First Impressions of ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine promises to be a game-changer for anyone who’s ever spent more time reloading their Remington 597 than actually shooting it. With a claimed capacity of 22 rounds, this magazine offers a significant upgrade over the factory 10-rounders, potentially doubling the fun between reloads. It’s ProMag’s reputation for producing affordable aftermarket magazines that initially piqued my interest.
I’ve always found .22LR rifles incredibly fun for plinking and training, but the constant need to reload those tiny 10-round magazines can be a real buzzkill. The allure of a high-capacity magazine that wouldn’t break the bank was too strong to resist, especially for a rifle that sees a lot of use on the range.
Unboxing the ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine, my first impression was… well, it’s polymer. It feels surprisingly lightweight, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I immediately began to question its durability compared to, say, the steel magazines of my AR-15. Compared to the factory Remington magazine, the polymer feels slightly less refined, but that’s expected given the significant price difference.
I considered other aftermarket magazines, including some steel-lipped options, but the ProMag‘s combination of price and claimed capacity won me over. I was also swayed by the promise of a DuPont Zytel based polymer body, which theoretically should offer decent impact resistance.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve had mixed experiences with aftermarket magazines in the past, ranging from flawless function to complete failures. I was hoping the ProMag would fall closer to the former end of the spectrum.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine took place at my local outdoor range. The weather was mild and sunny, ideal conditions for a relaxing afternoon of plinking with my Remington 597. Loading the magazine was straightforward, although I did notice it required a bit more effort to fully seat than the factory magazine.
The first few rounds fired without issue, but by the fifth round, I experienced a failure to feed. Clearing the malfunction, I continued shooting, and the magazine seemed to function better as it was loaded further, leading me to believe that the initial rounds were causing some sort of spring bind.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine has shown itself to be… inconsistent. It feeds reliably most of the time, but I still experience occasional failures to feed, particularly with certain types of ammunition. Bulk-pack .22LR seems to cause the most issues, while higher-quality rounds cycle much more smoothly.
Durability-wise, the ProMag is holding up reasonably well. There are no cracks or visible signs of stress on the polymer body, despite being dropped on the concrete range floor a few times. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient.
Compared to the factory Remington magazine, the ProMag falls short in terms of reliability. The Remington magazine has yet to experience a single malfunction, while the ProMag has had several. However, the ProMag‘s increased capacity is a definite advantage.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: ProMag. ProMag is known for producing aftermarket magazines and accessories for a wide range of firearms.
- Magazine Capacity: 22 Rounds. This is the key selling point, offering more than double the capacity of the factory magazine.
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle. This magazine is specifically designed for the .22LR cartridge.
- Gun Model: Remington Model 597. It is designed to fit and function in the Remington 597 rifle.
- Material: DuPont Zytel Based Polymer. The polymer construction helps keep the magazine lightweight and relatively durable.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the usability and performance of the magazine. The high capacity reduces reloading frequency, while the material choice affects durability and weight. The compatibility with the Remington 597 is essential, and the .22LR caliber makes it perfect for plinking, target shooting, and small game hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine delivers mixed performance. While the increased capacity is undeniably appealing, the occasional failures to feed detract from the overall experience. Accuracy isn’t directly affected by the magazine, but reliability issues can certainly disrupt shooting sessions.
The magazine’s main strength is its capacity, allowing for longer shooting sessions between reloads. Its primary weakness is its occasional unreliability, especially with certain types of ammunition. Ultimately, it meets expectations in terms of capacity but falls short in terms of consistent function.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine features a simple, utilitarian design. The polymer body is lightweight and feels comfortable enough in hand. There’s a slight learning curve to loading it efficiently, but nothing significant.
The build quality is decent for the price point. While the polymer doesn’t feel as robust as steel, it seems reasonably durable. The magazine is relatively user-friendly, although a slightly stiffer spring requires more force to fully load it to capacity.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine should last a reasonable amount of time. The polymer construction is resistant to most common solvents and lubricants, so cleaning is easy. Regular cleaning and inspection can help prevent malfunctions and extend the lifespan of the magazine.
Maintenance is straightforward, typically requiring only a simple wipe-down. The magazine is not designed to be easily disassembled for deep cleaning, but routine maintenance should be sufficient for most users. While individual parts aren’t readily available for replacement, the magazine is inexpensive enough that replacement is often more practical than repair.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine does not come with any accessories. There are no specific customization options available for this magazine, as it is a relatively simple, self-contained unit. It is designed to work with the standard Remington 597 rifle without requiring any modifications.
While there aren’t direct accessories for the magazine, its compatibility with the Remington 597 allows it to be used in conjunction with other rifle accessories like scopes, bipods, and slings. The magazine is generally compatible with most standard Remington 597 accessories, assuming they don’t interfere with the magazine well.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle MagazinePros
- High capacity (22 rounds) significantly reduces reloading frequency.
- Affordable price makes it a cost-effective upgrade compared to other high-capacity options.
- Lightweight polymer construction.
- Easy to load (with practice).
- Decent durability for the price.
Cons
- Occasional failures to feed, especially with bulk-pack ammunition.
- Polymer construction may not be as durable as steel magazines.
- Requires more force to fully seat in the rifle compared to factory magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine?
Pros
- High capacity (22 rounds) significantly reduces reloading frequency.
- Affordable price makes it a cost-effective upgrade compared to other high-capacity options.
- Lightweight polymer construction.
- Easy to load (with practice).
- Decent durability for the price.
Cons
- Occasional failures to feed, especially with bulk-pack ammunition.
- Polymer construction may not be as durable as steel magazines.
- Requires more force to fully seat in the rifle compared to factory magazines.
The ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for casual plinkers and target shooters who want to spend less time reloading and more time shooting. It’s also a good option for small game hunters who want a higher capacity magazine for quicker follow-up shots. This magazine could be useful for anyone who wants to increase the fun factor of their Remington 597 without spending a fortune.
Those who demand absolute reliability from their magazines should probably skip this product. If you rely on your Remington 597 for serious hunting or pest control, a factory magazine might be a better choice. Also, those who prefer the feel and durability of steel magazines should look elsewhere.
A must-have accessory is a reliable .22LR ammunition. The magazine seems to function best with higher-quality rounds, so investing in good ammo is essential. Also, a magazine loader can make loading the ProMag to full capacity much easier and faster.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Polymer Remington 597 .22 LR 22-Round Rifle Magazine offers an appealing combination of high capacity and affordability. While it’s not without its flaws, the increased round count can significantly enhance the shooting experience. The price is definitely justified if you prioritize capacity over absolute reliability.
I would cautiously recommend it, with the caveat that buyers should be aware of the potential for occasional malfunctions. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for casual shooters, but not necessarily for those who demand flawless performance. If you’re looking to spice up your Remington 597 and don’t mind the occasional hiccup, give the ProMag a shot.
