ProMag HEC-A2 HK USP Magazine 20RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 20 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin Review

The ProMag HEC-A2 HK USP Magazine 20RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 20 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression

The ProMag HEC-A2 HK USP Magazine 20RD 45ACP Blued Steel promises to boost the capacity of your HK USP .45 ACP, offering a hefty 20 rounds compared to the factory standard. For those of us who value extra rounds downrange, the appeal is immediately obvious. But, does this aftermarket option live up to the legendary reliability of the HK USP, or is it just a range toy destined for malfunctions?

I’ve always been a proponent of having more ammo on tap, whether it’s for competition, training, or, let’s be honest, the sheer fun of mag dumping. I own a HK USP .45 that I’ve relied on for years and have always wondered about the possibilities of higher capacity magazines. This curiosity, combined with the need for more rounds during training sessions, led me to the ProMag HEC-A2.

Upon receiving the ProMag magazine, the first thing I noticed was its weight; it’s significantly heavier than the factory 12-round magazines. The blued steel construction felt solid, but the grip sleeve, designed to fill the gap between the magazine and the grip frame, felt somewhat flimsy. Compared to the factory magazines, which are known for their robust polymer construction and flawless feeding, the ProMag felt…different.

I considered other extended capacity magazines, but many were either out of stock or significantly more expensive. The ProMag seemed like a decent compromise between capacity and cost, even with the mixed reviews I had seen online. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic, but the grip sleeve and online reviews gave me pause.

Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag HEC-A2 HK USP Magazine 20RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 20 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the ProMag magazine was at my local shooting range, a dusty, outdoor facility where reliability is paramount. I loaded the magazine to its full 20-round capacity, which required considerable effort towards the end. During the first few magazines, I experienced multiple failures to feed; the slide would close on an empty chamber, or the round would nosedive into the feed ramp.

The ProMag performed noticeably worse when the pistol was hot. The heat seemed to affect the magazine’s feeding, causing even more malfunctions. The ease of use was hampered by these failures, forcing me to constantly clear malfunctions instead of focusing on my shooting.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use and approximately 500 rounds through the ProMag, I can say its reliability has improved slightly, but it is nowhere near the reliability of factory HK magazines. The blued steel magazine body shows no signs of significant wear, though the finish is beginning to fade around the feed lips. Cleaning the magazine is relatively straightforward, but the grip sleeve tends to collect dirt and grime, requiring extra attention.

Compared to my experience with factory HK magazines, which have never experienced a single malfunction, the ProMag is disappointing. While it does offer increased capacity, the trade-off in reliability is significant. I would not trust this magazine for self-defense or any situation where flawless performance is critical.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag HEC-A2 HK USP Magazine 20RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 20 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin

Specifications

The ProMag HEC-A2 HK USP Magazine 20RD 45ACP Blued Steel is designed for the full-size HK USP chambered in .45 ACP. It boasts a 20-round capacity, a significant increase over the factory 12-round magazine. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated blued steel.

It has a DuPont® Zytel™ based polymer follower and springs made from heat-treated Chrome-silicon wire. The overall length is 7.25 inches, and it includes a molded grip-sleeve to fill the gap between the magazine base-plate and the grip frame. These specifications promise increased capacity and durability, but the execution is what ultimately matters.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of any magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm, and here, the ProMag HEC-A2 falls short. While it does hold 20 rounds, the frequent failures to feed make it unreliable for anything beyond casual range use. Its greatest strength is its increased capacity, but this is undermined by its inconsistent performance.

The magazine’s biggest weakness is its unreliability. It does not meet my expectations for a functional firearm magazine.

Design & Ergonomics

The ProMag‘s blued steel construction feels robust, but the grip sleeve feels cheap and ill-fitting. While the added weight might be perceived as adding durability, it can also make the pistol feel unbalanced. The magazine is relatively easy to load, although the last few rounds require significant effort.

The extended length of the magazine and the added grip sleeve do improve the overall grip area, particularly for those with larger hands. However, the gap between the grip and the sleeve can sometimes pinch the user’s hand during reloads.

Durability & Maintenance

The blued steel construction seems reasonably durable, but the finish is prone to wear. The magazine is easy to disassemble for cleaning, but the grip sleeve can be difficult to clean thoroughly. With proper care, the magazine body should last for a reasonable amount of time.

However, the polymer follower is a potential point of failure. The magazine spring also seems weaker than factory magazines, contributing to feeding issues.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag HEC-A2 comes with a grip sleeve. There are no other accessories included. The grip sleeve can be removed, but there are no other real customization options for the magazine itself.

It’s compatible with any HK USP .45 that accepts factory magazines. However, due to its reliability issues, it is not recommended for use with any expensive or high-end accessories, such as suppressors, that could be affected by malfunctions.

Pros and Cons of ProMag HEC-A2 HK USP Magazine 20RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 20 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin

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Who Should Buy ProMag HEC-A2 HK USP Magazine 20RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 20 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?

The ProMag HEC-A2 is perfect for casual range shooters who want increased capacity and don’t mind occasional malfunctions. It may also be useful for those with larger hands who appreciate the extended grip area.

This product should be skipped by anyone who relies on their HK USP for self-defense or any situation where reliability is paramount. Competitive shooters or law enforcement professionals should also avoid this magazine.

A must-have modification would be replacing the magazine spring with a higher quality spring to improve feeding reliability. Otherwise, stick with factory magazines.

Conclusion on ProMag HEC-A2 HK USP Magazine 20RD 45ACP Blued Steel – 45 ACP Caliber, 20 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin

The ProMag HEC-A2 HK USP Magazine 20RD 45ACP Blued Steel promises increased capacity for your HK USP .45, but its inconsistent performance undermines its value. While the blued steel construction feels durable and the increased grip area is a plus, the frequent failures to feed make it unreliable for serious use. At a price of $31.99, the ProMag is relatively affordable, but the cost savings are not worth the trade-off in reliability.

I would not personally recommend the ProMag magazine for anyone who needs a dependable magazine. Stick with factory HK magazines or explore other higher-quality aftermarket options. Don’t gamble with your safety; invest in reliable magazines.

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