ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine Review

First Impressions of ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine

The Ruger LCP is renowned for its compact size and concealability, making it a popular choice for everyday carry. Capacity has always been a trade-off for that tiny footprint, with the standard magazine holding only a meager 6 rounds. Enter the ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine, promising a significant increase in firepower without drastically compromising the LCP’s intended role. ProMag is a well-known manufacturer of aftermarket magazines, often providing higher capacity options for various firearms. The appeal of more rounds in a micro-compact pistol is undeniable, piquing my interest in testing its reliability and impact on concealability.

I was initially drawn to this magazine to address the limited capacity of my Ruger LCP for self-defense scenarios. The standard 6-round magazine felt insufficient, leaving me wanting more rounds on tap. I’ve always valued preparedness, and increasing the LCP’s capacity seemed like a logical upgrade.

Upon unboxing, my first impression was the magazine’s substantial length. The blued steel construction felt robust, and the injection-molded follower seemed well-made. The weight difference compared to the factory magazine was noticeable, but not excessive.

I’ve tried similar extended magazines from other manufacturers in the past, but they often suffered from feeding issues. I chose the ProMag due to its reputation and the promise of a chrome silicone spring for enhanced reliability. My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism, hoping this magazine would deliver on its claims.

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Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine at my local shooting range. The range provided a controlled environment to evaluate its feeding, ejection, and overall reliability. I ran several magazines worth of ammunition through it, using both FMJ and hollow-point rounds.

The magazine performed reasonably well in dry conditions, with only a couple of failures to feed in the first few magazines. However, after applying some lubrication to the magazine body, these issues seemed to disappear. The extended length did make it slightly more challenging to seat the magazine fully, requiring a firmer push than the factory magazine.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the ProMag magazine has proven to be generally reliable, but with some caveats. It definitely requires a break-in period and consistent cleaning to maintain optimal function. Minor surface rust appeared on the steel body after a few humid days, requiring me to apply gun oil more frequently.

The blued finish shows signs of wear along the feed lips. I’ve noticed that it feeds ball ammo more reliably than hollow points. Compared to the factory magazine, the ProMag requires more vigilant maintenance to prevent malfunctions.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine

Specifications

The ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is designed as a replacement or spare magazine for the Ruger LCP pistol. It is chambered in .380 ACP and boasts a 15-round capacity. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated steel for durability.

The follower is injection molded, and the spring is made from chrome silicone wire. The magazine’s blued finish provides a degree of corrosion resistance. These specifications translate to increased firepower in a compact platform, enhancing the pistol’s self-defense capabilities.

Performance & Functionality

The ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine significantly increases the capacity of the Ruger LCP, which is its primary function. While it provides more rounds, it introduces some compromises in reliability and concealability compared to the factory magazine. The magazine is generally reliable with FMJ ammunition after a break-in period, but it can be finicky with certain hollow-point rounds.

Its biggest strength is the added firepower; its main weakness is the potential for malfunctions if not properly maintained. The magazine meets expectations for increased capacity, but falls short in terms of flawless reliability.

Design & Ergonomics

The ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine is a simple, functional design. The blued steel construction provides a solid feel, but adds noticeable weight. The extended length of the magazine dramatically changes the LCP’s ergonomics, making it less comfortable for concealed carry.

While the added grip length can improve control during firing, the overall profile becomes less concealable. There is a definite learning curve in terms of magazine insertion, requiring a more deliberate and forceful push.

Durability & Maintenance

The ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine appears to be reasonably durable, thanks to its steel construction. However, the blued finish is prone to scratching and surface rust, suggesting a shorter lifespan than some alternatives. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining its functionality.

Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward, but requires care to avoid damaging the magazine spring. Overall, the magazine’s durability is acceptable, but its long-term performance depends heavily on proper maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. It is intended as a direct replacement for the factory magazine. There are no readily available customization options for the magazine itself.

It is compatible with standard Ruger LCP magazine pouches, although the extended length may require deeper pouches. The magazine is designed to work with the stock Ruger LCP pistol and doesn’t require any modifications to the firearm itself.

Pros and Cons of ProMag Ruger LCP .380 ACP 15 Round Extended Pistol Magazine