The ProMag COLA-20 AR-15 Magazine 30RD 7.62x39mm Blued Steel – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model Made a Bold First Impression
The ProMag COLA-20 AR-15 Magazine 30RD 7.62x39mm Blued Steel represents a budget-friendly option for AR-15 owners who want to shoot the potent 7.62x39mm round. This 30-round magazine promises reliable feeding in a caliber notorious for causing issues in the AR platform. Its blued steel construction and aftermarket origin are both points of interest that require careful consideration.
I’ve been building and maintaining AR platforms for over a decade, and the allure of the 7.62×39 in the AR is undeniable, offering AK-like ballistics with AR ergonomics. The search for reliable magazines in this caliber has been a constant quest, as many have proven finicky. The affordable price point of the ProMag COLA-20 drew me in, hoping to find a cost-effective solution for practice and range days.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag COLA-20 felt solid, though the blued steel finish looked somewhat rough compared to higher-end magazines. The weight was comparable to a standard 5.56 AR-15 magazine. The spring tension felt strong, and the follower moved freely within the magazine body.
Compared to a CMMG Mutant magazine (designed specifically for 7.62×39 ARs) and a modified ASC magazine, the ProMag felt less refined but potentially more robust due to its steel construction. I chose the ProMag hoping its simple design would translate to reliability, despite the mixed reviews I’d encountered. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – the price was right, and the construction seemed adequate, but range testing would be the true test.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag COLA-20 AR-15 Magazine 30RD 7.62x39mm Blued Steel – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the ProMag COLA-20 at my local outdoor range on a sunny but slightly breezy day. I loaded it with a mix of steel-cased Tula ammo and brass-cased Federal. My AR-15 is a custom build with a dedicated 7.62x39mm upper receiver and enhanced firing pin.
The first few magazines ran surprisingly well with the brass-cased ammo. I experienced no failures to feed or extract. However, when I switched to the steel-cased Tula, I encountered a few instances of failure to feed. The rounds seemed to get caught on the feed ramps.
The magazine was relatively easy to load, though the last few rounds required significant thumb pressure. No surprises there given the nature of the tapered 7.62×39 round.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips spanning a few months, the ProMag COLA-20’s performance remained inconsistent. Brass-cased ammo generally fed reliably, but steel-cased ammo continued to be problematic. I noticed some wear on the blued finish, particularly around the feed lips.
Cleaning the magazine was straightforward. I disassembled it easily and wiped down the internal components with a dry cloth. The magazine spring retained its strength after multiple uses.
Compared to my experience with the CMMG Mutant magazines (which are virtually flawless) and the ASC magazines (which require some tweaking), the ProMag falls short. It’s an improvement over some of the truly terrible 7.62×39 AR magazines I’ve used, but it’s far from perfect. It has not outperformed any of my previous magazine experiences.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag COLA-20 AR-15 Magazine 30RD 7.62x39mm Blued Steel – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model
Specifications
- Caliber: 7.62x39mm. This is the round it is designed to feed.
- Capacity: 30 rounds. This is standard capacity for this caliber in an AK style magazine.
- Finish: Blued Steel. This provides a basic level of corrosion resistance.
- Model: COLA-20. This is the ProMag’s specific model designation.
- Origin: Aftermarket. This magazine is not a mil-spec or OEM product.
These specifications highlight the magazine’s intended purpose and construction. The 7.62x39mm caliber dictates its use in AR-15 platforms chambered for this round. The blued steel finish impacts durability and corrosion resistance.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag COLA-20’s performance is a mixed bag. It functions reasonably well with brass-cased ammunition, but its reliability decreases significantly with steel-cased ammo. The primary weakness lies in its inconsistent feeding of steel-cased rounds.
The magazine’s strength is its affordability and robust steel construction. Its primary drawback is its less-than-perfect reliability, particularly with steel-cased ammunition. While it meets the basic expectation of holding and feeding rounds, it falls short of exceeding expectations in terms of consistent performance across various ammo types.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag COLA-20 sports a simple, utilitarian design. The blued steel body feels durable, and the overall weight is comparable to other AR-15 magazines. The magazine body fits securely into standard AR-15 magazine wells, although fit may vary slightly depending on the lower receiver.
There is minimal learning curve associated with using this magazine. It operates like any other AR-15 magazine, with a standard release and loading process. The strong spring makes loading the final few rounds slightly difficult.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag COLA-20 appears reasonably durable thanks to its steel construction. The blued finish may wear over time, but the steel body should withstand significant use. With proper care, the magazine should last for several years.
The magazine is easy to disassemble and clean. Regular cleaning and light lubrication of the spring and follower will help maintain its functionality. There are no proprietary parts that would make repair difficult.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag COLA-20 does not come with any specific accessories. It’s a standalone magazine designed to fit and function within a standard AR-15 platform chambered in 7.62x39mm. The only real “customization” option is the potential to replace the follower or spring with aftermarket parts.
The ProMag COLA-20 is compatible with any AR-15 lower receiver modified to accept 7.62x39mm magazines. It also functions with various AR-15 upper receivers chambered in the same caliber. Its compatibility with other brands is generally good, though individual results may vary based on the specific rifle configuration.
Pros and Cons of ProMag COLA-20 AR-15 Magazine 30RD 7.62x39mm Blued Steel – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it a budget-friendly option.
- Durable steel construction.
- Compatible with standard AR-15 lowers modified for 7.62x39mm.
- Generally reliable with brass-cased ammunition.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding with steel-cased ammunition.
- Blued finish is prone to wear.
- Aftermarket origin may raise concerns about long-term durability compared to higher-end brands.
Who Should Buy ProMag COLA-20 AR-15 Magazine 30RD 7.62x39mm Blued Steel – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model?
The ProMag COLA-20 is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who primarily use brass-cased 7.62x39mm ammunition for range practice. It is also suitable for those experimenting with the 7.62x39mm AR platform and want to avoid investing heavily in more expensive magazines initially. It might also be a good choice for those who want a magazine to keep around as a backup, not for primary use.
Those who rely heavily on steel-cased ammunition or demand absolute reliability in their AR-15 magazines should skip this product. Competitive shooters or anyone using their AR-15 for self-defense should invest in higher-quality magazines from manufacturers with a proven track record.
A must-have modification for any 7.62x39mm AR-15 is an enhanced firing pin to reliably ignite the harder primers found in some foreign-made ammunition.
Conclusion on ProMag COLA-20 AR-15 Magazine 30RD 7.62x39mm Blued Steel – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AR-15 Model
The ProMag COLA-20 AR-15 Magazine 30RD 7.62x39mm Blued Steel offers an affordable entry point into the world of 7.62x39mm AR-15 magazines. While its steel construction provides reasonable durability, its inconsistent performance with steel-cased ammunition is a significant drawback. The price is justified for recreational shooters using brass-cased ammo, but serious users should look elsewhere.
I would cautiously recommend the ProMag COLA-20 as a budget option for range use with brass-cased ammunition, understanding its limitations. Invest in a few, test them thoroughly, and don’t rely on them exclusively. If you’re on a tight budget and shooting brass, give it a try. Otherwise, spend the extra money on a more reputable brand.