The ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The SCAR 17S is a beast, no question about it. Feeding that beast reliably is paramount, but original FN magazines are, shall we say, priced at a premium. That’s why the ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin caught my eye; a seemingly cost-effective alternative to keep my SCAR running.
My primary need was simple: more magazines. I was tired of constantly reloading the two factory mags during range sessions, and the thought of relying on just those in a tactical situation made me uneasy. The factory mags are fantastic, built like tanks, but I needed a more budget-friendly solution to increase my available firepower.
Out of the box, the ProMag offering presented a different feel. It was noticeably lighter than the factory FN magazines, a testament to its polymer construction. The black finish was even and consistent, and the overall molding looked clean, but I was a little wary of the all-polymer construction where the FN mags are a metal/polymer hybrid.
I considered a few other aftermarket options, but many had mixed reviews citing feeding issues or poor durability. The ProMag seemed to have a slightly better reputation among the affordable alternatives, and the price point was undeniably attractive. My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism.
First impressions were mixed. The light weight was nice, but I questioned its long-term durability. It was definitely different than what I was used to with the factory magazines, but for the price, I was hoping for at least acceptable performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the ProMag SCAR H/17 was at my local outdoor range, a dusty and often windy environment. I loaded up three of these magazines with a mix of Federal Gold Medal Match and some surplus 7.62 NATO. I wanted to see if it favored one over the other.
The magazines seated positively into the SCAR 17S magwell with a satisfying click. I ran through several drills, including rapid firing strings and controlled pairs. I also did some prone shooting to simulate field conditions.
Initially, everything seemed to function smoothly. The rounds fed reliably, and the bolt locked back on empty every time. But after about 60 rounds through each magazine, one of them started to exhibit failures to feed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of more rigorous testing, the initial issues with the ProMag became more pronounced. The magazine that had previously shown signs of trouble now consistently jammed after the 10th round. This was unacceptable.
The polymer body showed no signs of cracking or deformation, but I suspect the issue lies with the internal spring. It felt weaker than the springs in the other ProMag magazines, and significantly weaker than the factory FN mags. Cleaning was straightforward.
Compared to the bomb-proof reliability of the FN magazines, the ProMag fell significantly short. The FN mags eat everything I feed them without complaint, while the ProMag felt finicky and unreliable. This magazine is definitely range-only for me.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The ProMag SCAR H/17 magazine is designed to hold 20 rounds of 308 Winchester or 7.62 NATO ammunition. It is constructed from Technapolymer, a proprietary blend of carbon fiber, glass fill, and polymer. The magazine is finished in black and features a heat-treated chrome-silicone spring.
The Technapolymer is intended to provide strength and durability while keeping the magazine lightweight. The chrome-silicone spring is meant to reduce fatigue and ensure consistent feeding. The aftermarket origin means it is not manufactured by FN Herstal.
Performance & Functionality
When it worked, the ProMag SCAR H/17 functioned adequately. Rounds chambered without issue, and the bolt locked back on empty. However, the reliability issues I encountered during extended use are a serious concern.
The main weakness is the spring. It simply doesn’t seem robust enough to consistently feed rounds, especially under rapid fire or when the magazine is fully loaded. It meets the basic expectation of holding 20 rounds, but its reliability is questionable.
Design & Ergonomics
The ProMag SCAR H/17 is lightweight and easy to handle. The polymer body feels relatively sturdy, although it lacks the reassuring heft of the factory metal magazines. The smooth exterior allows for easy insertion and removal from the SCAR 17S.
There isn’t a noticeable learning curve. It functions just like any other magazine. The polymer construction makes it comfortable to hold, even for extended periods, but it does feel a bit “cheap” compared to the factory magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer body seems durable enough to withstand normal use and abuse. I didn’t observe any cracks or significant wear during my testing, but I remain concerned about the long-term durability of the spring. Maintenance is simple: wipe it down with a cloth and lubricate the spring occasionally.
The lifespan of the magazine will likely depend on how often it is used and how heavily it is loaded. The spring is likely the first component to fail, and unfortunately, ProMag doesn’t currently offer replacement springs for this model.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories or customization options for the ProMag SCAR H/17 magazine. It is intended to be used as a direct replacement for the factory FN magazines. It should be compatible with any SCAR 17S that accepts standard SCAR H/17 magazines.
There are no aftermarket baseplates or followers available for this magazine. The only real “customization” option would be to paint or Cerakote the polymer body. It is a basic, functional magazine with no frills.
Pros and Cons of ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious shooters.
- Lightweight polymer construction reduces overall rifle weight.
- 20-round capacity provides ample firepower.
- Seated positively in the SCAR 17S magwell.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- Questionable reliability, especially under rapid fire or with full magazine.
- Polymer construction feels less durable than factory metal magazines.
- The spring felt weak compared to factory magazine springs.
Who Should Buy ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin?
The ProMag SCAR H/17 is perfect for recreational shooters who want to increase their magazine supply without breaking the bank. It could also serve as a training magazine where absolute reliability isn’t paramount. Those who need a range magazine will find this a cheaper option for just plinking.
Those who should skip this product are anyone who relies on their SCAR 17S for defense or hunting. The potential for malfunctions makes it unsuitable for high-stakes situations. Stick with factory magazines for duty or serious use.
Must-have accessories would include a magazine loader to ease the loading process, especially when fully loading to 20 rounds. Keeping the magazine clean and lightly lubricated can potentially improve reliability.
Conclusion on ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
The ProMag SCAR H/17 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO 20 rd Polymer Black Finish – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 20 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin offers an affordable entry point into the world of SCAR 17S magazines. However, its questionable reliability makes it difficult to wholeheartedly recommend. The price is definitely justified for range use.
The value proposition is a bit of a gamble. If you get a good one, it’s a steal. If you get a bad one, it’s a frustrating waste of money.
I would only recommend it with serious reservations. I will continue to use the two that functioned properly for range days, but I would never trust it for anything beyond that. If you need reliable magazines, stick with factory FN magazines.