First Impressions of ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine
The FN Five-seveN is a unique pistol, chambered in the distinctive 5.7x28mm cartridge, and its high-capacity magazines are a defining feature. The ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine promises to deliver even more firepower for this already potent platform. This review will explore whether the ProMag lives up to the hype, and if it’s a worthy addition to your Five-seveN setup.
As a long-time firearms enthusiast and tactical gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for reliable and high-performing accessories. I was seeking an extended magazine option to increase my round count at the range and potentially for defensive purposes. The promise of 30 rounds in a ProMag magazine seemed like a significant upgrade over the standard capacity.
Upon receiving the ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine, my initial impression was of a solid, if somewhat unremarkable, polymer construction. The magazine felt surprisingly lightweight. It was not as confidence-inspiring as the factory FN magazines. Compared to the factory magazines, this felt a little more “budget-friendly.”
The standard FN magazine felt much more robust. The ProMag offered a slightly different texture and seemed a shade lighter. Initially, I chose the ProMag due to its increased capacity and lower price point, hoping it would offer similar performance to the factory mags. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, tinged with the understanding that aftermarket magazines can sometimes be hit or miss.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine at my local shooting range, under controlled conditions. The weather was dry and mild, providing an ideal environment for initial testing. I wanted to gauge its feeding reliability and overall functionality.
The first few magazines cycled flawlessly, providing a smooth and consistent feed. After about 90 rounds, I started experiencing occasional failures to feed. It seemed like the magazine spring struggled to keep up with the rapid rate of fire. This was definitely a red flag.
The magazine performed adequately, but it was not confidence-inspiring. I noticed that the polymer felt slicker than the factory magazine, making grip a little less secure during mag changes. This initial experience revealed both the potential and the limitations of the ProMag.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including approximately 500 rounds, the ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine showed some signs of wear and tear. The polymer body exhibited slight scuffing. There were more frequent failures to feed occurring, especially when the magazine was fully loaded.
The durability appeared adequate for range use. I would hesitate to rely on it for more demanding tactical scenarios. Maintenance was straightforward. It was easy to disassemble and clean, though the spring felt somewhat weaker compared to the factory magazine spring.
In comparison to my previous experiences with factory FN magazines, the ProMag fell short in terms of overall reliability. While the increased capacity was appealing, the trade-off in consistent performance was not worth it for my needs. The factory mags consistently outperformed the ProMag.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine is designed as a replacement or spare magazine for the FN Five-seveN pistol. It is chambered in 5.7x28mm. The magazine boasts a capacity of 30 rounds, significantly increasing the firepower of the Five-seveN.
The magazine body is constructed of DuPont Zytel polymer. The magazine follower is injection molded. The magazine spring is formed from chrome silicone wire. These specifications suggest a focus on lightweight construction and corrosion resistance.
These specifications translate to a high-capacity magazine that is lightweight. The product will function well in a variety of environmental conditions. The increased capacity enhances the user’s ability to engage targets without frequent reloads.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine‘s primary function is to reliably feed 5.7x28mm ammunition into the FN Five-seveN pistol. While it performed adequately in initial testing, its reliability diminished with extended use. The failures to feed were a significant concern.
Its strengths lie in its increased capacity and lower price point compared to factory magazines. The weaknesses include inconsistent feeding and a perceived lack of durability. It only partially met my expectations. The price point made it an attractive option, but the inconsistent performance detracted from its overall value.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine features a standard magazine design, made of polymer. The weight is noticeably lighter than the factory magazine. The comfort in hand is acceptable, though the slick texture could be improved with some stippling or texturing.
The magazine is user-friendly. The process for loading and unloading is identical to the factory magazine. There is no significant learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine is questionable, based on my experience. The polymer construction is adequate. The spring appeared to weaken over time.
The magazine is easy to maintain and disassemble for cleaning. Replacing the spring may be necessary over time. This might extend the lifespan of the product.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine doesn’t inherently have customization options in the same way that a firearm might. However, aftermarket magazine pouches and carriers are readily available to accommodate its size and shape. There are no direct modifications available.
The magazine is generally compatible with most standard magazine pouches designed for high-capacity pistol magazines. There are no proprietary accessories required.
Pros and Cons of ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Offers a significantly higher round count (30 rounds) compared to standard magazines.
- Lower Price Point: More affordable than factory FN Five-seveN magazines.
- Lightweight Design: Polymer construction makes it lightweight, reducing overall weight.
- Easy to Maintain: Simple design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Cons
- Inconsistent Feeding: Experienced failures to feed, especially with extended use.
- Durability Concerns: Polymer construction may not be as durable as factory magazines.
- Slick Texture: The polymer surface can be slick, affecting grip during mag changes.
Who Should Buy ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine could be perfect for recreational shooters. They may want to have a high-capacity option for range use. Those on a tight budget and want to avoid paying the high cost of factory magazines might also want this.
This magazine is not ideal for individuals who prioritize absolute reliability in defensive or tactical scenarios. Competitive shooters that demand flawless feeding should avoid it. Anyone who prefers the proven durability of factory magazines should skip this product.
Must-have accessories or modifications are not strictly necessary. Purchasing a higher-quality replacement spring might improve reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine
The ProMag FN Five-seveN 5.7x28mm 30 Round Pistol Magazine presents a mixed bag of features and performance. While the increased capacity and lower price point are appealing, the inconsistent feeding and durability concerns cannot be ignored. The value proposition is questionable. The cost savings might not be worth the trade-off in reliability.
I would not personally recommend the ProMag for those seeking a dependable magazine for serious use. It would be better to invest in factory magazines for duty. If you’re simply looking for a high-capacity option for casual range use, and are willing to accept the potential for malfunctions, the ProMag might be worth considering. Ultimately, weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Consider whether the cost savings outweigh the potential for frustration at the range.