First Impressions of ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine promises to significantly increase the firepower of an already potent platform. I’ve always been drawn to the SCAR 17’s stopping power, but the standard magazine capacity felt limiting, especially in dynamic training scenarios. This magazine, manufactured by ProMag, boasts a 50-round capacity, aiming to provide a substantial advantage in situations where rapid follow-up shots or sustained fire are critical.
I was searching for a high-capacity magazine for my SCAR 17 that wouldn’t compromise reliability. Standard capacity magazines are fine, but during force-on-force training, constantly reloading breaks the flow. I wanted a solution that extended my time between reloads without sacrificing the rifle’s inherent accuracy and dependability.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the polymer construction. While I appreciate the weight savings compared to steel, I was initially concerned about its durability under stress. The magazine felt solid, however, and the texture provided a decent grip. It was lighter than I expected for a magazine of that capacity, which was a pleasant surprise.
Compared to the standard FN SCAR 17 magazine and a few aftermarket 20-round steel magazines I’ve used, the ProMag offered a completely different approach. The standard magazines are robust but capacity-limited, while the steel aftermarket magazines were heavy. This ProMag magazine appeared to strike a balance, offering high capacity without excessive weight.
My initial feeling was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential for increased firepower, but also wary about the reliability of a polymer magazine with such a high capacity from a manufacturer that sometimes receives mixed reviews. The proof would be in the testing.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine was at an outdoor shooting range in varying weather conditions. I ran multiple drills involving rapid target acquisition and sustained fire to simulate real-world scenarios. The weather shifted from sunny to a light drizzle, providing an initial glimpse into its performance in less-than-ideal conditions.
The magazine initially seated well in my SCAR 17 and feeding was smooth for the first few rounds. However, after about 20 rounds, I experienced several failures to feed. These stoppages occurred more frequently as the magazine emptied, causing concern about its long-term reliability. The added weight of 50 rounds of .308 also made handling slightly more cumbersome compared to standard magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use and cleaning, the ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine showed a slight improvement in reliability. I still experienced occasional failures to feed, especially when the magazine was fully loaded or close to empty, but they were less frequent than during the initial testing. Despite this, the polymer body began to show some wear marks around the feed lips and along the spine where it interfaces with the magazine well.
Cleaning the magazine was relatively straightforward, although disassembling it for a thorough cleaning required some effort. Compared to the standard FN magazine, which is very easy to disassemble, the ProMag‘s polymer construction felt less robust during the disassembly process. It definitely didn’t outperform my standard FN magazines or the aftermarket steel magazines in terms of consistent reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine is designed to significantly increase the capacity of the FN SCAR 17 platform. It features a 50-round capacity, chambered in .308 Winchester. The magazine body is constructed from a DuPont Zytel based polymer.
The injection-molded follower and the heat-treated chrome silicon wire spring are intended to ensure reliable feeding. The ProMag magazine is specifically designed for the FN Herstal SCAR 17 rifle. These specifications are critical, as they dictate the magazine’s compatibility, capacity, and potential reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine attempts to provide a significant increase in firepower for the SCAR 17. However, its performance is inconsistent. While it initially offers smooth feeding, the magazine tends to experience failures to feed, particularly when fully loaded or near empty.
The magazine’s strength lies in its high capacity, offering extended periods of firing without reloading. Its weakness is its inconsistent reliability, with noticeable feeding issues. Ultimately, it doesn’t consistently meet the expectations of a reliable, high-capacity magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s polymer construction contributes to its light weight, making it manageable even when fully loaded. The textured surface provides a decent grip, but the overall build quality doesn’t inspire the same confidence as the factory FN magazines. There is a slight learning curve associated with loading 50 rounds, but overall, it’s relatively user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine‘s long-term durability is questionable based on my experience. The polymer body shows wear marks after moderate use, and the potential for cracking or deformation under stress is a concern. Maintenance is relatively straightforward, but the disassembly process feels less robust compared to standard magazines.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t offer any specific accessories or customization options. Its primary function is to serve as a high-capacity magazine for the FN SCAR 17. It’s compatible with standard SCAR 17 magazine pouches, but due to its extended length, some pouches may not provide a secure fit.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity (50 rounds) for extended firing sessions.
- Lightweight polymer construction reduces overall rifle weight compared to steel alternatives.
- Textured surface provides a decent grip.
- Relatively easy to load, despite the high capacity.
- Provides a noticeable advantage in situations requiring sustained fire.
Cons
- Inconsistent reliability with frequent failures to feed, particularly when fully loaded or nearly empty.
- Questionable durability with polymer body showing wear marks after moderate use.
- Disassembly can be difficult and feels less robust compared to standard magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine?
The ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine might be suitable for recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity for range use and are willing to accept occasional malfunctions. It could also be useful for force-on-force training scenarios where the increased capacity outweighs the risk of stoppages.
Those who demand absolute reliability from their magazines, such as competitive shooters or individuals relying on the SCAR 17 for personal defense, should probably skip this product. The inconsistent feeding issues are a significant drawback in high-stakes situations. A must-have modification would be a more robust spring and follower to improve feeding reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Polymer FN Scar 17 .308 50-Round Rifle Magazine presents a tempting proposition: significantly increased firepower for the SCAR 17 platform. However, in my experience, the magazine falls short of delivering consistent reliability. The failures to feed, questionable durability, and difficult disassembly outweigh the benefits of its high capacity.
At $98.79, the price isn’t justified considering the reliability issues. While the increased capacity is attractive, the inconsistent performance makes it difficult to recommend. I would personally not recommend this magazine for serious use. Explore other high-capacity options or stick with reliable standard-capacity magazines for optimal performance. Buyer beware.