What Makes ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine Stand Out?
The ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine is an extended magazine designed for the popular Taurus PT-111 G2 pistol, offering a significant increase in capacity over the standard magazine. ProMag is a well-known manufacturer of aftermarket magazines, and this particular model aims to provide users with more firepower and less frequent reloading. Its steel construction and enhanced capacity make it a potential upgrade for those seeking increased performance and tactical advantage.
As someone who values reliable firepower in a compact package, I was drawn to the ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine because of the potential for increased magazine capacity. I often find myself at the range wishing for fewer reloads, and the promise of 20 rounds in my PT-111 G2 was appealing. The need for increased capacity became very apparent when I did some force on force training.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and substantial, reflecting its steel construction. The black oxide finish gave it a clean, tactical look. The weight was noticeable compared to the factory magazine, but not overly burdensome.
Compared to the factory Taurus PT-111 G2 magazines, which are typically 12 rounds, the ProMag offers a substantial 8-round increase. I also considered magazines from other aftermarket manufacturers like ETS, but ultimately chose the ProMag due to its steel construction, which seemed more durable than polymer options for an extended magazine. Steel just feels like a more appropriate material to add strength in this application.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The magazine looked well-made, but I knew the true test would be in its performance and reliability. I hoped that the increased capacity wouldn’t come at the expense of feeding reliability or durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine at my local shooting range. The range offered a controlled environment to assess feeding, ejection, and overall function. The weather was clear and dry, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal conditions for testing.
I loaded the magazine to its full 20-round capacity and inserted it into my Taurus PT-111 G2. The magazine seated firmly, though requiring a bit more force than the factory magazine. The first few rounds fired smoothly, but by round five, I experienced a failure to feed.
The slide failed to fully return to battery, requiring me to manually cycle it. This happened intermittently throughout the first 200 rounds. I found myself wondering if the ProMag mag would ever prove reliable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds fired through the ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine, the reliability improved somewhat, but remained a concern. The failure-to-feed issues decreased, but still occurred sporadically, about once every two or three magazines. The feed lips seemed to be the culprit.
Visually inspecting the magazine, I noticed minor wear on the black oxide finish, primarily around the feed lips and magazine well contact points. The magazine body itself remained structurally sound, with no signs of bending or cracking. Cleaning was straightforward.
I simply disassembled the magazine, wiped down the internal components with a CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant), and reassembled it. Compared to the factory Taurus magazines, the ProMag was less reliable initially but eventually improved with use. The factory mags just run.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine boasts several key specifications. Its caliber is 9mm Luger, designed specifically for the PT-111 G2. The magazine capacity is 20 rounds, a significant increase over the standard magazine.
The body is constructed of heat-treated steel, providing enhanced durability and resistance to deformation. The finish is a black oxide, offering a degree of corrosion resistance and a tactical appearance. ProMag uses an injection-molded polymer follower and a heat-treated chrome silicone wire spring.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s performance and longevity. The steel construction ensures it can withstand repeated use and the stresses of loading and firing. The increased capacity provides a tactical advantage and reduces the need for frequent reloading, but potentially at the expense of reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine aims to provide increased firepower, but its performance is mixed. When functioning correctly, it feeds rounds smoothly and reliably. However, as mentioned earlier, I experienced intermittent failures to feed, particularly during the initial break-in period.
The magazine’s primary strength is its increased capacity. This is ideal for situations where a high round count is desirable. Its main weakness is its reliability, which is not as consistent as the factory magazines. It meets the expectation of increased capacity but falls short in terms of consistent, flawless performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine features a straightforward design. The steel body feels robust and well-made. The weight is noticeable but manageable, even when fully loaded.
The black oxide finish gives it a tactical look that complements the PT-111 G2. The magazine seats securely in the pistol, though requires slightly more force than the factory magazine. There is a slight learning curve associated with seating the magazine properly.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction of the ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine suggests that it should last a considerable amount of time. The black oxide finish offers some resistance to corrosion, but regular cleaning and lubrication are still necessary. Maintenance is relatively simple.
Disassembly involves removing the base plate and extracting the spring and follower. All parts can be easily wiped down with a CLP and reassembled. The magazine appears easy to repair, though sourcing replacement springs or followers might be necessary in the long term.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited, as it’s primarily a magazine. However, aftermarket base plates designed for Glock magazines may potentially fit with some modification, providing a different grip texture or aesthetic.
The magazine is compatible with standard 9mm ammunition. It is designed specifically for the Taurus PT-111 G2 and may not function reliably in other firearms.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased magazine capacity (20 rounds) for extended shooting sessions and tactical advantages.
- Durable steel construction provides long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Tactical black oxide finish offers corrosion resistance and a professional appearance.
- Relatively easy to disassemble and clean.
- Improved reliability after break-in period.
Cons
- Initial reliability issues with failure-to-feed malfunctions during the first few hundred rounds.
- Requires more force to seat properly compared to the factory Taurus PT-111 G2 magazines.
- Aftermarket support for replacement parts (springs, followers) may be limited.
Who Should Buy ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine?
The ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine is perfect for recreational shooters who want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading at the range. It may also appeal to those who prioritize increased firepower for home defense.
Those who demand flawless reliability out of the box and cannot tolerate any malfunctions should probably skip this product. A must-have modification would be a thorough cleaning and lubrication before initial use, and potentially a stronger magazine spring if reliability issues persist.
Conclusion on ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine
The ProMag Taurus PT-111 G2 9mm 20 Rounds Pistol Magazine offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking increased magazine capacity for their Taurus PT-111 G2. However, potential buyers should be aware of the initial reliability issues and the need for a break-in period. The price of $42.99 is reasonable considering the increased capacity and steel construction, but the cost savings need to be weighed against the potential for malfunctions.
I would cautiously recommend it, with the caveat that users should thoroughly test and break in the magazine before relying on it for critical situations. For recreational shooting and range use, the increased capacity is a definite plus. If you need more firepower, consider giving the ProMag a try.