First Thoughts on the PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
The PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin promises to significantly boost the Hellcat’s firepower. This drum magazine, manufactured by ProMag, converts a subcompact concealed carry pistol into something closer to a compact PDW. A drum mag in a Hellcat seemed like the perfect blend of concealability and high-capacity fun.
As someone who has spent a decade navigating the tactical gear world, I’m always on the lookout for gear that balances practicality and performance. The limited capacity of the Hellcat, while contributing to its concealability, always felt like a compromise. Could this drum magazine solve that, or would it introduce more problems than it solves?
The PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My first impression was that it felt solid, albeit a little bulky, which is to be expected from a 50-round drum. The polymer construction seemed robust, but I reserved judgment until I could put some rounds through it.
I was initially considering a couple of other extended magazines from other manufacturers, but ProMag’s reputation for producing affordable, high-capacity magazines swayed me. Plus, the idea of a 50-round drum was simply too tempting to pass up! I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM was at my local shooting range, an outdoor facility that allows for rapid-fire drills. I tested it in dry, sunny conditions. The initial loading process took a little getting used to. After the first few rounds, I was able to effectively load the drum magazine.
Inserting the drum into my Hellcat was a bit tighter than with the standard magazines. The fully loaded drum definitely added considerable weight to the pistol, throwing off the balance slightly. During the first mag dump, I experienced a couple of failures to feed within the first 20 rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and around 500 rounds through the PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM, I’ve formed a more concrete opinion. The drum has become more reliable after the initial break-in period. It’s still not as reliable as the factory magazines. I am still getting occasional failures to feed, usually when the magazine is fully loaded.
I’ve noticed some wear marks on the polymer where it contacts the magazine well. It also can become difficult to seat the magazine with a closed slide unless I give it a good, firm smack. While it’s held up reasonably well, I wouldn’t trust it for any serious defensive use right now. Compared to my experience with factory Glock magazines, this drum requires significantly more attention and maintenance.
Breaking Down the Features of PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm. This drum is specifically designed to feed 9mm rounds, making it compatible with the Springfield Hellcat.
- Capacity: 50 Rounds. This dramatically increases the Hellcat’s standard capacity, allowing for sustained fire.
- Origin: OEM Origin. ProMag manufactures this drum as a third-party accessory.
- Material: Polymer. The body of the drum is constructed from a durable polymer, aiming for lightweight and resilience.
These specifications are important because they dictate the magazine’s functionality and suitability for specific needs. The increased capacity is the main draw, but the polymer construction affects weight and durability. A 50-round capacity, while impressive, will significantly impact the handling and balance of a subcompact pistol like the Hellcat.
Performance & Functionality
When it functions correctly, the PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM delivers on its promise of high-capacity firepower. Rapid mag dumps are definitely entertaining. The unreliability is a significant drawback.
The drum’s primary weakness is its reliability, or lack thereof, which is a concern for a defensive firearm. It meets the basic expectation of feeding ammunition into the Hellcat, but it falls short in terms of consistency.
Design & Ergonomics
The polymer construction feels reasonably solid, although not as confidence-inspiring as steel magazines. The added weight of a fully loaded drum dramatically changes the Hellcat’s ergonomics. There is a noticeable learning curve associated with loading the drum efficiently.
The drum definitely makes the pistol less concealable. The Hellcat transforms from a streamlined concealed carry option into a bulky, attention-grabbing firearm.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction should withstand regular use, but the long-term durability remains to be seen. Cleaning the drum is more involved than cleaning standard magazines. Disassembly and reassembly require a bit of patience.
Field stripping and cleaning the drum after each range session is important to maintain its performance. Whether the PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM is worth the extra effort will depend on individual priorities.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM itself is an accessory designed to enhance the Hellcat. It is compatible with any standard Springfield Hellcat. There are no additional customization options specific to the drum itself.
Users may want to consider aftermarket magazine loaders to simplify the loading process. Given the potential reliability issues, a speed loader could be helpful for quickly reloading at the range.
Pros and Cons of PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
Pros
- Dramatically increases the Springfield Hellcat’s capacity to 50 rounds.
- Polymer construction aims for a balance between durability and weight.
- Relatively affordable compared to other high-capacity magazine options.
- Offers a fun and exciting shooting experience with rapid mag dumps.
- Potentially useful for certain competition scenarios where high capacity is advantageous.
Cons
- Reliability is questionable, with potential for failures to feed, especially when fully loaded.
- Adds significant bulk and weight to the Hellcat, impacting concealability and handling.
- Loading can be cumbersome and requires practice to become efficient.
Who Should Buy PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin?
The PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM is perfect for recreational shooters who want to experience high-capacity shooting with their Springfield Hellcat. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy novelty items and don’t mind occasional malfunctions. It could potentially be useful for some competition scenarios where high capacity is a major advantage.
Those who rely on their Hellcat for self-defense and prioritize reliability above all else should skip this product. The potential for malfunctions makes it unsuitable for serious defensive use. Anyone looking for a genuinely reliable and practical extended magazine should consider other options, even if they have a lower capacity.
Conclusion on PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin
The PROMAG SPGFLD HELLCAT 9MM 50RD DRUM – 9mm Caliber, OEM Origin is an interesting concept that ultimately falls short in execution. While the increased capacity is undeniably appealing, the reliability issues and ergonomic drawbacks make it difficult to recommend for serious use. The price of $78.99 might seem justifiable for a 50-round drum. This does not outweigh the reliability issues.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it as a primary magazine for the Hellcat. It’s more of a range toy than a practical accessory. If you’re willing to accept occasional malfunctions and prioritize fun over reliability, then go for it. Otherwise, stick with the factory magazines or explore other extended magazine options.