First Impressions of Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine
The Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine promises to be a high-capacity solution for Beretta 96 owners seeking more firepower. With its heat-treated steel construction and chrome silicon wire spring, it aims to deliver reliability and durability. At a price point of $35.89, it’s positioned as an affordable upgrade.
I was looking for a magazine upgrade for my Beretta 96. The standard capacity wasn’t cutting it for extended range sessions. I wanted something that would allow me to spend more time shooting and less time reloading, and also something I could rely on should I ever need to use my firearm for self-defense.
Upon receiving the Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. It had a reassuring weight that spoke to the quality of materials used. The blue finish was a little unexpected (the product description indicates the color is blue), but it wasn’t a deal-breaker.
Compared to the factory Beretta magazine, the Pro Mag offering is noticeably longer. This increased length allows for the higher round capacity. I also own a Mec-Gar 13-round magazine for my Beretta 96, and while it’s proven reliable, I was curious to see if the Pro Mag could offer similar performance with its significantly higher capacity. I picked the Pro Mag because of the round capacity- I wanted to spend more time shooting and less time reloading.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited about the potential for increased capacity, but I also had concerns about reliability, given my past experiences with aftermarket magazines. I was eager to get to the range and put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I primarily used it during a practice session focused on rapid target acquisition and controlled pairs. The weather was dry and sunny, with temperatures around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The first few magazines loaded and fed flawlessly, which was encouraging. However, after about 50 rounds, I experienced several failures to feed. The rounds would nose-dive into the feed ramp. This was particularly problematic when the magazine was fully loaded or close to it.
I didn’t have to get too used to using the magazine, the only learning curve came from needing to learn which rounds in the magazine would cause issues and adjusting my grip/firing style to avoid those situations.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the reliability issues with the Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine persisted. Failures to feed remained common, especially with the magazine fully loaded or down to the last few rounds. I experimented with different ammunition brands, but the problem remained consistent.
Durability-wise, the magazine body itself has held up well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite repeated use and dropping it on the range. However, the blue finish has started to show some scratches and fading.
Cleaning the Pro Mag is straightforward. It disassembles easily. I use a standard gun cleaning solvent and brush to remove any residue. However, I suspect the spring might be a contributing factor to the feeding issues, and there’s not much I can do to improve its performance other than keep it clean.
Compared to the factory Beretta magazine and the Mec-Gar magazine, the Pro Mag falls short in terms of reliability. While the factory and Mec-Gar magazines have consistently fed flawlessly, the Pro Mag has been a source of frustration. It does not outperform the Beretta or Mec-Gar magazines.
Breaking Down the Features of Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine is designed for the Beretta 96 pistol chambered in .40 S&W. It has a 20-round capacity. The magazine body is constructed of heat-treated steel.
The magazine spring is formed from heat-treated chrome silicone wire. The follower is injection molded. The magazine’s blue finish is distinctive, though some might find it clashes with the gun’s overall aesthetic.
The high capacity of 20 rounds is the primary selling point. This allows for more shooting between reloads. The steel construction aims to provide durability and resistance to deformation. The chrome silicon wire spring should maintain its strength and tension over time.
Performance & Functionality
The Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine delivers on its promise of increased capacity. It allows for significantly more rounds to be fired between reloads. However, its performance is significantly hampered by its reliability issues.
As noted earlier, failures to feed are a common occurrence. This makes it unsuitable for any serious use. The magazine does not meet expectations for a reliable magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine has a robust feel in hand. The steel construction gives it a reassuring weight. However, the increased length of the magazine can make it slightly less comfortable to carry concealed.
Loading the magazine can be challenging, especially when trying to reach the full 20-round capacity. A magazine loader is highly recommended. There’s no significant learning curve to using it other than understanding its unreliability.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine suggests it should last a reasonable amount of time. However, the reliability issues may shorten its useful life if the spring weakens further. Regular cleaning and proper storage will help maximize its lifespan.
Disassembly for cleaning is simple and requires no special tools. Parts are easily accessible. Proper maintenance is essential to prevent rust and corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no readily available customization options for it. It is designed as a drop-in replacement for the factory magazine.
It should be compatible with any Beretta 96-compatible magazine loader. However, due to its inherent reliability issues, it may not function smoothly even with a loader.
Pros and Cons of Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- High 20-round capacity allows for extended shooting sessions.
- Durable steel construction for long-lasting performance.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to factory magazines.
- Easy to disassemble and clean for maintenance.
- Visually distinctive with its blue finish.
Cons
- Frequent failures to feed, especially when fully loaded.
- Questionable reliability makes it unsuitable for self-defense.
- Blue finish may not appeal to all users.
Who Should Buy Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine?
The Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who want a high-capacity magazine for range practice and don’t mind occasional malfunctions. It could also be good for people who want something that just looks cool, as the blue finish is certainly different.
This is not for anyone who relies on their Beretta 96 for self-defense or law enforcement. The unreliability makes it unsuitable for such critical applications.
A magazine loader is a must-have accessory. It will help with loading the magazine to its full capacity, though it won’t solve the feeding issues.
Conclusion on Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine
The Pro Mag Beretta 96 .40 S/W 20-Round Pistol Magazine offers the allure of increased capacity at an affordable price. However, its reliability issues are too significant to ignore. The value proposition is undermined by its inconsistent performance.
I cannot personally recommend this magazine. The failures to feed are simply too frequent. Reliability is paramount in a firearm magazine, and the Pro Mag falls short.
If you’re looking for a reliable high-capacity magazine for your Beretta 96, it’s worth investing in factory magazines or Mec-Gar magazines, even if they cost more. Don’t gamble with your safety or range time.