First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine – the name itself evokes images of extended range sessions and reduced reloading time. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the tactical gear world, I’ve seen my share of aftermarket magazines, some reliable, some… not so much. This particular magazine, promising a whopping 50-round capacity for the S&W 5900 series, piqued my interest, pushing the boundaries of what’s typically expected from a pistol magazine.
My quest for this magazine stemmed from a need for higher capacity during training drills. Reloading constantly interrupts the flow of practice, especially when focusing on speed and accuracy. I was looking for something that could minimize those interruptions without sacrificing reliability – a tall order, to say the least.
Upon receiving the ProMag, my initial impression was one of surprise at its size. The polymer construction felt sturdy, albeit noticeably lighter than a comparable steel magazine would be. Compared to standard 15-round magazines, the extended length was considerable, raising questions about handling and balance. I picked this particular magazine over others due to the attractive 50-round capacity, which promised to drastically cut down on reload times.
Was I excited? Yes, the potential for extended shooting sessions was appealing. Disappointed? Not initially, but a healthy dose of skepticism remained until I could put it through its paces. The real test would be its performance on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The day was moderately warm, with a slight breeze – ideal conditions for testing. I ran several drills focusing on rapid target acquisition and transitions, eager to see how the extended magazine would affect my handling.
The initial loading was… challenging. Getting all 50 rounds in required significant effort and a magazine loader is almost essential. Once loaded, inserting the magazine into my S&W 5906 was surprisingly smooth, though the added weight was immediately noticeable. The first few rounds fed without issue, but by round ten, I experienced a failure to feed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After multiple range sessions over several weeks, the ProMag’s reliability remained inconsistent. While it occasionally ran through 50 rounds without a hiccup, failures to feed were common, particularly in rapid-fire scenarios. The polymer body showed no signs of cracking or significant wear, but the spring tension seemed to weaken over time. Cleaning and lubricating the magazine regularly helped somewhat, but didn’t eliminate the issues entirely.
Compared to my standard S&W factory magazines, the ProMag was a significant disappointment. While the capacity was enticing, the lack of consistent reliability made it unsuitable for any serious defensive or tactical application. My experience confirmed my initial skepticism.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the Smith & Wesson Model 5900 series of pistols. It is chambered in 9mm Luger.
It boasts a 50-round capacity, significantly exceeding the standard magazine capacity for these pistols. The magazine body is constructed from a proprietary DuPont Zytel based polymer.
The follower is injection molded. The magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicon wire.
These specifications suggest a focus on lightweight construction (polymer) and durable internal components (heat-treated spring), but the high capacity raises concerns about potential reliability issues.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of any magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm. The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine struggles to achieve this consistently. While it can function adequately under ideal conditions, its susceptibility to failures to feed undermines its practical value.
The magazine’s strength lies in its high capacity, allowing for extended shooting sessions without frequent reloads. Its weakness is its inconsistent reliability. It does not meet expectations for a magazine intended for serious use.
Design & Ergonomics
The polymer construction makes the ProMag relatively lightweight, even when fully loaded. However, the extended length drastically alters the pistol’s balance, making it feel awkward and unwieldy. The build quality appears decent, but the internal components seem unable to consistently handle the demands of a fully loaded, high-capacity magazine.
The magazine’s design lacks refinement. The extended length makes it difficult to handle and negatively impacts the pistol’s ergonomics.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer body appears durable and resistant to cracking or deformation. However, the magazine spring seems prone to weakening over time, which contributes to feeding issues. Maintenance involves regular cleaning and lubrication to minimize friction and ensure smooth operation.
The long-term durability of the magazine spring is questionable. Consistent maintenance is crucial to maximizing its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t offer any specific customization options. It is a self-contained unit. However, it can be used with magazine loaders designed for pistol magazines, which are highly recommended due to the high capacity and tight spring.
Compatibility with aftermarket accessories is limited to magazine loaders. There are no other readily available modifications or enhancements.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High Capacity (50 Rounds): Significantly reduces the need for frequent reloads.
- Lightweight Polymer Construction: Reduces overall weight compared to steel magazines.
- Relatively Affordable: Cheaper than some other high-capacity options.
Cons
- Inconsistent Reliability: Prone to failures to feed, especially in rapid fire.
- Poor Ergonomics: Extended length negatively impacts pistol handling and balance.
- Questionable Spring Durability: Spring tension seems to weaken over time, contributing to feeding issues.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine?
This magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. It might also appeal to novelty collectors interested in owning a high-capacity magazine for their S&W 5900 series pistol.
This magazine is not suitable for defensive use, law enforcement, or competitive shooting where reliability is paramount. Anyone relying on their firearm for personal protection should avoid this product. A must-have accessory is a quality magazine loader to assist with loading all 50 rounds.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Smith & Wesson 5900 9mm 50-Round Pistol Magazine offers a tempting proposition: a significant increase in firepower for a relatively low price. However, its inconsistent reliability and awkward ergonomics make it a questionable investment for serious shooters. The high capacity is rendered almost useless by the failure to feed issue.
The price of $93.79 is not justified given the magazine’s performance. Reliability should be the top priority in a firearm magazine. I cannot recommend this magazine for anyone who relies on their firearm for self-defense or any other serious application.
While the idea of a 50-round magazine is appealing, the execution falls short. Invest in reliable, factory-made magazines instead – your peace of mind (and your firearm) will thank you.