Let’s Dive into Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine
The Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine promises to deliver reliable feeding for the compact Kel-Tec P-11 pistol. This aftermarket magazine aims to provide additional firepower with its 10-round capacity. It is a tempting option for Kel-Tec P-11 owners seeking affordable spare magazines.
My search for reliable spare magazines for my Kel-Tec P-11 led me to the Pro Mag offering. The factory magazines are often hard to find and expensive, making this an appealing alternative due to its lower price point. I hoped to find a cost-effective solution to increase my available magazine capacity.
Upon receiving the magazines, my initial impression was somewhat mixed. The blue-steel construction appeared sturdy, but the polymer base plate felt noticeably cheaper than the factory magazine. The weight was comparable to the original Kel-Tec magazine, but something felt slightly off.
I considered other aftermarket magazines from brands like Mec-Gar, but they were significantly more expensive. I chose the Pro Mag due to its affordability and the promise of reliable feeding, despite some reservations. I was hoping the lower price wouldn’t translate to a compromise in functionality.
My initial excitement quickly faded as I tried to load and seat the magazine. The fit was tight, and loading all ten rounds felt almost impossible by hand. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping performance at the range would be better than my initial experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test occurred at my local shooting range. I loaded both magazines with 115-grain FMJ ammunition, alternating between them after each magazine. Unfortunately, malfunctions began immediately.
The first Pro Mag magazine failed to feed after only two rounds, causing a significant jam. The bullet nosedived into the feed ramp, requiring me to manually clear the weapon. The second Pro Mag magazine fared slightly better, but still experienced failures to feed every three to four rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 200 rounds through each magazine, the performance remained consistently poor. The Pro Mag magazines continued to exhibit frequent failures to feed, regardless of ammunition type. Cleaning and lubricating the magazines did not improve their reliability.
The blue-steel construction showed no visible signs of wear, but the polymer base plates exhibited minor scuffing. Disassembly for cleaning was straightforward, but the persistent feeding issues outweighed any ease of maintenance. The metal showed no signs of rust after being exposed to humid outdoor conditions.
Compared to the original Kel-Tec magazine, the Pro Mag offering was a significant disappointment. The original magazine, despite its age, performed flawlessly, while the Pro Mag consistently hindered the P-11’s reliability. This experience highlighted the importance of magazine quality in overall firearm functionality.
Breaking Down the Features of Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine
Specifications
The Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine is designed to hold 10 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition. It features a blue-steel body, an impact-resistant black polymer follower and base plate, and a heat-treated Chrome-silicon wire spring. The blue steel construction is intended for durability, while the polymer components aim for weight reduction.
- Manufacturer: ProMag
- Gun Make: Kel-Tec
- Gun Model: Kel-Tec P-11 9mm
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Magazine Capacity: 10 Round
- Color: Blue
- Fabric/Material: Steel
The 10-round capacity offers an increase over the standard 10-round Kel-Tec magazine, but the unreliable feeding negates this advantage. The Chrome-silicon wire spring is intended to ensure consistent pressure and reliable feeding, but in practice, this claim falls short.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of a magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm, and the Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine fails to meet this basic requirement. Its performance is plagued by consistent failures to feed, rendering it unsuitable for self-defense or serious use. The magazine’s unreliability significantly detracts from the Kel-Tec P-11’s overall effectiveness.
The magazine’s weakness lies in its inability to consistently present cartridges to the chamber. The bullet often jams against the feed ramp, requiring manual intervention to clear the weapon. It does not meet expectations for reliable performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine design is similar to the original Kel-Tec magazine, but the build quality is noticeably inferior. The steel body feels sturdy enough, but the polymer base plate lacks the refinement and durability of the factory magazine. The magazine loads with difficulty and does not seat smoothly.
The magazine’s ergonomics are adequate, but the tight fit makes it challenging to insert and remove from the pistol. There is no significant learning curve, but the consistent malfunctions make the magazine frustrating to use. The cheaper materials detract from the overall feel of the magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine appears to be reasonably durable, with the steel body showing minimal signs of wear after several range sessions. The polymer base plate, however, feels vulnerable and could potentially crack under stress. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain functionality, but this does not solve the reliability issues.
The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance, requiring no special tools. However, even with meticulous cleaning, the feeding problems persist, suggesting a fundamental design flaw. The long-term durability of the polymer base plate remains questionable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine does not come with any additional accessories, nor does it offer any customization options. Its compatibility is limited to the Kel-Tec P-11 9mm pistol, with no provisions for aftermarket modifications. There are no available accessories from Pro Mag to enhance its performance.
Pros and Cons of Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine
Pros
- Affordable price point compared to factory magazines.
- Increased capacity (10 rounds) over some factory options.
- Blue-steel construction provides decent durability.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
- Compatible with the Kel-Tec P-11 9mm pistol.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding causes frequent malfunctions.
- Polymer base plate feels cheap and may be prone to damage.
- Difficult to load and seat in the pistol.
Who Should Buy Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine?
The Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine might appeal to budget-conscious Kel-Tec P-11 owners seeking spare magazines for range practice only. If you are only looking for something inexpensive for target practice, then maybe this could work for you.
Anyone relying on the Kel-Tec P-11 for self-defense should avoid this magazine due to its unreliability. A reliable magazine is a must-have in such situations.
Must-have accessories would include a reliable magazine loader to assist with loading and a high-quality factory Kel-Tec P-11 magazine. It’s better to spend more for a reliable mag for self-defense.
Conclusion on Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine
The Pro Mag Kel-Tec P-11 9MM Pistol Magazine promises affordability and increased capacity, but its consistent feeding issues render it unsuitable for serious use. The low price is not justified when considering the reliability problems. The original Kel-Tec magazine is more effective in my opinion.
I cannot recommend this magazine to anyone relying on their Kel-Tec P-11 for self-defense. While the blue-steel construction offers decent durability, the unreliable feeding makes it a liability. Invest in quality magazines for reliable performance.