First Impressions of ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine promises a significant boost in firepower for one of the most popular .22 rifles on the market. ProMag is known for offering high-capacity magazine solutions, and this drum magazine aims to deliver just that for Remington 597 owners. The promise of spending less time reloading and more time shooting is inherently appealing.
I was looking for a way to increase the fun factor at the range with my Remington 597. Standard magazines, while reliable, often require frequent reloading, interrupting the flow of shooting sessions. The ProMag drum magazine seemed like the perfect solution to extend those shooting sessions and enjoy more sustained fire.
Upon unboxing, the smoke-colored polymer immediately catches the eye. The drum feels relatively lightweight considering its large capacity, but also somewhat plasticky. The build quality appears decent, but only extensive testing will reveal its true resilience.
Compared to standard 10-round magazines or even the slightly larger capacity aftermarket magazines, the ProMag drum is a completely different beast. I chose this over standard magazines for the sheer volume of rounds it holds, hoping for fewer interruptions at the range. My initial impression is a mix of excitement and cautious optimism, wondering if its performance will match its ambition.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine was at an outdoor shooting range. The day was clear and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing. I loaded the drum to its full 55-round capacity and inserted it into my Remington 597.
The initial few rounds fed smoothly, but after about 10 rounds, I experienced a few failures to feed. I discovered that loading the drum properly, ensuring each round sat correctly, was crucial for reliable feeding. Despite the initial hiccups, I found the drum relatively easy to use once I understood its quirks.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, the ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine has shown a mixed bag of results. It certainly provides the extended shooting enjoyment I was after, but not without some persistent issues. The polymer construction seems durable enough, with no major signs of wear and tear.
The drum requires occasional cleaning to maintain reliable feeding, especially around the feed lips and internal mechanisms. Compared to standard magazines, the drum demands more attentive maintenance. While the extended capacity is appealing, the reliability is not as consistent as with the factory Remington magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine is designed specifically for the Remington 597 rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Its defining feature is its 55-round capacity, allowing for significantly more shooting between reloads. The drum body is constructed from a smoke-colored polymer.
The magazine follower is injection molded, and the mag spring is formed from chrome silicone wire, aiming to ensure consistent feeding. These specifications are vital for reliable function, but ultimately the user experience will determine if ProMag’s design delivers.
Performance & Functionality
When the ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine functions correctly, it delivers a great experience with extended shooting sessions. However, the reliability can be inconsistent, with occasional failures to feed, especially when the magazine is not loaded carefully. The magazine’s performance doesn’t always meet expectations, as flawless operation is crucial for a high-capacity magazine.
The ProMag drum’s major strength is, undoubtedly, its high capacity. Its weakness lies in its less-than-perfect reliability compared to standard magazines.
Design & Ergonomics
The smoke polymer construction of the ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine keeps the weight manageable, but the large drum profile does affect the rifle’s balance. There is a slight learning curve associated with loading the drum correctly. Users must take care to ensure that rounds are properly seated for smooth feeding.
The build quality appears decent for a polymer drum magazine, but it doesn’t inspire the same confidence as steel magazines. The polymer feels adequate, but long-term durability remains a question.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction should offer decent longevity, but only time will tell how it holds up to repeated use and varying environmental conditions. The drum requires occasional cleaning and lubrication to ensure reliable feeding. Disassembling the drum for thorough cleaning can be a bit complex, requiring some patience and care.
The durability seems adequate for recreational use, but I wouldn’t subject it to extreme conditions without thorough testing first. Maintenance is more involved than with standard magazines.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine is a standalone accessory; there aren’t additional accessories directly associated with it. Its compatibility is primarily limited to the Remington 597 rifle itself. Some users might find it aesthetically clashes with certain rifle setups, but that’s a matter of personal preference.
It’s compatible with any Remington 597 rifle, but there are no specific customization options for the drum itself. Its primary function is to provide high capacity, not aesthetic customization.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine
Pros
- High 55-round capacity: Significantly extends shooting sessions between reloads.
- Relatively lightweight polymer construction: Keeps the overall weight manageable despite the high capacity.
- Easy to load (once you get the hang of it): Loading becomes relatively quick with practice.
- Adds a fun factor to shooting: Unleashing a barrage of .22 rounds is undeniably entertaining.
- Cost-effective high-capacity solution: More affordable than some other high-capacity magazine options.
Cons
- Reliability can be inconsistent: Occasional failures to feed may occur, especially if not loaded carefully.
- Requires more maintenance than standard magazines: Needs regular cleaning for optimal performance.
- Can affect the rifle’s balance: The drum’s size and weight distribution might not be ideal for all users.
Who Should Buy ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine?
The ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who prioritize extended shooting sessions and the fun factor of high-capacity magazines. It’s also suitable for those who want to reduce the frequency of reloads at the range.
Those who demand absolute reliability or prefer minimalist setups should probably skip this product. This drum magazine is not for those who prioritize practicality over the sheer joy of rapid-fire shooting. A magazine loader is a must-have accessory to make loading this drum easier.
Conclusion on ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine
The ProMag Remington 597 Smoke Polymer 55 Round .22 LR Drum Rifle Magazine offers a mixed experience. It delivers on its promise of high capacity and extended shooting fun, but its reliability can be inconsistent, and it requires more maintenance than standard magazines. At $87.49, the price is justified if you value the increased shooting time and are willing to manage its quirks.
I would recommend it with reservations. The ProMag drum provides a unique and entertaining shooting experience, but be aware of its limitations before making a purchase. If you go in with realistic expectations and a willingness to maintain it, it can be a worthwhile addition to your Remington 597 setup. So, if you’re looking to turn your .22 plinking sessions up to eleven, give it a shot – just remember to clean it!