ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine Review

First Impressions of ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine

The ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine promises enhanced capacity and reliability for Ruger Ranch Rifle owners chambered in the potent 6.8 SPC cartridge. This magazine aims to address the limited capacity of factory magazines, offering a substantial increase in firepower for hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications. The promise of robust steel construction and a design focused on feeding reliability immediately caught my attention.

I needed a magazine that could handle the demands of hog hunting in thick brush, where quick follow-up shots are often crucial. Factory magazines, while reliable, simply didn’t offer enough capacity in those situations. I was particularly drawn to the ProMag magazine’s steel construction, hoping for a significant improvement in durability compared to polymer alternatives.

Unboxing the ProMag magazine, I was initially impressed by the solid feel and weight of the steel body. The black oxide finish appeared well-applied, and the magazine felt substantial in my hand. It was noticeably heavier than the factory Ruger magazine, hinting at the robust construction within.

Compared to polymer magazines from brands like Magpul, the ProMag offered a different proposition. While polymer magazines are often lighter and more impact-resistant, I chose the ProMag for its perceived resistance to bending and crushing in demanding environments. The ProMag felt like a tool built to last, while some competitors felt more disposable.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine appeared to be a well-built, durable upgrade, potentially solving my capacity issues in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine at my local shooting range, focusing on functionality and feeding reliability. The magazine loaded easily and locked positively into my Ruger Ranch Rifle. The first few rounds cycled smoothly, but I soon encountered several failures to feed.

These failures typically involved the round nosing up against the top of the chamber, requiring me to manually cycle the bolt to chamber a round. This issue persisted throughout the first 50 rounds, regardless of the ammunition type used. The failures occurred more frequently when the magazine was fully loaded or near capacity.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 200 rounds, the feeding issues with the ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine remained. I tried different ammunition brands and bullet weights, but the malfunctions persisted, albeit slightly less frequently. The magazine showed no significant wear and tear.

Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward; the baseplate was easily removable for access to the spring and follower. However, I found that the internal surfaces of the steel body seemed to retain dirt and powder residue more readily than polymer magazines. Compared to the reliability of the factory Ruger magazine, the ProMag was a clear disappointment.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

The ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine boasts a 20-round capacity, significantly exceeding the standard capacity of Ruger factory magazines for the Ranch Rifle. It is chambered specifically for the 6.8mm Remington SPC cartridge. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated steel, providing a robust and durable housing for the ammunition.

The magazine also features an injection molded magazine follower, designed to ensure smooth and reliable feeding of cartridges. The spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicone wire, designed for consistent pressure and long-lasting performance. These features suggest a magazine built for reliability, though my testing revealed some issues.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of raw capacity, the ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine delivers on its promise. However, the repeated failures to feed experienced during testing significantly hampered its overall functionality. The magazine’s unreliability makes it unsuitable for applications where consistent performance is paramount, such as hunting or self-defense.

While the ProMag magazine’s steel construction initially instilled confidence, its performance fell short of expectations. The magazine didn’t meet my standards for reliability, making it a risky choice for critical applications. The primary weakness lies in its feeding issues, which overshadow any potential strengths.

Design & Ergonomics

The ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine features a simple, utilitarian design. The steel body is robust, providing a feeling of quality and durability. The magazine’s weight is noticeable, but it doesn’t feel excessively heavy.

Loading the magazine can be slightly challenging, particularly when filling it to its full 20-round capacity. The magazine’s design lacks any features to assist with loading, which can be fatiguing during extended range sessions. There is no significant learning curve to using this magazine.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction of the ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine suggests that it should last for many years with proper care. The magazine showed no signs of physical damage or wear during testing, despite repeated use.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The removable baseplate allows for easy disassembly and cleaning of the magazine’s internal components. Overall, the ProMag magazine appears to be designed for durability and ease of maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine does not offer any specific accessories or customization options. It is designed to function as a direct replacement for the factory Ruger Ranch Rifle magazine. While there are no official accessories, the magazine is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for AR-15 or similar rifle magazines.

Because it is a magazine there are not really any options to attach any accessories to it.

Pros and Cons of ProMag Steel Ruger Ranch Rifle 6.8 SPC 20-Round Rifle Magazine