The ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model Made a Bold First Impression
The ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish magazine promised classic AK reliability at an affordable price. As someone who’s spent years running various AK platforms, from meticulously built custom rifles to battle-worn Eastern Bloc imports, I was intrigued to see if this aftermarket option could hold its own against the gold standard magazines.
My quest for the ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish began with a familiar problem: the relentless search for reliable, cost-effective magazines. Factory AK mags are great, but expensive; surplus mags can be hit or miss and require sorting through a pile to find gems; polymer mags are great, but sometimes you just want the look and feel of steel. The ProMag seemed like a potential answer, offering a blued steel construction at a price point that wouldn’t break the bank.
The ProMag arrived in a simple plastic bag. My initial impression was that it looked like an AK magazine. The blued finish was even and consistent, giving it a clean, classic look. Compared to a Bulgarian steel magazine and a Magpul PMAG, the ProMag aesthetically falls right in the middle – more traditional than the PMAG, but less robust feeling than the Bulgarian. I picked the ProMag hoping for a blend of cost-effectiveness and AK-pattern reliability.
My excitement quickly tempered with a dose of skepticism. ProMag has a mixed reputation in the firearms community, and I was cautiously optimistic. I was determined to put this magazine through its paces and see if it could defy the naysayers and deliver reliable performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
The first test took place at my local outdoor range on a relatively mild, overcast day. I brought along my trusty Arsenal SAM7SF, known for its reliability with various magazines, as well as the ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish, Bulgarian steel magazine, and Magpul PMAG. I loaded the ProMag with 30 rounds of Wolf 7.62x39mm, inserted it into the SAM7SF, and prepared for the initial volley.
The first few rounds went smoothly. However, by the tenth round, I experienced a failure to feed. The bolt carrier overrode the cartridge, causing a jam. Clearing the malfunction, I resumed firing, only to experience another failure a few rounds later. After swapping to the Bulgarian steel magazine, and then the PMAG, I encountered zero issues, solidifying the ProMag as the culprit.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few weeks, I continued to test the ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish in various conditions, hoping to find a scenario where it would perform reliably. I tried different ammunition types (Tula, Silver Bear), cleaning the magazine thoroughly, and even slightly adjusting the magazine lips.
Despite my best efforts, the ProMag continued to exhibit sporadic failures to feed. The magazine body itself held up well, showing no significant wear or dents. Cleaning was straightforward, as the magazine disassembled easily. Sadly, it did not outperform even the cheapest surplus magazines I’ve used.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model
Specifications
The ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish is designed to hold 30 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition. It is described by ProMag as having a heat-treated blued steel body. The follower is made from DuPont Zytel-based polymer. The magazine spring utilizes heat-treated chrome-silicon wire.
These specifications suggest a focus on durability and reliable feeding. However, as my testing revealed, the quality of materials doesn’t always translate to dependable performance. The use of heat-treated steel is beneficial for longevity, but the design and execution are crucial.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish struggled to perform its primary function consistently: reliably feeding ammunition. While it initially seemed promising, the frequent failures to feed quickly eroded confidence. The strengths lie in its traditional steel construction and aesthetic appeal.
The primary weakness is its inconsistent feeding. It did not meet my expectations for a reliable AK magazine. A functional AK magazine should reliably feed every round, every time.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish has a standard AK magazine design. The blued steel gives it a classic AK look and feel, and the weight is comparable to other steel magazines. There’s no learning curve associated with using it, as it operates just like any other AK magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine body seems durable. It is constructed from heat-treated steel and shows no immediate signs of wear or damage after several range trips. It disassembles easily for cleaning, which is essential for maintaining reliable function.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish does not come with any accessories, nor does it offer any specific customization options. It is designed to be a standard capacity magazine, compatible with any AK-47 variant that accepts standard AK magazines.
Pros and Cons of ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 ModelPros
- Affordable price point.
- Classic AK-47 look and feel.
- Durable steel construction.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding.
- Mixed reputation of ProMag products.
- Questionable long-term durability of the follower.
Who Should Buy ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model?
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Classic AK-47 look and feel.
- Durable steel construction.
Cons
- Unreliable feeding.
- Mixed reputation of ProMag products.
- Questionable long-term durability of the follower.
The ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish might appeal to someone on an extremely tight budget who needs a magazine for very light range use and doesn’t prioritize absolute reliability. However, it is hard to recommend it even for such a scenario.
Anyone prioritizing reliable feeding, particularly those using their AK for self-defense, competition, or serious training, should skip this product. Reliability is paramount with any firearm accessory, especially magazines.
Must-have accessories for AK users include a quality cleaning kit and a magazine pouch. The ProMag itself doesn’t require any specific modifications, but investing in reliable magazines from reputable manufacturers like Magpul, Circle 10, or surplus steel magazines is highly recommended.
Conclusion on ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish – 7.62 x 39mm Caliber, 30 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, AK-47 Model
The ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish magazine ultimately falls short of its promise. While the price point is attractive, the inconsistent feeding issues outweigh any potential benefits. Magazine reliability is not an area to cut corners.
The price of the ProMag AK-47 7.62X39mm 30 rd Blued Finish is not justified, considering its performance issues. It’s better to invest in fewer, more reliable magazines.
I cannot recommend this product. While it has a classic aesthetic, the lack of reliability makes it unsuitable for serious use. Save your money and invest in magazines you can trust.