ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine Review

First Impressions of ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine

The ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine promises increased capacity and enhanced reliability for the AR-15 platform. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the tactical gear world, I’ve seen my share of aftermarket magazines, some brilliant and some downright dangerous. The promise of a ProMag magazine with a roller follower immediately piqued my interest, promising smoother feeding and fewer malfunctions, especially given the challenges that sometimes plague high-capacity magazines.

I was looking for a reliable high-capacity magazine for training and competition, something that could handle high round counts without constant malfunctions. I’ve used other high-capacity AR-15 magazines before, but have often found the reliability lacking, especially when compared to standard-capacity options.

Upon unboxing, the ProMag magazine felt surprisingly robust. The DuPont Zytel polymer construction felt solid in my hands, and the overall weight seemed appropriate for a 40-round magazine. Initial inspection revealed no obvious molding flaws or defects. Compared to some other polymer magazines I’ve used, the ProMag feels more rigid, which is a good sign.

I was also considering the Magpul PMAG D-60 and the SureFeed 30-round magazine. I chose the ProMag initially due to its lower price point and the unique roller follower design, hoping it would provide a good balance of capacity and reliability. However, time would tell if this bet paid off.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine certainly looked the part and felt promising, but the true test would be how it performed under real-world conditions.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine at my local shooting range. The weather was mild and dry, perfect conditions for testing the magazine with my AR-15 chambered in 5.56mm NATO.

Loading the magazine was surprisingly easy. The magazine spring felt strong but not overly stiff, and I was able to load all 40 rounds without excessive effort. The magazine seated positively into my AR-15’s magwell, and the bolt locked back on an empty magazine as expected. During the first few strings of fire, I experienced two failures to feed, which was concerning.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds fired through the ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine, its performance remained inconsistent. While it didn’t experience malfunctions every single time, the magazine had failures to feed on about 5% of rounds fired. This isn’t acceptable for serious use.

The polymer body showed no significant signs of wear and tear, but the inconsistent feeding remained a concern. I cleaned the magazine thoroughly after each range session, but that didn’t seem to improve its reliability. Compared to my standard-capacity Magpul PMAGs, the ProMag was a clear disappointment in terms of reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

The ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine features several key specifications. It is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO, making it compatible with standard AR-15 rifles. The magazine body is constructed from DuPont Zytel polymer, a durable and lightweight material.

The magazine capacity is 40 rounds, providing a significantly higher capacity than standard 30-round magazines. It also includes an anti-tilt mag follower and a mag spring formed from chrome silicone wire. These features are designed to enhance feeding reliability and durability.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of performance, the ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine falls short of expectations. While the increased capacity is appealing, the inconsistent feeding issues detract from its overall usability. The anti-tilt follower and chrome silicone spring are intended to improve reliability, but in my experience, they didn’t fully deliver on this promise.

The magazine’s primary strength is its high capacity, allowing for more sustained fire. Its weakness is its unreliable feeding, which can lead to malfunctions and frustration. It does not fully meet expectations, as reliability is paramount in a magazine.

Design & Ergonomics

The DuPont Zytel polymer construction gives the magazine a solid and durable feel. Its weight is reasonable for a 40-round magazine, not being overly bulky or cumbersome. However, the lack of texturing on the magazine body can make it slightly slippery, especially with wet or sweaty hands.

The magazine is generally user-friendly, with easy loading and seating. There is no significant learning curve, but the magazine’s size can make it slightly more difficult to manipulate in tight spaces.

Durability & Maintenance

The DuPont Zytel polymer body appears to be quite durable and should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent malfunctions, especially after use in dusty or dirty environments.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with standard AR-15 magazine pouches. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself, other than potentially replacing the spring and follower.

Pros and Cons of ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine?

The ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine might be suitable for recreational shooters who prioritize high capacity and are willing to accept occasional malfunctions. It could also be considered for range use where absolute reliability isn’t critical.

This product is not recommended for those who require absolute reliability, such as law enforcement, military, or individuals using their AR-15 for self-defense. Users needing reliable magazines for tactical applications should seek out other options.

A must-have accessory would be a reliable standard capacity metal or high quality polymer magazine as a backup.

Conclusion on ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine

The ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine offers the appeal of increased capacity at an affordable price, but its inconsistent reliability is a significant drawback. While the DuPont Zytel polymer construction appears durable, the magazine’s primary function – reliably feeding ammunition – is compromised.

The price of $26.99 might seem justified for a 40-round magazine, but not when compared to the frustration caused by frequent malfunctions.

I personally cannot recommend the ProMag Roller Follower Lined AR-15 5.56mm 40 Round Rifle Magazine for serious use. While the high capacity is enticing, reliability is paramount. Instead, invest in higher-quality magazines from reputable manufacturers to ensure consistent and dependable performance.