This product may not be suitable for concealed carry due to its extended length and weight. Also, those who demand absolute, unwavering reliability out of the box should consider factory magazines instead. A must-have modification might be aftermarket magazine pouches designed for extended magazines.
Conclusion on ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Smith & Wesson M&P40 .40 S&W 25 Round Pistol Magazine offers a compelling solution for those seeking increased capacity in their M&P40. While it may require a break-in period and diligent cleaning, the benefits of a 25-round magazine are undeniable. The price is justified for the added firepower, provided you’re willing to address the initial reliability concerns.
I would recommend it with reservations. It’s a good option for range use and training, but I would hesitate to rely on it for critical defensive situations without thorough testing and a solid break-in period. If you’re looking to boost your M&P40’s capacity without breaking the bank, give the ProMag a try. Just be sure to put it through its paces at the range before trusting it completely.