The ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin promises to deliver enhanced capacity and reliability for your Smith & Wesson M&P9. ProMag isn’t exactly known for being top-tier, so my expectations were tempered, but the promise of 32+1 rounds in my M&P intrigued me. Let’s dive into whether this aftermarket magazine lives up to its potential, or if it’s just extra capacity with compromises.
I had been searching for a high-capacity magazine for my M&P9 primarily for extended range sessions and potential use in my Kel-Tec Sub 2000. I wanted to reduce reload times and increase my overall shooting enjoyment without constantly swapping magazines. The promise of more rounds was seductive, even if I knew aftermarket mags could be hit-or-miss.
Upon receiving the ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin, I immediately noticed its weight. The blued steel construction felt robust, though the DuPont® Zytel™ polymer baseplate and follower felt a bit…budget. Compared to my factory S&W magazines and even some higher-end aftermarket options from companies like Magpul, the ProMag felt less refined.
I considered options from Magpul and ETS, known for their polymer construction and reliable feeding, but the price point and promise of steel durability drew me to the ProMag. My initial excitement was mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism, hoping the magazine would prove its worth at the range. Only time, and a lot of rounds, would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin was my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny and dry, providing optimal conditions for a fair evaluation. I loaded the magazine with 32 rounds of 115-grain FMJ ammunition and inserted it into my full-size S&W M&P9.
The first few rounds fed flawlessly, but by the tenth round, I experienced a noticeable failure to feed. The slide failed to fully return to battery, requiring a manual nudge. I repeated the process with another full magazine, and the same issue occurred intermittently, primarily between rounds 10 and 20.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a few months, the ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin’s reliability remained inconsistent. While it performed adequately in my M&P9, I also tested it in my Kel-Tec Sub 2000 Gen 2, where it functioned significantly better. I experienced only a few minor hiccups in the Sub 2000.
The blued steel showed minor wear around the feed lips and magazine catch, but no significant damage. Cleaning the magazine was straightforward, though I noticed the spring felt slightly weaker than my factory magazines. Compared to my experience with Magpul magazines, which are virtually maintenance-free, the ProMag required more frequent cleaning and attention.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm (9x19mm). This magazine is specifically designed for 9mm cartridges, a popular and widely available round.
- Capacity: 32 rounds. This high capacity is the primary selling point, offering more rounds between reloads.
- Finish: Blued Steel. The blued steel provides a traditional look and a degree of corrosion resistance.
- Origin: Aftermarket. This means it is not manufactured by Smith & Wesson.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin’s performance is a mixed bag. Its greatest strength is undoubtedly its high capacity. The magazine’s weakness lies in its inconsistent feeding, particularly in the M&P9 pistol.
This inconsistency makes it unsuitable for self-defense or situations where reliability is paramount. In the Sub 2000, the magazine performed better, likely due to the firearm’s different feeding dynamics. While the high capacity is a draw, the unreliability is a major drawback.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design is basic, with a blued steel body and a polymer baseplate and follower. The steel body feels solid, but the polymer components feel less durable. The magazine is easy to grip and insert into the M&P9 and Sub 2000.
There is no significant learning curve associated with using this magazine. However, the build quality is noticeably lower than factory magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The blued steel construction should provide decent longevity with proper care. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent malfunctions, especially after exposure to dirt or debris. The spring’s long-term durability is a concern, as it feels less robust than factory springs.
Replacing the spring might become necessary over time. Disassembly for cleaning is relatively straightforward, but requires some familiarity with magazine construction.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin doesn’t come with any included accessories. Customization options are limited. Replacing the polymer follower with a higher-quality aftermarket follower might improve feeding reliability.
However, the magazine is designed to work with standard S&W M&P9 magazine pouches and carriers. There are no known compatibility issues with popular accessories from other brands, such as mag loaders.
Pros and Cons of ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- High capacity (32 rounds) for extended shooting sessions.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to factory magazines.
- Functions reasonably well in Kel-Tec Sub 2000 Gen 2.
- Blued steel construction offers decent durability.
- Easy to load and maintain.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding in S&W M&P9 pistol.
- Polymer baseplate and follower feel cheap.
- Spring tension may degrade over time.
Who Should Buy ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?
Perfect for: Budget-conscious shooters who primarily use a Kel-Tec Sub 2000 Gen 2 and want a high-capacity magazine for range use. Those who are willing to accept potential reliability issues in their M&P9 in exchange for increased capacity.
Who should skip this product? Anyone who relies on their M&P9 for self-defense or requires absolute reliability. Those unwilling to troubleshoot potential feeding issues should also avoid this magazine.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A higher-quality aftermarket follower may improve feeding reliability. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure proper function.
Conclusion on ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag SMI-A14 S&W M&P9 Magazine 32RD 9mm Blued Steel – 9mm Caliber, 33 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin offers a tempting combination of high capacity and low price. However, its inconsistent feeding in the S&W M&P9 pistol is a significant drawback. The magazine’s performance in the Kel-Tec Sub 2000 Gen 2 is better, making it a more viable option for that platform.
The price is justified if you understand the potential risks and are willing to accept occasional malfunctions. Personally, I would only recommend it for range use with the Sub 2000 or as a backup magazine, not for self-defense purposes. Consider investing in higher-quality magazines from reputable brands like Magpul for critical applications.
Don’t gamble with your safety. If you want extended capacity, do your research and consider spending a little more.