The ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel is an aftermarket magazine designed to fit the popular S&W Bodyguard .380 pistol. It promises to deliver reliable feeding and consistent performance, offering an affordable alternative to factory magazines. This magazine boasts a blued steel construction and a 6-round capacity, aiming to provide a dependable option for concealed carry and backup use.
My need for this magazine stemmed from a desire for extra capacity and increased reliability with my S&W Bodyguard .380. The factory magazine, while functional, felt somewhat flimsy, and I wanted a sturdier option for daily carry. I had heard mixed reviews about ProMag products, but the price point was attractive enough to warrant giving it a try.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid in hand. The blued steel finish looked clean, and the weight suggested a robust construction. However, the polymer baseplate and follower did feel a little less refined than the factory magazine.
Compared to the factory S&W Bodyguard magazine, the ProMag SMI-20 felt slightly heavier. I also considered a magazine from Mec-Gar, a brand known for quality, but the ProMag was significantly cheaper. Ultimately, the cost savings swayed my decision, despite some reservations about aftermarket magazines.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The magazine seemed well-built for the price, but I knew the true test would be its performance at the range. I was eager to see if it would live up to its promises or fall victim to the typical aftermarket magazine pitfalls.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved a trip to my local shooting range. I loaded the ProMag SMI-20 with 6 rounds of FMJ ammunition and inserted it into my S&W Bodyguard .380. The magazine seated with a reassuring click, and I proceeded to fire.
Initially, the magazine functioned flawlessly. All six rounds fed smoothly, and the slide locked back after the last round. I repeated this process several times, experiencing no immediate issues.
However, after about 50 rounds, I started to encounter some feeding problems. The slide occasionally failed to fully chamber a round, requiring me to manually tap the magazine to ensure proper seating. This issue seemed to worsen as the magazine got warmer.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I continued to use the ProMag SMI-20 during range sessions. The feeding issues persisted, becoming more frequent over time. The magazine also exhibited a slight tendency to bind when loading the last round.
In terms of durability, the blued steel finish held up reasonably well. However, the polymer baseplate began to show some minor wear marks. The magazine spring also seemed to weaken slightly after repeated use.
Cleaning the ProMag SMI-20 was relatively straightforward. I disassembled it using a simple punch and cleaned the internal components with solvent and a brush. Reassembly was equally easy, but I made sure to lubricate the spring and follower before reinserting them.
Compared to my experiences with other aftermarket magazines, the ProMag SMI-20 was neither a standout success nor a complete failure. It performed adequately for the first few range sessions but ultimately proved less reliable than the factory magazine. Its performance was disappointing, especially given its intended use in a defensive firearm.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine is specifically designed for the S&W Bodyguard .380 pistol. It features a .380 ACP caliber, holding 6 rounds. The magazine body is constructed from heat-treated blued steel for enhanced durability.
It also incorporates a follower, lock-plate, and base-plate molded from a proprietary DuPont® Zytel™ based black polymer. The spring is wound from Chrome-silicon wire and heat-treated for strength and reliability. This magazine is considered an aftermarket origin product.
These specifications indicate a focus on durability and affordability. The steel construction aims to ensure longevity, while the polymer components help keep costs down. The chrome-silicon spring is a welcome addition, promising reliable feeding.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag SMI-20’s primary function is to reliably feed .380 ACP rounds into the S&W Bodyguard pistol. However, as my testing revealed, its performance is inconsistent. While it may function adequately initially, it is prone to feeding issues over time.
Its strengths lie in its initial reliability and affordability. Its weaknesses include inconsistent feeding, potential binding during loading, and possible spring weakening after prolonged use. While it meets basic expectations, it does not exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag SMI-20 features a simple, functional design. The blued steel body and black polymer components give it a utilitarian appearance. It is similar in size and shape to the factory magazine, ensuring compatibility with standard magazine pouches.
The magazine seats and releases easily from the S&W Bodyguard pistol. However, the polymer baseplate feels slightly less refined than the factory magazine’s baseplate. There is no significant learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag SMI-20 should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care and maintenance. However, the polymer baseplate may be susceptible to wear and tear over time. The spring may also require replacement after extended use.
Maintenance is relatively straightforward. The magazine can be easily disassembled for cleaning and lubrication. Replacement springs are readily available from ProMag and other aftermarket suppliers.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag SMI-20 does not come with any included accessories. There are no significant customization options available for this magazine. It is designed to be a simple, drop-in replacement for the factory magazine.
The ProMag SMI-20 is compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for the S&W Bodyguard .380 pistol. However, it is not compatible with any significant accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Durable blued steel construction offers reasonable longevity.
- Easy to disassemble and clean, simplifying maintenance.
- Compatible with standard S&W Bodyguard .380 magazine pouches.
- Initial reliability is adequate for range training.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding issues can compromise reliability.
- Polymer baseplate feels less refined than the factory magazine.
- Spring may weaken after prolonged use.
Who Should Buy ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag SMI-20 is perfect for shooters looking for inexpensive range magazines. It could also suit individuals seeking a temporary backup option on a very limited budget. Those who prioritize cost over ultimate reliability might find this acceptable for recreational use.
This product should be skipped by anyone who relies on their S&W Bodyguard .380 for self-defense or concealed carry. The inconsistent feeding issues make it unsuitable for situations where reliability is paramount. Invest in higher-quality magazines from reputable brands like Mec-Gar or purchase factory S&W magazines instead.
A must-have modification would be to replace the ProMag spring with a higher-quality aftermarket spring. This might improve reliability, but it would increase the overall cost. The improved spring may not fully resolve the feeding issues.
Conclusion on ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine 6RD 380ACP Blued Steel – 380 ACP Caliber, 6 Rounds, Steel, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag SMI-20 S&W Bodyguard Magazine offers an affordable option for those seeking extra magazines for their S&W Bodyguard .380. However, its inconsistent feeding issues detract significantly from its overall value. Ultimately, the risk to reliability outweighs the relatively low cost.
The price is justifiable only if the buyer fully understands and accepts the potential performance limitations. For serious shooters and those relying on their firearms for self-defense, the ProMag SMI-20 is not a wise investment. It’s better to invest in reliable, high-quality magazines.
Personally, I cannot recommend the ProMag SMI-20 for serious use. While it may be suitable for range training, its lack of consistent reliability makes it a liability in a defensive situation. Invest in quality, and prioritize your safety.