The ProMag COL-A5 1911 Magazine 15RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model Made a Bold First Impression
The 1911. A timeless design, a .45 ACP legend, and a platform ripe for customization. When I saw the ProMag COL-A5 1911 Magazine 15RD 45ACP Blued Steel, promising 15 rounds of .45 ACP in a 1911 Government Model, I was intrigued. The promise of increased capacity in a classic firearm is always appealing, especially at an accessible price point.
I’ve always sought ways to enhance the firepower of my 1911 without sacrificing its inherent reliability. The factory 7 or 8 round magazines, while dependable, sometimes feel limiting in certain scenarios. This quest led me to explore extended magazines, and the ProMag offering caught my eye due to its claimed capacity and affordable price.
Unboxing the ProMag COL-A5, the blued steel immediately gave it a classic, albeit utilitarian, aesthetic. It felt solid in hand, although noticeably heavier than a standard capacity magazine, which is expected given the increased length and round count. The polymer baseplate and sleeve seemed durable enough, but my initial impression was that the steel body might be the strongest part of the magazine.
Compared to a Wilson Combat 47D or a Chip McCormick Power Mag, the ProMag felt less refined. The Wilson Combat and Chip McCormick magazines inspire confidence with their meticulous construction and reputation for reliability. I opted for the ProMag, despite owning other premium magazines, due to its high capacity and lower price point, hoping to find a budget-friendly option for range use. My first thought was cautiously optimistic, tempered by years of experience with aftermarket 1911 magazines.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag COL-A5 1911 Magazine 15RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place at my local shooting range. I loaded the ProMag COL-A5 with 15 rounds of standard 230-grain FMJ ammunition and inserted it into my trusted Springfield Armory 1911. The magazine locked into place with a solid “click”, and I felt a surge of anticipation as I lined up my first shot.
The first few rounds cycled flawlessly, giving me a glimmer of hope. By the fifth round, I experienced a failure to feed, the slide locking back prematurely. After clearing the malfunction, I continued shooting, but the problems persisted, occurring every two or three rounds. The ProMag didn’t perform well under range conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 200 rounds fired through the ProMag COL-A5, its performance remained inconsistent. The magazine frequently exhibited failures to feed, particularly with the first few rounds from a fully loaded magazine. The malfunctions occurred regardless of the ammunition type, ruling out bullet profile as the culprit.
I noticed that the blued steel showed signs of wear at the feed lips and along the magazine body, but nothing alarming. Cleaning and lubricating the magazine after each use didn’t significantly improve its reliability. Compared to my experience with high-end magazines like Wilson Combat or Ed Brown, the ProMag fell significantly short, failing to deliver the consistent performance I’ve come to expect from a 1911 magazine.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag COL-A5 1911 Magazine 15RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model
Specifications
The ProMag COL-A5 1911 Magazine is designed for the 1911 Government Model chambered in .45 ACP. It boasts a 15-round capacity, significantly increasing the firepower of the standard 1911. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated blued steel, offering a blend of durability and classic aesthetics.
The follower, lock-plate, and base-plate are molded from a DuPont® Zytel™ based black polymer, providing a lightweight and durable alternative to metal components. The spring is wound from Chrome-silicon wire and heat-treated for strength and reliability, ensuring consistent feeding and longevity. Included is a polymer sleeve designed to fill the gap between the bottom of the grip and the extended base-plate, enhancing the overall appearance and ergonomics.
Performance & Functionality
In theory, the ProMag COL-A5 promises increased capacity and reliable feeding. In practice, the magazine’s performance is inconsistent, at best. The feeding issues and premature slide lockbacks detract significantly from its functionality. The increased capacity is rendered moot by the magazine’s unreliability.
Its main strength is its potential for high capacity, while a significant weakness is its inconsistent feeding. The ProMag COL-A5 falls short of expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The blued steel construction gives the ProMag COL-A5 a classic 1911 look and feel, but the polymer components detract slightly from the overall aesthetic. The extended length of the magazine adds weight to the pistol, but the included sleeve helps to improve the grip and overall ergonomics. The magazine is easy to load and insert into the pistol, and the baseplate provides a comfortable grip for magazine changes.
While the design is aesthetically pleasing, the questionable build quality and inconsistent performance impact the usability. There’s a noticeable learning curve to anticipate its failures.
Durability & Maintenance
The blued steel body appears to be relatively durable, but the polymer components may be prone to wear and tear over time. The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance, and replacement parts are readily available from ProMag. With proper care and maintenance, the ProMag COL-A5 should provide a reasonable service life, but its reliability issues are a more pressing concern than its long-term durability.
With diligent maintenance, the magazine will likely last, but the cost may not be worth the unreliable functionality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag COL-A5 does not come with any additional accessories beyond the included polymer sleeve. It is designed to be compatible with standard 1911 Government Model pistols, but its performance may vary depending on the specific firearm. There are no specific customization options available for the ProMag COL-A5, but users can potentially modify the follower or spring to improve its performance.
The magazine’s basic functionality is its primary selling point. Customization is limited.
Pros and Cons of ProMag COL-A5 1911 Magazine 15RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model
Pros
- Increased 15-round capacity offers more firepower than standard 1911 magazines.
- Classic blued steel construction provides a traditional aesthetic.
- Relatively affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
- Polymer sleeve improves grip and ergonomics.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding and frequent malfunctions undermine its reliability.
- Polymer components may be less durable than all-steel magazines.
Who Should Buy ProMag COL-A5 1911 Magazine 15RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model?
The ProMag COL-A5 might appeal to recreational shooters looking for an affordable way to increase the capacity of their 1911 for range use. It could be considered for situations where absolute reliability is not paramount. This product may also appeal to those who enjoy tinkering and experimenting with aftermarket parts to improve performance.
Those seeking a dependable magazine for self-defense or competition should skip this product. Users that need guaranteed reliability out of the box would be better served by investing in higher-quality magazines from reputable manufacturers like Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick. A stronger magazine spring could be a must-have modification.
Conclusion on ProMag COL-A5 1911 Magazine 15RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 15 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, 1911 Model
The ProMag COL-A5 1911 Magazine offers the allure of increased capacity at an attractive price, but its inconsistent performance ultimately undermines its value. The promise of 15 rounds of .45 ACP firepower is enticing, but the frequent malfunctions and reliability issues make it difficult to recommend for serious use. While the blued steel construction and included sleeve offer some appeal, the magazine’s questionable reliability is a significant drawback.
The low price is not justified if the magazine fails to function reliably. I would not personally recommend this magazine for self-defense or any situation where reliable performance is critical. If you’re looking for a dependable 1911 magazine, invest in a higher-quality option from a reputable manufacturer, even if it means paying a premium. Spend the extra money for a magazine you can depend on.