First Impressions of ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine promises to be a reliable and durable option for Galil owners looking to increase their firepower. ProMag magazines are known for their affordability, and this particular model aims to deliver that value in a robust steel package for the .308 Galil platform. This magazine’s allure lies in its combination of a larger capacity and a steel construction, seemingly offering a balance between cost-effectiveness and durability.
My Galil, a cherished piece of my collection, had been relegated to range duty due to the scarcity of reliable magazines. The factory magazines, while excellent, are few and far between, and I needed something that could keep up with more frequent shooting sessions. The ProMag offered a solution, seemingly bridging the gap between expensive factory mags and potentially unreliable aftermarket options.
The first impression upon unboxing was positive. The ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine felt substantial, the steel body exuding an air of durability. The black oxide finish appeared evenly applied, and the magazine seated firmly in the Galil’s magwell during initial dry testing. This was definitely a step up from some polymer magazines I had experimented with in the past.
I considered magazines from KCI and Tapco, but ProMag’s reputation for decent quality at a reasonable price swayed me. The all-steel construction, versus polymer options, also played a significant role in my decision, given the robust nature of the Galil rifle itself. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to the promise of improved capacity and unwavering reliability.
My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, aftermarket magazines can be a mixed bag, especially for more specialized platforms like the Galil. However, the ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine seemed to have the right ingredients – steel construction, increased capacity, and a ProMag pedigree – to potentially solve my magazine woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine was at my local outdoor range. I wanted a controlled environment to assess its function and reliability before trusting it in any more demanding scenarios. The day was slightly overcast with a light breeze, perfect conditions for comfortable shooting.
The magazine loaded easily, and the rounds chambered smoothly during the first few strings of fire. I ran several drills, focusing on rapid mag changes and varied shooting positions. There were no immediate malfunctions; the magazine fed reliably, and the bolt locked back consistently after the last round.
However, after about 50 rounds, I experienced a couple of failures to feed. The rounds seemed to nose-dive slightly, requiring me to manually cycle the action. This was concerning, but I decided to continue testing to see if the issue persisted.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and hundreds of rounds, the ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine proved to be somewhat inconsistent. Some sessions were flawless, with the magazine performing admirably. Other sessions were plagued by occasional failures to feed, usually occurring when the magazine was fully loaded.
Durability-wise, the magazine has held up reasonably well. The black oxide finish shows some wear marks from insertion and removal, but there’s no sign of dents or deformation. I make sure to wipe it down and lightly oil it after each range trip.
Maintaining the magazine is straightforward. I disassemble it regularly to clean out any debris and ensure the spring is functioning properly. Compared to my factory Galil magazines, the ProMag requires slightly more attention to maintain consistent feeding. I clean my factory mags far less frequently and they still perform flawlessly. The ProMag requires more frequent cleaning and still doesn’t perform as well as the factory offerings.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine is specifically designed for the IWI Galil chambered in .308 Winchester. It boasts a 20-round capacity, providing a significant increase over the standard factory magazines. The magazine body is constructed from high carbon heat-treated steel, promising enhanced strength and durability.
The magazine also features an injection molded magazine follower and a magazine spring formed from heat-treated chrome silicone wire. These internal components contribute to the overall feeding reliability and longevity of the magazine. ProMag aims to deliver a cost-effective alternative to factory magazines without sacrificing essential features.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s performance and durability. The steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular use, while the follower and spring design affect how reliably it feeds rounds into the chamber. A higher capacity means less frequent reloads, an advantage in both recreational and tactical scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine delivers mixed results in terms of performance. While it generally functions well, the occasional failures to feed are a significant concern. When it works, it’s great; when it doesn’t, it can be frustrating.
The magazine’s primary strength is its increased capacity. The 20-round capacity is very useful compared to the standard lower capacity magazines. However, its weakness lies in its inconsistent feeding, particularly when fully loaded. This makes it less reliable than factory magazines.
While the ProMag offers an affordable way to increase capacity, it doesn’t fully meet the expectations set by the superior reliability of original Galil magazines. The occasional malfunctions diminish confidence in its performance, especially in critical situations.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine features a robust design with a black oxide finish. The steel construction provides a solid feel, but also contributes to a slightly heavier weight compared to polymer magazines. The ergonomics are similar to the factory magazines, with a comfortable fit in the Galil’s magwell.
The magazine is reasonably user-friendly, although loading can be a bit stiff, especially when filling it to its full 20-round capacity. There’s no significant learning curve, as it functions similarly to other Galil magazines. However, the potential for feeding issues requires users to be more vigilant.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine seems built to last, thanks to its steel construction. The black oxide finish offers some protection against corrosion, but regular cleaning and lubrication are essential. The magazine disassembles easily for thorough cleaning and maintenance.
With proper care, the ProMag should provide a decent lifespan. However, the inconsistent feeding issues might necessitate more frequent parts replacements than a factory magazine. Regular inspection of the follower and spring is crucial to ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There aren’t any readily available customization options specific to this magazine. It’s designed to be a straightforward replacement for the standard Galil magazine.
While it is not compatible with any specific accessory, it is compatible with any .308 Galil rifle that accepts standard Galil magazines. Be sure to use only ammunition within factory specifications to ensure proper feeding and prevent damage to the magazine and firearm.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Increased capacity: The 20-round capacity offers a significant advantage over standard magazines.
- Durable construction: The heat-treated steel body provides excellent durability.
- Affordable price: It’s a cost-effective alternative to expensive factory magazines.
- Easy to disassemble: Simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Black oxide finish gives the magazine a professional look.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding: Occasional failures to feed can be frustrating.
- Stiff loading: Can be difficult to load to full capacity.
Who Should Buy ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine?
The ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for Galil owners looking to increase their firepower on a budget. It’s suitable for recreational shooters who want a higher capacity magazine for range use. It is acceptable for hunting provided the shooter tests its reliability extensively beforehand.
However, those who rely on their Galil for self-defense or tactical applications should proceed with caution. The magazine’s inconsistent feeding may make it unsuitable for high-stakes situations. Those individuals should stick to factory magazines, as their lives may depend on it.
A must-have modification might include replacing the magazine spring with a higher-quality aftermarket spring to improve feeding reliability. This may eliminate the failure to feed issue, but may not. It’s also worth having a good magazine loader to ease the loading process.
Conclusion on ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine offers a mixed bag of features and performance. While it provides a durable steel construction and increased capacity at an attractive price point, its inconsistent feeding issues are a significant drawback. Ultimately, you get what you pay for.
The value proposition is questionable. The lower price is offset by the potential for malfunctions. I would cautiously recommend it to casual shooters who prioritize capacity over absolute reliability, but only after thorough testing.
Final thoughts: while the ProMag Steel Galil .308 20-Round Rifle Magazine is appealing on paper, its real-world performance leaves something to be desired. If you’re willing to gamble on occasional malfunctions to save some money, it might be worth a try. However, for critical applications, stick to factory magazines. Consider exploring alternative magazine options before settling on the ProMag.